Auxiliary actuating device matched with spray administration device for use

Abstract

The invention discloses an auxiliary actuating device used in cooperation with a spray administration device, the auxiliary actuating device comprises a spray head part and a liquid storage part used for storing medicine, and the spray administration device is arranged to enable the liquid storage part to move towards the spray head part along the axis of the liquid storage part so as to release a preset dose of medicine from the spray head part. The auxiliary actuation device comprises: a housing portion having a distal opening and defining an inner cavity at least partially housing the spray administration device, and configured such that when the spray administration device is disposed in the inner cavity, the housing portion is at least partially engageable with the spray head portion to limit movement of the spray head portion along the inner cavity in a direction toward the distal opening, the spray administration device is allowed to release medicine through the far-end opening; the actuating assembly comprises an actuator and an actuator driving part, the actuator is at least partially arranged in the inner cavity and is arranged to be capable of being connected with the liquid storage part and driving the liquid storage part to move towards the spray head part along the axis of the spray administration device so as to release a preset dose of medicine from the spray head part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of liquid drug delivery, and more particularly, to an auxiliary actuation device for use in conjunction with a spray drug delivery device. Background Art

[0002] Spray drug delivery devices for pulmonary inhalation mainly convert liquid preparations such as drugs and nutrients into fine particles that can be inhaled into the human body by breathing through atomization, thereby achieving their effective delivery. Currently, common spray drug delivery devices for pulmonary inhalation either cannot effectively meet the requirements for various parameters or functions of spray drug delivery (for example, requirements for the final drug dosage, average spray particle size, initial plume velocity, locking function, etc.), or even if some requirements are met, complex structures are required to achieve these requirements, resulting in high costs. For example, some spray drug delivery devices need to use a firing pre-compressed spring to achieve a specified volume of liquid spray drug delivery, while others need to use complex electronic actuation components to achieve the corresponding atomization function.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved spray drug delivery system that can meet the requirements for various parameters and functions of spray drug delivery while reducing the cost of the spray drug delivery device itself. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide an auxiliary actuation device for use in conjunction with a spray drug delivery device, which can not only be reused in combination with different spray drug delivery devices, but also achieve the requirements for atomization parameters and functions in the spray drug delivery method without relying on the structure of the spray drug delivery device itself.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided an auxiliary actuation device for use in conjunction with a spray administration device. The spray administration device includes a spray head portion and a liquid storage portion for storing a drug. The spray administration device is configured to enable the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head portion. The auxiliary actuation device includes: a housing portion having a distal opening and defining an inner cavity at least partially accommodating the spray administration device, and the housing portion is configured such that when the spray administration device is disposed in the inner cavity, the housing portion can at least partially engage the spray head portion to restrict the movement of the spray head portion along the inner cavity towards the distal opening direction and allow the spray administration device to release the drug outwardly through the distal opening; and an actuation assembly including an actuator and an actuator driving member. The actuator is at least partially disposed in the inner cavity and is configured to be able to engage the liquid storage portion and drive the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the actuator driving member includes a mechanical energy storage device configured such that when the spray administration device is placed in the inner cavity, the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device can drive the actuator to drive the liquid storage portion along the inner cavity and along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion, and a single release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device can cause the spray administration device to release a predetermined dose of the drug at a predetermined average spray droplet size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the actuator driving member includes an actuation motor configured such that when the spray administration device is placed in the inner cavity, the actuation motor can operate at a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator to drive the liquid storage portion along the inner cavity and along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion, and the predetermined power curve is set such that the spray administration device releases a predetermined dose of the drug at a predetermined average spray droplet size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the predetermined average spray droplet size is such that at least 50% of the droplets in the spray have an average droplet size of 1 μm to 10 μm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the predetermined initial plume velocity is 1 m / s to 10 m / s.

[0010] In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuating device further includes a locking assembly, the locking assembly includes a stopper at least partially disposed in the inner cavity, and the stopper is movable along the inner cavity between a distal locking position and a proximal unlocking position. When in the locking position, the stopper abuts the liquid storage portion against a distal position relatively adjacent to the nozzle head and applies a force to the liquid storage portion to prevent it from moving in the proximal direction relatively away from the nozzle head. When in the unlocking position, the stopper allows the liquid storage portion to move to a proximal position relatively away from the nozzle head and does not apply a force to the liquid storage portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the locking assembly further includes a locking motor that drives the stopper to move along the inner cavity between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuating device further includes: a controller; and a position sensor communicatively connected to the controller and configured to sense the position of the actuator or the liquid storage portion in the inner cavity, wherein the controller is configured to control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position after a first predetermined time interval when it senses that the actuator or the liquid storage portion moves from a proximal position relatively away from the nozzle head towards the nozzle head.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is 5 to 50 seconds.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to, after a second predetermined time interval of controlling the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position, control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the unlocking position to allow the liquid storage portion to move to a proximal position relatively away from the nozzle head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to, when it senses that the actuator or the liquid storage portion moves from a proximal position relatively away from the nozzle head towards the nozzle head more than a predetermined number of times within a third predetermined time interval, control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third predetermined time interval is 3 to 100 hours, and the predetermined number of times is 3 to 20 times.

[0018] In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuation device further includes a fingerprint recognition element communicatively connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the motor to drive the stopper to move to the unlocking position when a signal from the fingerprint recognition element is received and it is determined that the recognized fingerprint is correct.

[0019] In some embodiments, the distal opening of the housing portion is configured to be adjustable in size to accommodate nozzle heads of different sizes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are joined to each other, and the upper housing portion or the lower housing portion is replaceable to fit spray delivery devices of different sizes.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one opening is included on the side wall of the housing portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuation device further includes a trigger assembly, and the trigger assembly includes: a blocking element configured to be movable between a blocking position and a release position under the action of an external force. When in the blocking position, the blocking element can apply a force to the mechanical energy storage device to prevent the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device. In the release position, the blocking element can relieve the force applied to the mechanical energy storage device to allow the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device; a trigger element configured to be able to actuate the blocking element to move from the blocking position to the release position under an external force.

[0023] In some embodiments, the blocking element is configured to be movable between a plurality of blocking positions, and the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device when the blocking element is in one of the blocking positions is different from the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device when the blocking element is in another blocking position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are joined to each other, and the auxiliary actuation device is configured to store a predetermined amount of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy storage device through the relative movement of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, a plurality of identifiers are provided on the outside of the upper housing portion and / or the lower housing portion, and the plurality of identifiers respectively correspond to different blocking positions in which the blocking element is located.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mechanical energy storage device is a spring.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present application, there is also provided a spray administration system having a spray administration device. The system includes the auxiliary actuation device described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the spray administration device is detachably arranged in the inner cavity of the auxiliary actuation device, and the spray administration device includes a spray head portion and a liquid storage portion for storing a drug. The spray administration device is configured to enable the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head portion.

[0028] The above is an overview of the present application. There may be simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that this part is only illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. This overview section is neither intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, those skilled in the art will more fully and clearly understand the above and other features of the content of the present application. It can be understood that these drawings and detailed descriptions only depict several exemplary embodiments of the content of the present application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the content of the present application. By referring to the drawings, the content of the present application will be described more clearly and in detail.

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. shows a perspective schematic view of an auxiliary actuation device when used in conjunction with a spray administration device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 FIG. shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown in FIG. when used in conjunction;

[0032] Figure 3 FIG. shows Figure 1 a sectional front view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown in FIG. when used in conjunction;

[0033] Figure 4 FIG. shows Figure 1 a perspective schematic view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown in FIG. when viewed from another angle;

[0034] Figure 5 FIG. shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the upper cover portion of the upper housing of the auxiliary actuation device shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 6 FIG. shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the bracket of the auxiliary actuation device shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 7 shows Figure 1 a schematic control block diagram of the controller and the position sensor of the auxiliary actuation device shown above. Detailed implementation mode

[0037] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally represent like components unless the context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, the drawings, and the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter of this application. It will be understood that various configurations, substitutions, combinations, and designs of the aspects of the subject matter of this application generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be made, and all of these are expressly contemplated as part of the subject matter of this application.

[0038] The inventors of this application have conceived an auxiliary actuation device that can be sleeved outside a spray administration device, which can provide the preset energy required for the atomization operation of the spray administration device, so that the use of the spray administration device does not depend on the user's own use actions and habits, especially does not depend on the action of atomizing the spray administration device. This effectively improves the quality and stability of spray administration, and generates atomized droplets that meet the atomization parameter and function requirements. In addition, this auxiliary actuation device can detachably accommodate the spray administration device, so that a new spray administration device can be replaced and reused after the spray administration device has been used up, thus saving the use cost.

[0039] Combined with Figures 1 to 4 the structure of the auxiliary actuation device according to an embodiment of this application and the spray administration device used in conjunction therewith will be described, where Figure 1 a perspective schematic view of the auxiliary actuation device according to an embodiment of this application when used in conjunction with the spray administration device is shown, Figure 2 shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown above used in conjunction, Figure 3 shows Figure 1 a sectional front view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown above used in conjunction, Figure 4 shows Figure 1 a perspective schematic view of the auxiliary actuation device and the spray administration device shown above used in conjunction as viewed from another angle. Among them, the spray administration device can be an existing spray administration device, which has, for example, a predetermined shape, volume, and capacity, etc.

[0040] Such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the spray administration device 200 includes a spray head 201 and a liquid storage part 202 for storing a drug (usually in liquid form). The spray administration device 200 is arranged to enable the liquid storage part 202 to move along the central axis of the spray administration device 200 towards the spray head 201 to release a predetermined dose of drug spray from the spray head 201. Specifically, the spray head 201 may have a nozzle 211 and a flange part 212. Taking handheld use as an example, the user can align the nozzle with the position to be medicated, and part of the fingers rest against the flange part 212 to restrict the movement of the flange part 212, and the other part of the fingers apply a force to the bottom of the liquid storage part 202, thereby driving the liquid storage part 202 to move towards the spray head 201. The movement of the liquid storage part 202 increases the internal pressure thereof, thereby driving the drug to be ejected through the nozzle 211 to release a predetermined dose of drug spray. Although the specific internal structure and connection relationship of the spray head 201 and the liquid storage part 202 of the spray administration device 200 are not shown in the figure, those skilled in the art can understand that the spray administration device 200 can adopt any available structure on the market that releases a predetermined dose of drug spray through the relative movement between the spray head 201 and the liquid storage part 202. In some embodiments, a mechanical energy accumulator (such as a spring) may also be provided in the spray release device 200. The mechanical energy accumulator is arranged to store mechanical energy during the process of driving the liquid storage part 202 to move towards the spray head 201 by an external force, and after the external force acting on the liquid storage part 202 is removed, drive the liquid storage part 202 to move in a direction away from the spray head 201 by releasing the mechanical energy, so that the spray administration device 200 can return to its original form for the next spray operation.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the auxiliary actuation device 100 includes a housing portion 101 that defines an inner cavity 111, and a distal opening 112 is provided at the distal end of the inner cavity 111. When used in conjunction with the spray administration device 200, the spray administration device 200 is disposed in the inner cavity 111, and its nozzle 211 can extend through the distal opening 112 of the housing portion 101, so that the spray administration device 200 can release a drug spray to the outside of the housing portion 101 through the distal opening 112. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 211 extends through the distal opening 112, in other embodiments, the nozzle 211 can also be disposed at any other position capable of releasing a drug spray to the outside of the housing portion 101. For example, the nozzle 211 can be disposed in the inner cavity 111 such that the spray emission direction of the nozzle 211 is generally aligned with the distal opening 112. In some embodiments, the distal opening 112 of the housing portion 101 is set to be adjustable in size to accommodate different sizes of nozzle heads 201, so that the auxiliary actuation device 100 can be used in conjunction with spray administration devices 200 having different nozzle head sizes and / or shapes. It should be noted that the so-called adjustable size of the distal opening can be either an adjustment of the overall size of the opening itself or an adjustment achieved by a clamping member provided near the opening. As used herein, "distal" refers to the end of the spray administration device 200 and the auxiliary actuation device 100 that is adjacent to the position to be sprayed during use, and "proximal" is the end opposite to the "distal" end, that is, the end relatively facing the user.

[0042] As Figure 2 and 3 shown, the housing portion 101 can engage the flange portion 212 of the nozzle head 201 at the distal end, thereby restricting the movement of the nozzle head 201 along the inner cavity 111 in the direction towards the distal opening 112. Specifically, when the spray administration device 200 is placed in the inner cavity 111 and an external force drives its liquid storage portion 202 to move towards the nozzle head 201, the nozzle head 201 can achieve relative movement with the liquid storage portion 202 under the constraint of the housing portion, thereby realizing the release of the drug spray. Continuing to refer to Figure 2 and 3 , the housing portion 101 may include an upper housing portion 113 composed of an end cover portion 115 and an upper cover portion 116. In addition to the end cover portion 115 abutting against the flange portion 212 at the distal end of the nozzle head 201 to restrict its movement in the direction towards the distal opening 112, the upper cover portion 116 is provided to abut against the flange portion 212 at the proximal end of the nozzle head 201 to restrict its movement in the opposite proximal direction. Such a setting can prevent the liquid storage portion 202 from driving the nozzle head 201 to move in the proximal direction as well when the liquid storage portion 202 moves in the proximal direction away from the nozzle head 201. This unexpected movement mode will affect the accuracy of drug administration during subsequent drug administration processes.

[0043] As Figures 1 to 4As shown, the housing part 101 further includes a lower housing part 114, which engages with the upper housing part 113 to jointly form the housing part 101 that defines the inner cavity 111. In some embodiments, the upper housing part 113 or the lower housing part 114 can be replaced to adapt to different sizes and / or shapes of the spray administration device 200, so that the auxiliary actuation device 100 can be used in conjunction with these different spray administration devices. Although not shown in the figure, in some other embodiments, at least one opening can be provided on the side wall of the housing part 101; in still other embodiments, a transparent part can be provided on the side wall of the housing part. These openings and / or transparent parts can generally correspond to the position of the liquid storage part 202 of the spray administration device, allowing the user to observe the usage status of the spray administration device 200 loaded therein, such as the operating actions of the liquid storage part and the amount of liquid medicine loaded in the liquid storage part, etc.

[0044] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary actuation device 100 further includes an actuation assembly 102, which can apply energy, such as mechanical energy, to the spray administration device. The actuation assembly 102 includes an actuator 121 and an actuator driving part 122. The actuator 121 is arranged in the inner cavity 111 and is configured to be able to engage the liquid storage part 202 and drive it to move along the axis of the spray administration device 200 towards the spray head 201 to release a predetermined dose of drug from the nozzle 211. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the actuator 121 is a bracket structure arranged in the inner cavity 111, which can support and drive the liquid storage part 202. In some other embodiments, the actuator 121 can also be at least partially arranged in the inner cavity 111. In still other embodiments, the actuator 121 can be any other structure that engages and drives the liquid storage part 202 to move, such as a rod-shaped structure, a claw-shaped structure, or a convex structure that matches the concave part at the bottom of the liquid storage part 202, etc.

[0045] As Figure 2 and 3 shown, the actuator driving part 122 can be a spring. When the spray administration device 200 is placed in the inner cavity 111, the release of the mechanical energy stored in the spring can drive the actuator 121 to move along the inner cavity 111 to drive the liquid storage part 202 to move along the axis of the spray administration device 200 towards the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the single release of the mechanical energy stored in the spring 122 can enable the spray administration device 200 to release a predetermined dose of drug at a predetermined spray average particle size and / or initial plume velocity. Although the actuator driving part 122 shown in the figure is a spring, in some other embodiments, the actuator driving part 122 can also be any other feasible mechanical energy storage device, and the movement of the actuator 121 is driven by the release of the mechanical energy stored therein, such as a flywheel energy storage device, a compressed air energy storage device, and a hydraulic energy storage device, etc.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments (not shown in the figures), the actuator driving member 122 may also include an actuating motor. When the spray administration device 200 is placed in the inner cavity 111, the actuating motor can operate according to a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator 121 along the inner cavity 111 to drive the liquid storage part 202 along the axis of the spray administration device 200 towards the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the predetermined power curve is set such that the spray administration device 200 releases a predetermined dose of drug with a predetermined average spray particle size and / or an initial plume velocity.

[0047] The initial plume velocity (the plume velocity when leaving the atomizing nozzle) and / or the average spray particle size determine the absorbability and bioavailability of the liquid formulation spray. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned predetermined initial plume velocity is less than 10 m / s, preferably 1 m / s to 5 m / s or 0.5 m / s to 2 m / s. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned predetermined average spray particle size is such that at least 50% of the droplets in the spray have an average particle size of 1 μm to 10 μm, preferably an average particle size of 2 μm to 5 μm. The spray with the initial plume velocity and average spray particle size within the above ranges can be easily inhaled by the human respiratory tract and can be fully absorbed in the lungs, effectively improving the bioavailability efficiency. In addition, the amount of the spray with the initial plume velocity and average spray particle size within the above ranges exhaled out of the body again after being absorbed by the human respiratory movement is also small, which is beneficial to reducing the pollution of the liquid formulation to the environment.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the actuating assembly 102 of the auxiliary actuating device 100 uses a mechanical energy storage device to drive the actuator, the auxiliary actuating device may further include a triggering assembly 103 for blocking and triggering the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device. As Figure 2 shown, the auxiliary actuating device 100 further includes a triggering assembly 103, which includes a blocking element 131 and a triggering element 132. Specifically, in the Figure 2 embodiment shown, the blocking element 131 is a snap ring, and the triggering element 132 is a button. When the snap ring 131 is in the blocking position, it is in an eccentric position relative to the actuator 121 to apply a force to the spring 122 through the actuator 121, so that the spring 122 is in a compressed state; at the same time, the button of the triggering element 132 is also in a triggerable state. When the button 132 is pressed by an external force, the button 132 will cause the snap ring 131 to return to a position substantially concentric with the actuator 121, so that it does not engage with the actuator 121 and allows the actuator 121 to pass through it. For example, the snap ring 131 may have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the actuator 121. At this time, the snap ring 131 is in the release position, which releases the force on the spring 122 and allows the mechanical energy of the spring 122 to be released to drive the actuator 121 to move distally through the snap ring 131.

[0049] Although the blocking element 131 shown in the figure is a snap ring structure and the triggering element 132 is a button structure, those skilled in the art can understand that the triggering assembly 103 can be any combination of blocking and triggering members capable of applying a force to the mechanical energy accumulator to control its release. Although not shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the blocking element 131 can also be configured to move between multiple blocking positions, and when the blocking element 131 is in one of the blocking positions, the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator is different from the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator when the blocking element 131 is in another blocking position. This configuration allows the auxiliary actuation device 100 to actuate the same spray delivery device with different amounts of mechanical energy (corresponding to different blocking positions) to achieve different spray parameters and effects. In addition, in cooperation with the upper housing defining inner cavities of different shapes and sizes, the auxiliary actuation device 100 with different blocking positions can be used in combination with different spray delivery devices and actuate them, which can expand the usage scenarios and scope of the auxiliary actuation device 100.

[0050] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the housing portion 101 includes an upper housing portion 113 and a lower housing portion 114 that are joined to each other. In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuation device 101 can store a predetermined amount of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy accumulator (spring) 122 through the relative movement of the upper housing portion 113 and the lower housing portion 114. In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuation device 101 can achieve the storage of mechanical energy through the relative axial movement between the upper housing portion 113 and the lower housing portion 114, and this relative circumferential movement can change the energy of the mechanical energy accumulator such as a spring. In other embodiments, the auxiliary actuation device 101 can achieve the storage of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy accumulator (spring) 122 through the relative rotational movement between the upper housing portion 113 and the lower housing portion 114. It can be understood that the relative rotational movement between the upper housing portion 113 and the lower housing portion 114 can cause a change in their axial distance, thereby similarly changing the energy of the mechanical energy accumulator such as a spring.

[0051] Figure 5 shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the upper cover portion 116 of the upper housing 113 of the auxiliary actuation device 100 shown in Figure 6 shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the bracket 121 of the auxiliary actuation device 100 shown in. As Figure 2 、 5As shown in FIGS. 6, the upper cover portion 116 has a spiral surface structure 117, which is matched with the spiral surface structure 123 on the bracket 121. During specific use, the user manually rotates the upper housing portion 113 relative to the lower housing portion 114. At this time, the bracket 121 moves downward along the spiral surface, compressing the spring 122, thereby completing the storage of mechanical energy. Although not shown in the figure, corresponding to the above-mentioned multiple blocking positions, a plurality of identifiers may be provided on the outside of the upper housing portion and / or the lower housing portion, and each identifier corresponds to a different blocking position in which the blocking element 131 is located, so that the user can complete the storage of a predetermined amount of mechanical energy according to the indication of the identifier to meet different drug spray release requirements.

[0052] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 and 3 , the auxiliary actuation device 100 further includes a locking assembly 104, which includes a stopper 141 disposed in the inner cavity 111 and a locking motor 142 for driving the stopper 141 to move. Specifically, under the driving action of the locking motor 142, the stopper 141 can move along the inner cavity 111 between a relatively distal locking position and a relatively proximal unlocking position. When it is in the locking position, the stopper 141 abuts the liquid storage portion 202 against a distal position relatively close to the spray head portion 201 and applies a force to the liquid storage portion 202 to prevent the liquid storage portion 202 from moving in the proximal direction relatively away from the spray head portion 201. In some embodiments, the distal position is the extreme position where the liquid storage portion 202 is relatively closest to the spray head portion 201. In other embodiments, the distal position may also be an intermediate position where the liquid storage portion 202 is relatively close to the spray head portion 201. When the stopper 141 is in the locking position, the mechanical energy of the mechanical energy accumulator (such as a spring) provided in the spray release device 200 cannot be released and drive the liquid storage portion 202 to move back to the initial position in the direction away from the spray head portion 201, so that the liquid storage portion cannot be driven again by the auxiliary actuation device 100 to realize the process of drug release.

[0053] When the stopper 141 is in the unlocked position, it allows the liquid storage part 202 to move to a proximal position relatively far from the nozzle head 201 and does not apply a force to the liquid storage part 202. In some embodiments, the proximal position is the extreme position where the liquid storage part 202 is relatively far from the nozzle head 201. At this time, the stopper 141 in the unlocked position may not engage with the liquid storage part 202, or although it engages with the liquid storage part 202, it does not apply any force to it. In this case, due to the absence of the blocking of the stopper 141, the liquid storage part 202 can move to a proximal position relatively far from the nozzle head 201, so that the liquid storage part 202 can be driven again by the auxiliary actuation device 100 to realize the process of drug release again. It should be noted that although the stopper 141 shown in the figure is a top block structure in the inner cavity 111, in some other embodiments, the stopper can also be at least partially arranged in the inner cavity 111. In still other embodiments, the stopper can be any other structure that can engage and limit the movement of the liquid storage part 202, such as a rod-shaped structure, a claw-shaped structure, or a convex structure matching the pit at the bottom of the liquid storage part 202, etc.

[0054] As Figure 2 shown, the auxiliary actuation device 100 further includes a bottom support 105, which is used to load the locking motor 142 and allows the stopper 141 to move through the telescopic opening at its distal end to engage with the liquid storage part 202. In addition to the locking assembly 104, the bottom support 105 can also load any other available electronic components, such as a printed circuit board 151 including a single-chip microcomputer, a Bluetooth chip, and a GPS chip, for realizing functions such as data acquisition, data communication, and device positioning of the auxiliary actuation device 100. In addition, the bottom support 105 can also load a rechargeable battery 152 to supply power to electronic components such as the motor and the printed circuit board of the auxiliary actuation device.

[0055] Figure 7 shows Figure 1 a schematic control block diagram of the controller and the position sensor of the auxiliary actuation device shown. As Figure 7 shown, the auxiliary actuation device can further include a controller 106 and a position sensor 161 that are communicatively connected to each other, where the position sensor 161 is arranged to sense the position of the actuator 121 or the liquid storage part 202 in the inner cavity 111. In as Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor 161 is disposed on the actuator 121 and moves therewith. When the auxiliary actuation device 100 is used for spray administration, the actuator 121 moves distally, and at this time the position sensor 161 moves away from the sensing position therewith. Thus, through the position sensor 161, the auxiliary actuation device can sense that the actuator 121 or the liquid storage part 202 moves from a proximal position relatively far from the spray head 201 towards the spray head 201. After a first predetermined time interval when this signal is sensed, the controller 106 can control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the locking position to lock the spray administration device 200. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is 5 to 50 seconds. The first predetermined time interval can be adjusted so that it can be applicable to different usage scenarios and be adapted to different spray administration devices 200. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can understand that the position sensor 161 here can also be any other available sensor structure that can detect the position of the actuator 121 or the liquid storage part 202. In some embodiments, the position sensor can be a proximity sensor, such as a reflective, retroreflective or transmissive photoelectric proximity sensor.

[0056] In some embodiments, after a second predetermined time interval when the controller 106 controls the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the locking position, the controller 106 can control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the unlocking position to allow the liquid storage part 202 to move to a proximal position relatively far from the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the second time interval is 1 to 100 hours. Since the auxiliary actuation device 100 can maintain the locked state of the spray administration device 200 for a relatively long time interval after each use and automatically return to the unlocked state after this time interval. This can effectively avoid problems such as accidental touch and repeated medication after the user completes the drug spray.

[0057] In other embodiments, if it is sensed that the actuator 121 or the liquid storage part 202 moves from a proximal position relatively far from the spray head 201 towards the spray head 201 more than a predetermined number of times within a third predetermined time interval, the controller 106 can control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the locking position. This can effectively lock the spray administration device 200 after a predetermined number of uses, thus avoiding the situations of repeated medication and over-medication. In some embodiments, the third predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours, and the predetermined number of times is 3 to 20 times.

[0058] As Figure 2 and 4As shown, the auxiliary actuator 100 may also include a fingerprint recognition element 107 that is communicatively connected to the controller 106. The controller 106 is configured to control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the unlocking position when receiving a signal from the fingerprint recognition element 107 and determining that the recognized fingerprint is correct. This setting can effectively avoid the situation where the spray drug delivery device 200 is sprayed by mistake due to other situations such as accidental touch. Although not shown in the figure, the controller 106 can also be configured to have management functions, such as recording the number of atomization times, reminders for replacement of the spray drug delivery device, and data clearing and resetting after replacing the spray drug delivery device. In addition, the controller 106 can also be connected to a mobile phone or a remote server for communication to obtain or send information or data related to spray drug delivery.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, when the spray drug delivery device 200 is assembled into the inner cavity of the auxiliary actuator device 100, it and the auxiliary actuator device 100 together form a spray drug delivery system that can achieve higher quality spray and has more functions. The following will briefly describe an example of a partial use process of the spray drug delivery system.

[0060] First, after the user touches the fingerprint recognition element 107 with his finger and completes the authentication, the stopper 141 of the locking motor 142 automatically retracts, so that the liquid storage part 202 returns from a distal position relatively adjacent to the spray head 201 to a proximal position relatively far away from the spray head 201, thereby enabling the spray drug delivery device 200 to be actuated.

[0061] Subsequently, the upper housing portion 113 and the lower housing portion 114 are rotated relative to each other manually, so that the bracket 121 moves downward along its spiral surface and compresses the spring 122, thereby completing the preloading of mechanical energy. During this process, the collar 131 moves to an eccentric position relative to the bracket 121 and makes the button 132 in a popped-up state. The collar 131 in the eccentric device can keep the spring 122 in a compressed state through the bracket 121.

[0062] Finally, by manually pressing the button 131, the driving collar 131 is moved from the eccentric position relative to the bracket 121 to the concentric position. At this time, since the bracket 121 is no longer engaged with the collar 131, it can pass through the collar 131 and move toward the distal end under the drive of the spring 122, thereby driving the liquid storage part 202 thereon to move toward the spray head 201 to achieve the spraying of the spray drug delivery device 200. In this process, since the position sensor 161 moves toward the distal direction with the bracket 121, the controller senses the predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 to 30 seconds) after it leaves, and the locking motor 142 drives the stopper 141 to rise to support the bracket 121, so that the liquid storage part 202 cannot return to the proximal position relatively far away from the spray head 201, so as to limit the reuse of the spray drug delivery device 200.

[0063] In summary, the auxiliary actuation device of the present application can be used in conjunction with a variety of spray dosing devices, enabling more accurate final dosing doses, more uniform spray average particle sizes, and more reasonable initial plume velocities without relying on the structure of the spray dosing device itself. In addition, the auxiliary actuation device can also achieve more user-friendly functions.

[0064] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by studying the specification, the disclosed content, the drawings, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements and steps, and the terms "a" and "an" do not exclude a plurality. In the actual application of the present application, a single component may perform the functions of multiple technical features recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An auxiliary actuation device for use in conjunction with a spray administration device, characterized in that, the spray administration device includes a spray head portion and a liquid storage portion for storing a drug, the spray administration device being configured to enable the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head portion, wherein the auxiliary actuation device includes: a housing portion having a distal opening and defining a lumen at least partially accommodating the spray administration device, and the housing portion being configured such that when the spray administration device is disposed in the lumen, the housing portion can at least partially engage the spray head portion to restrict movement of the spray head portion along the lumen towards the distal opening direction and allow the spray administration device to release the drug outwardly through the distal opening; and an actuation assembly including an actuator and an actuator driving member, the actuator being at least partially disposed in the lumen, the actuator being configured to be able to engage the liquid storage portion and drive the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head portion.

2. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the actuator driving member includes a mechanical energy accumulator, the mechanical energy accumulator being configured such that when the spray administration device is placed in the lumen, the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can drive the actuator to drive the liquid storage portion along the lumen to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion, and the single release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can enable the spray administration device to release a predetermined dose of the drug at a predetermined average spray droplet size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

3. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the actuator driving member includes an actuation motor, the actuation motor being configured such that when the spray administration device is placed in the lumen, the actuation motor can operate with a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator to drive the liquid storage portion along the lumen to move along the axis of the spray administration device towards the spray head portion, and the predetermined power curve is configured such that the spray administration device releases a predetermined dose of the drug at a predetermined average spray droplet size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

4. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the predetermined average spray droplet size is such that at least 50% of the droplets in the spray have an average size of 1 μm to 50 μm.

5. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the predetermined initial plume velocity is 0.5 m / s to 10 m / s.

6. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The auxiliary actuating device further includes a locking assembly, the locking assembly includes a stopper at least partially disposed in the inner cavity, and the stopper is movable along the inner cavity between a distal locking position and a proximal unlocking position. When in the locking position, the stopper abuts the liquid storage portion against a distal position relatively close to the spray head and applies a force to the liquid storage portion to prevent it from moving in the proximal direction relatively away from the spray head. When in the unlocking position, the stopper allows the liquid storage portion to move to a proximal position relatively away from the spray head and does not apply a force to the liquid storage portion.

7. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 6, wherein, the locking assembly further includes a locking motor, and the locking motor drives the stopper to move along the inner cavity between the locking position and the unlocking position.

8. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 7, wherein, the auxiliary actuating device further includes: a controller; and a position sensor communicatively connected to the controller and configured to sense the position of the actuator or the liquid storage portion in the inner cavity, wherein the controller is configured to control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position after a first predetermined time interval when it senses that the actuator or the liquid storage portion moves from a proximal position relatively away from the spray head towards the spray head.

9. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 8, wherein, the first predetermined time interval is 5 to 50 seconds.

10. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 7, wherein, the controller is further configured to control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the unlocking position after a second predetermined time interval for controlling the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position, so as to allow the liquid storage portion to move to a proximal position relatively away from the spray head.

11. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 10, wherein, the second predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours.

12. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 8, wherein, the controller is further configured to control the locking motor to drive the stopper to the locking position when it senses that the actuator or the liquid storage portion moves from a proximal position relatively away from the spray head towards the spray head more than a predetermined number of times within a third predetermined time interval.

13. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 12, wherein, the third predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours, and the predetermined number of times is 3 to 20 times.

14. The auxiliary actuating device according to claim 8, wherein, the auxiliary actuating device further includes a fingerprint recognition element communicatively connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the motor to drive the stopper to the unlocking position when it receives a signal from the fingerprint recognition element and determines that the recognized fingerprint is correct.

15. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, wherein, the distal opening of the housing portion is arranged to be adjustable in size to accommodate nozzle heads of different sizes.

16. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, wherein, the housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are engaged with each other, and the upper housing portion or the lower housing portion is replaceable to adapt to spray dosing devices of different sizes.

17. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, wherein, at least one opening is included on the side wall of the housing portion.

18. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, wherein, the auxiliary actuation device further includes a trigger assembly, and the trigger assembly includes: a blocking element, which is arranged to be able to move between a blocking position and a release position under the action of an external force. When in the blocking position, the blocking element can apply a force to the mechanical energy storage device to prevent the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device. In the release position, the blocking element releases the force applied to the mechanical energy storage device to allow the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device; a trigger element, which is arranged to be able to actuate the blocking element to move from the blocking position to the release position under an external acting force.

19. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 18, wherein, the blocking element is arranged to be able to move between a plurality of blocking positions, and the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device when the blocking element is in one of the blocking positions is different from the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device when the blocking element is in another of the blocking positions.

20. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 19, wherein, the housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are engaged with each other, and the auxiliary actuation device is arranged to store a predetermined amount of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy storage device through the relative movement of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion.

21. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 20, wherein, a plurality of identifiers are provided on the outside of the upper housing portion and / or the lower housing portion, and the plurality of identifiers respectively correspond to different blocking positions in which the blocking element is located.

22. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, wherein, the mechanical energy storage device is a spring.

23. A spray dosing system having a spray dosing device, the system includes the auxiliary actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the spray dosing device is detachably arranged in the inner cavity of the auxiliary actuation device, and the spray dosing device includes a nozzle head and a liquid storage portion for storing a drug. The spray dosing device is arranged to be able to make the liquid storage portion move along the axis of the spray dosing device towards the nozzle head to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the nozzle head.

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