Atomizing device

Abstract

The present application relates to an atomization device, comprising a first atomization source for atomizing a non-water-absorbing target substrate, a second atomization source for atomizing a reinforcing agent containing a water-absorbing agent, an air outlet for outputting a mixed aerosol, a first air outlet channel communicating the first atomization source and the air outlet, and a second air outlet channel communicating the second atomization source and the air outlet. The first air outlet channel and the second air outlet channel have a junction. Since the reinforcing agent contains a water-absorbing agent, the generated mixed aerosol has water-absorbing property. Since the mixed aerosol has water-absorbing property, it has water-absorbing growth performance and water-absorbing deposition effect, thereby significantly improving the overall deposition and absorption efficiency of the non-water-absorbing target substrate in the human respiratory tract.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of atomization, and more particularly to an atomization device. Background Art

[0002] At present, the drug administration method of making drugs into aerosol particles and then delivering them to the human respiratory tract is gaining more and more attention. This method of atomization has the following advantages: precise administration position for the respiratory tract or lungs; faster absorption of drugs in the lungs. However, the deposition efficiency of aerosols in the respiratory tract is generally low. Aerosols with larger particle sizes (for example, above 2.5 μm) are difficult to enter the alveoli due to gravity sedimentation and inertial impact. Although aerosols with smaller particle sizes (for example, below 2.5 μm) can enter the alveolar area, they are difficult to deposit at the target location due to their good flowability, and are exhaled in large quantities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved atomizing device in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is to construct an atomizing device, comprising:

[0005] a first atomization source for atomizing a non-hydroscopic target matrix;

[0006] a second atomization source for atomizing the enhancing agent including the water absorbing agent;

[0007] An air outlet, for outputting a mixed aerosol;

[0008] a first air outlet channel connecting the first atomization source and the air outlet; and

[0009] a second air outlet channel, connecting the second atomization source and the air outlet;

[0010] Wherein, the first air outlet channel and the second air outlet channel have an intersection.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first air outlet channel is a part of the second air outlet channel, or the second air outlet channel is a part of the first air outlet channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first atomization source includes a first atomization chamber, the first gas outlet channel connects the first atomization chamber and the gas outlet, and the intersection is located in the first atomization chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second atomization source includes a second atomization chamber, the second air outlet channel connects the second atomization chamber and the air outlet, and the intersection is located in the second atomization chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first air outlet channel includes a first outlet channel connected to the first atomization source, the second air outlet channel includes a second outlet channel connected to the second atomization source, and the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel are connected in parallel at the intersection.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first aerosol or first vapor generated after atomization of the target substrate and the second aerosol or second vapor generated after atomization of the enhancer are mixed at the intersection.

[0016] In some embodiments, the atomization method of the second atomization source is heating vaporization.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant temperature of the target matrix is ​​greater than or equal to the vapor temperature of the vaporized enhancer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant temperature of the target substrate is above 100°C.

[0019] In some embodiments, the atomization amount of the first atomization source is comparable to the atomization amount of the second atomization source.

[0020] In some embodiments, the particle size of the aerosol obtained by mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol is less than 2.5 μm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the water absorbing agent includes soluble salts or glucose that are harmless to the human body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the atomization device further comprises a first liquid storage tank in fluid communication with the first atomization source for accommodating the target matrix, and a second liquid storage tank in fluid communication with the second atomization source for accommodating the enhancer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the atomization device further includes a housing for accommodating the first atomization source, the second atomization source, the first liquid storage tank, and the second liquid storage tank.

[0024] In some embodiments, the air outlet is formed on the housing, and the housing is also provided with an air inlet for allowing outside air to enter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the atomization device further includes a power supply and a control module disposed in the housing; the control module is electrically connected to the power supply, the first atomization source, and the second atomization source, respectively.

[0026] The implementation of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: because the enhancer contains a water absorbent, the generated mixed aerosol is water-absorbent; because the mixed aerosol is water-absorbent, it has water-absorbing growth properties and water-absorbing deposition effects, thereby significantly improving the overall deposition and absorption efficiency of the non-water-absorbent target matrix in the human respiratory tract. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an atomizing device in a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a control system of the atomizing device shown;

[0030] Figure 3 It is adopted Figure 1 The relationship between the mass and content of aerosols of different sizes generated by the atomization device shown;

[0031] Figure 4 Is the use of a single atomization source and the use of Figure 1 The diagrams showing the deposition ratio of the active ingredients in the human body after being atomized by the atomization devices shown;

[0032] Figure 5 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an atomizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the atomizing device in the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] Figure 1 The atomizing device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a first atomizing source 21, a second atomizing source 22, an air outlet 11, a first air outlet channel 81 connecting the first atomizing source 21 and the air outlet 11, and a second air outlet channel 82 connecting the second atomizing source 22 and the air outlet 11.

[0036] The first atomization source 21 is used to atomize the target matrix 31 to generate a first aerosol, which may include a first atomization chamber 212 and a first atomization core 211. The first air outlet channel 81 is connected to the first atomization chamber 212 and the air outlet 11. The first atomization core 211 may be at least partially accommodated in the first atomization chamber 212, which may atomize the target matrix 31 after being energized. The target matrix 31 is non-hydroscopic, and the first aerosol generated after atomization is also non-hydroscopic. In some embodiments, the target matrix 31 can be a target drug to be atomized, such as medical cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other water-insoluble drugs. Drugs that are not water-soluble themselves are not water-absorbent and are not compatible with substances that can absorb water.

[0037] The second atomization source 22 is used to atomize the enhancer 32 to generate a second aerosol, which may include a second atomization chamber 222 and a second atomization core 221. The second air outlet channel 82 communicates with the second atomization chamber 222 and the air outlet 11. The second atomization core 221 can be at least partially accommodated in the second atomization chamber 222, which can atomize the enhancer 32 after being energized. The enhancer 32 includes a water absorbent for enhancing the water absorption and growth performance and water absorption and deposition effect of the poorly absorbable target matrix 31, thereby improving the deposition and absorption efficiency of the poorly absorbable target matrix 31 in the human respiratory tract. In some embodiments, the water absorbent includes but is not limited to: soluble salts such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, or soluble substances such as glucose that are harmless to the human body.

[0038] The atomization method of the first atomization core 211 and the second atomization core 221 is not limited, for example, atomization methods such as resistance conduction heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared radiation heating, ultrasonic atomization, electrospray atomization, heating vaporization or mixed atomization.

[0039] The first air outlet channel 81 and the second air outlet channel 82 have an intersection 80, and the first aerosol and the second aerosol can be mixed at the intersection 80 to generate a mixed aerosol, and the mixed aerosol is then output to the user's mouth through the air outlet 11 for the user to inhale. The first aerosol and the second aerosol can be aerosols or steam, and the first aerosol and the second aerosol have multiple components. The mixing of the first aerosol and the second aerosol is not limited to including each other or simply combining. In some embodiments, the mixing of the first aerosol and the second aerosol includes but is not limited to: (1) mixing of the aerosol generated by the target matrix 31 and the aerosol generated by the enhancer 32; (2) condensation growth and combination of the aerosol generated by the target matrix 31 in the hot steam generated by the enhancer 32; (3) condensation growth and combination of the aerosol generated by the enhancer 32 in the hot steam generated by the target matrix 31; (4) the hot steam generated by the target matrix 31 and the hot steam generated by the enhancer 32 are mixed to form a mixed aerosol.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second atomization source 22 can utilize a heating and vaporization method. The second atomization source 22 heats and vaporizes the enhancer 32 to form vapor. This vapor condenses and coats the outer surface of the aerosol formed after the first atomization source 21 atomizes the target substrate 31, thereby forming a mixed aerosol. This mixed aerosol possesses water-absorbing properties. Preferably, the target substrate 31 also needs to be heat-resistant, for example, with a heat resistance temperature above 100°C to prevent denaturation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient due to high temperatures. Specifically, the heat resistance temperature of the target substrate 31 can be compatible with the temperature of the vaporized enhancer 32, i.e., the heat resistance temperature of the target substrate 31 is greater than or equal to the vapor temperature of the enhancer 32. For example, the vapor temperature of VG (vegetable glycerin) is approximately 240°C; accordingly, the heat resistance temperature of the target substrate 31 can be above 240°C; the vapor temperature of propylene glycol is approximately 150°C; accordingly, the heat resistance temperature of the target substrate 31 can be above 150°C.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mixed aerosol particle size can be below 2.5 μm, facilitating entry into the alveolar region. The aerosol particle size can be controlled by controlling parameters such as the atomization volume and the aerosol formation process. Because the enhancer 32 contains a hygroscopic agent, the generated mixed aerosol is hygroscopic. This hygroscopic nature of the mixed aerosol allows for excellent water absorption, growth, and deposition, significantly improving the overall deposition and absorption efficiency of the target substrate in the human respiratory tract. Specifically, due to the high humidity in the human respiratory tract and the large surface area of ​​the alveoli, the water vapor diffusion rate is rapid, allowing the mixed aerosol particle size to be significantly increased, thereby improving lung deposition efficiency. For example, a mixed aerosol with a particle size of 1-2 μm, when inhaled, has a small particle size and good flow properties, allowing it to easily pass through the upper respiratory tract and bronchi into the alveoli. Upon reaching the alveoli, it begins to absorb water and grow, increasing its particle size by two to three times, becoming larger particles several microns in size. These particles are then deposited entirely in the alveoli, effectively improving the deposition and absorption efficiency of the active ingredient in the alveoli.

[0042] For example Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the atomization device 100 may further include a first liquid storage tank 41 for accommodating the target matrix 31, a second liquid storage tank 42 for accommodating the enhancer 32, and a housing 1 for accommodating the first atomization source 21, the second atomization source 22, the first liquid storage tank 41, and the second liquid storage tank 42. The first liquid storage tank 41 is in liquid communication with the first atomization core 211 so that the target matrix 31 stored in the first liquid storage tank 41 can flow to the first atomization core 211 and be atomized by the first atomization core 211. The target matrix 31 stored in the first liquid storage tank 41 can be delivered to the first atomization core 211 by pumping or dripping, and / or the first atomization core 211 is provided with a porous structure to adsorb the target matrix 31 stored in the first liquid storage tank 41. The porous structure of the first atomization core 211 includes, but is not limited to, porous cotton or porous ceramics. The second liquid storage tank 42 is in fluid communication with the second atomizer core 221, allowing the enhancer 32 stored in the second liquid storage tank 42 to flow to the second atomizer core 221 and be atomized by the second atomizer core 221. The enhancer 32 stored in the second liquid storage tank 42 can be delivered to the second atomizer core 221 by pumping or dripping, and / or the second atomizer core 221 is provided with a porous structure to absorb the enhancer 32 stored in the second liquid storage tank 42. The porous structure of the second atomizer core 221 includes, but is not limited to, porous cotton or porous ceramic.

[0043] The housing 1 may be cylindrical with a hollow interior, and the air outlet 11 may be formed on the side wall of the housing 1. The side wall of the housing 1 may also be formed with an air inlet 10 for admitting outside air. The housing 1 may also be formed with an air guide channel 20 connecting the second atomizing chamber 222 and the first atomizing chamber 212, and an output channel 23 connected to the air inlet 10. In this embodiment, the second atomizing source 22 and the first atomizing source 21 are sequentially connected in series between the air inlet 10 and the output channel 23. The air entering through the air inlet 10 first flows into the second atomizing chamber 222, and mixes with the second aerosol formed after the second atomizing core 221 in the second atomizing chamber 222 atomizes the atomizing enhancer 32. The formed second aerosol then reaches the first atomizing chamber 212 along the air guide channel 20 for a second atomization. The first atomizing core 211 in the first atomizing chamber 212 atomizes the target matrix 31 to form a first aerosol. The first aerosol mixes with the second aerosol that reaches the first atomizing chamber 212 to form a mixed aerosol. The formed mixed aerosol is then output to the outside through the output channel 23 and the air outlet 11 in sequence for inhalation by the user.

[0044] Here, the air guide channel 20, the first atomizing chamber 212, and the output channel 23 form a second air outlet channel 82 connecting the second atomizing chamber 222 and the air outlet 11, and the output channel 23 forms a first air outlet channel 81 connecting the first atomizing chamber 212 and the air outlet 11. That is, the first air outlet channel 81 is a part of the second air outlet channel 82, and the intersection 80 of the first air outlet channel 81 and the second air outlet channel 82 is located in the first atomizing chamber 212.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the atomization device 100 may further include a power supply 6, a control module 5, and a control switch 7. The power supply 6 and the control module 5 may be housed in the housing 1. The power supply 6 may be a battery, which is used to supply power to the control module 5, the first atomization source 21, the second atomization source 22, etc. The control module 5 is electrically connected to the power supply 6, the first atomization source 21, and the second atomization source 22, respectively, and is used to control the power supply 6 to supply power to the first atomization source 21 and the second atomization source 22. The control switch 7 may be provided on a side wall of the housing 1, and is used to receive user operations and control the operation of the control module 5 according to the operations, for example, starting or stopping the control module 5 to control the power supply 6 to supply power to the first atomization source 21 and the second atomization source 22.

[0046] Application case: Based on Figure 1 The atomization device 100 constructed with the structure shown is used to verify the performance of dual-source atomization, wherein the target matrix 31 is glyceryl stearate, the first atomization core 211 is a ceramic heating element, the ceramic heating element includes a porous ceramic and a resistive heating element arranged on the porous ceramic, and the heating power of the first atomization core 211 is 6.5w; the enhancer 32 is glycerol, the second atomization core 221 is a ceramic heating element, the ceramic heating element includes a porous ceramic and a resistive heating element arranged on the porous ceramic, and the heating power of the second atomization core 221 is 6.5w; in actual control, the amount of smoke of the first aerosol generated by the first atomization source 21 and the second aerosol generated by the second atomization source 22 is kept equivalent. Take 10 puffs, use a multi-stage collision sampler to collect mixed aerosols of different sizes, and perform component detection, such as Figure 3 As shown in Figure 2, the mass of stearic acid glycerol and glycerol in each particle size range is relatively close, and the particle size of the overall mixed aerosol is between 1 and 2 μm. The mass of glycerol and stearic acid glycerol in each particle size range is as follows: Figure 3 As shown on the right axis of the graph, within the 800-1600 nm particle size range (the middle four data points), where the mixed aerosol contains the most, the ratio of the two approaches 1:1, indicating relatively uniform binding of glycerol and glyceryl stearate. At data points 1, 2, and 7, the ratio is slightly less than 1. However, within this particle size range, the mass of the aerosol itself is also very low, and the concentration of the active substance carried (for example, glyceryl stearate) is low. Even if the binding and encapsulation effect is slightly weaker, the impact on overall drug absorption is relatively small.

[0047] Furthermore, a simulation experiment was conducted on the process of human inhalation. Cambridge filter discs were used to collect the exhaled aerosols after 3 seconds of inhalation. The effective components of the exhaled aerosols were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The test results are as follows: Figure 4As shown, using a single atomization source to directly atomize glyceryl stearate, the proportion of exhaled active ingredients was approximately 55%, meaning that approximately 45% of the ingredients were retained by the human respiratory tract. When using a dual-source atomization scheme enhanced with glycerol, the proportion of exhaled active ingredients was only approximately 10%, meaning that approximately 90% of the ingredients were retained by the human respiratory tract. This shows that for the atomized inhalation process of non-water-absorbing drugs, the dual-source atomization scheme with the addition of an enhancer significantly increases the drug absorption efficiency of the human body from 45% to 90%, an improvement of approximately 100%.

[0048] Figure 5 The atomization device 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The main difference between the atomization device 100 and the first embodiment is that in this embodiment, the first atomization source 21 and the second atomization source 22 are connected in series between the air inlet 10 and the output channel 23. The air entering through the air inlet 10 first flows into the first atomization chamber 212, mixes with the first aerosol formed after the first atomization core 211 in the first atomization chamber 212 atomizes the target substrate 31, and the formed first aerosol then flows along the air guide channel 20 to the second atomization chamber 222 for a second atomization. The second atomization core 221 in the second atomization chamber 222 atomizes the enhancer 32 to form a second aerosol. The second aerosol mixes with the first aerosol that reaches the second atomization chamber 222 to form a mixed aerosol. The formed mixed aerosol is then output to the outside through the output channel 23 and the air outlet 11 for inhalation by the user.

[0049] Here, the air guide channel 20, the second atomizing chamber 222, and the output channel 23 form a first air outlet channel 81 connecting the first atomizing chamber 212 and the air outlet 11, and the output channel 23 forms a second air outlet channel 82 connecting the second atomizing chamber 222 and the air outlet 11. That is, the second air outlet channel 82 is a part of the first air outlet channel 81, and the intersection 80 of the first air outlet channel 81 and the second air outlet channel 82 is located in the second atomizing chamber 222.

[0050] Figure 6The atomizing device 100 in the third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The main difference between the atomizing device 100 and the first embodiment is that in the present embodiment, the first atomizing source 21 and the second atomizing source 22 are connected in parallel between the air inlet 10 and the output channel 23. The housing 1 also includes a first outlet channel 210 connecting the first atomizing chamber 212 with the output channel 23 and a second outlet channel 220 connecting the second atomizing chamber 222 with the output channel 23. The air entering through the air inlet 10 flows into the first atomizing chamber 212 and the second atomizing chamber 222 respectively. The first aerosol formed after the first atomizing core 211 atomizes the target substrate 31 and the second aerosol formed after the second atomizing core 221 atomizes the enhancer 32 then flow through the first outlet channel 210 and the second outlet channel 220 to the output channel 23 to mix and form a mixed aerosol. The mixed aerosol is then output to the outside through the air outlet 11 for inhalation by the user.

[0051] Here, the first outlet channel 210 and the output channel 23 form a first outlet channel 81 connecting the first atomizing chamber 212 and the air outlet 11, and the second outlet channel 220 and the output channel 23 form a second outlet channel 82 connecting the second atomizing chamber 222 and the air outlet 11. The intersection 80 of the first outlet channel 81 and the second outlet channel 82 is located at the confluence of the first outlet channel 210, the second outlet channel 220, and the output channel 23.

[0052] It can be understood that the above technical features can be used in any combination without limitation.

[0053] The above embodiments only express the preferred implementation modes of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as limiting the patent scope of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, the above technical features can be freely combined without departing from the concept of the present invention, and several deformations and improvements can be made, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of coverage of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An atomizing device, characterized in that: include: a first atomization source (21) for atomizing a non-hydroscopic target matrix (31); a second atomization source (22) for atomizing the enhancing agent (32) including the water absorbing agent; An air outlet (11) for outputting the mixed aerosol; a first air outlet channel (81) communicating with the first atomization source (21) and the air outlet (11); as well as a second air outlet channel (82) communicating with the second atomization source (22) and the air outlet (11); Wherein, the first air outlet channel (81) and the second air outlet channel (82) have an intersection (80).

2. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first air outlet channel (81) is a part of the second air outlet channel (82), or the second air outlet channel (82) is a part of the first air outlet channel (81).

3. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first atomization source (21) comprises a first atomization chamber (212), the first air outlet channel (81) connects the first atomization chamber (212) and the air outlet (11), and the intersection (80) is located in the first atomization chamber (212).

4. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second atomization source (22) includes a second atomization chamber (222), the second air outlet channel (82) connects the second atomization chamber (222) and the air outlet (11), and the intersection (80) is located in the second atomization chamber (222).

5. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first air outlet channel (81) includes a first outlet channel (210) connected to the first atomization source (21), and the second air outlet channel includes a second outlet channel (220) connected to the second atomization source (22). The first outlet channel (210) and the second outlet channel (220) are connected in parallel at the intersection (80).

6. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first aerosol or first vapor generated after the target matrix (31) is atomized and the second aerosol or second vapor generated after the enhancer (32) is atomized are mixed at the intersection (80).

7. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The atomization method of the second atomization source (22) is heating vaporization.

8. The atomizing device according to claim 7, characterized in that The heat-resistant temperature of the target matrix (31) is greater than or equal to the steam temperature after the enhancer (32) is vaporized.

9. The atomizing device according to claim 7, characterized in that The heat-resistant temperature of the target matrix (31) is above 100°C.

10. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The atomization amount of the first atomization source (21) is equivalent to the atomization amount of the second atomization source (22).

11. The atomizing device according to claim 6, characterized in that The particle size of the aerosol formed by mixing the first aerosol and the second aerosol is less than 2.5 μm.

12. The atomizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The water absorbing agent includes soluble salt or glucose which is harmless to the human body.

13. The atomizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The atomization device further comprises a first liquid storage tank (41) connected to the first atomization source (21) for accommodating the target matrix (31) and a second liquid storage tank (42) connected to the second atomization source (22) for accommodating the enhancer (32).

14. The atomizing device according to claim 13, characterized in that The atomizing device further comprises a housing (1) for accommodating the first atomizing source (21), the second atomizing source (22), the first liquid storage tank (41), and the second liquid storage tank (42).

15. The atomizing device according to claim 14, characterized in that The air outlet (11) is formed on the housing (1), and the housing (1) is also provided with an air inlet (10) for the entry of external air.

16. The atomizing device according to claim 14, characterized in that The atomizing device further comprises a power supply (6) and a control module (5) disposed in the housing (1); the control module (5) is electrically connected to the power supply (6), the first atomizing source (21), and the second atomizing source (22), respectively.

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