A medicament inhalation aid

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an inhalation drug auxiliary device, and relates to the technical field of medical devices, which solves the technical problem of requiring a large force to press the puncture part of an inhaler to break a capsule. The inhalation drug auxiliary device comprises a shell and an automatic breaking module, the shell is arranged outside the inhaler to fix the inhaler, and the automatic breaking module is arranged on the shell to automatically break the capsule placed in the inhaler. The automatic breaking module arranged on the shell automatically breaks the capsule in the inhaler, solving the technical problem of requiring a large force to press the puncture part of the inhaler to break the capsule, and the weak users have difficulty in pressing, which is not friendly to the old and young users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an inhalation medication aid device. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation, as a direct method of drug administration, is widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. For example... Figure 1 As shown, existing capsule-type powder inhalers typically include a base and an inhalation unit. Their working principle is as follows: the inhaler is placed on a horizontal surface, a capsule is inserted, and the puncture point 104 is pressed to puncture the capsule in the receiving groove 101. The user inhales through the inhalation unit, and external airflow enters from the air inlet 103, forming a vortex within the spiral air groove 102. This causes the capsule to rotate and float upwards, thereby dislodging the powdered medication, which is then inhaled with the airflow.

[0003] In the process of realizing this disclosure, the inventors discovered that pressing the puncture site 104 requires a lot of force, which makes it difficult for users with weak strength to press, and is not user-friendly for the elderly and children. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an inhalation medication assistance device to solve the technical problem that pressing the puncture point of the inhaler to puncture the capsule requires considerable force, making it difficult for users with weak strength to press, and is also unfriendly to elderly and young users. The various technical effects of the preferred technical solutions provided in this disclosure are detailed below.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides an inhalation medication aid device, including a housing and an automatic puncture module. The housing is fitted over the inhaler to secure it. The automatic puncture module is mounted on the housing to automatically puncture the capsule inserted into the inhaler.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the automatic puncture module includes a drive source, a transmission mechanism driven by the drive source, and a pressing member that moves under the drive mechanism. The pressing member is configured to abut and push the puncture portion of the inhaler when driven to puncture the capsule.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication assistance device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a status detection module and a first control module; the status detection module is communicatively connected to the first control module and is configured to: detect physical parameters related to the action process of the automatic puncture module and send the physical parameters to the first control module; the first control module is configured to: determine the puncture status of the capsule based on the physical parameters.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first control module is configured to: generate a parameter curve that changes over time based on physical parameters; compare the parameter curve with a pre-stored reference curve; and, based on the comparison result, determine whether the capsule is punctured completely or abnormally.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a reminder module; the first control module is further configured to: when it is determined that the puncture state of the capsule is abnormal, control the reminder module to issue a reminder signal to the user; and / or when it is determined that the puncture state of the capsule is complete, control the reminder module to issue a success signal to the user.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication assistance device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a second controller and an attitude sensor electrically connected to the second controller; the attitude sensor is configured to detect the tilt angle of the inhalation medication assistance device and generate a corresponding angle signal; the second controller is configured to receive the angle signal and, when the tilt angle is within a preset angle range, send a puncture trigger signal to the automatic puncture module.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the drive source includes a motor, the transmission mechanism includes a movable link driven by the motor, and the pressing element includes a push rod connected to the movable link.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the drive source includes a first high-pressure gas storage tank, and the transmission mechanism and the pressing element are integrated into a pneumatic actuator, with the transmission mechanism corresponding to the piston of the pneumatic actuator and the pressing element corresponding to the piston rod of the pneumatic actuator.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a high-pressure nozzle and a second high-pressure gas reservoir, wherein: the high-pressure nozzle is connected to the second high-pressure gas reservoir, and the high-pressure nozzle is arranged toward the air inlet of the inhaler, for spraying high-pressure airflow into the medication chamber of the inhaler when the airflow velocity reaches the required level and the capsule is not rotating.

[0014] In one possible implementation, a vibrator is also fixed inside the shell, which contacts the inhaler to oscillate the capsule.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a light scattering and collecting device, wherein: the light scattering and collecting device is located inside the housing and at the inhalation port of the inhaler, and is used to detect whether there is powder passing through the inhalation port according to the change of light.

[0016] The inhalation medication assistance device provided in this disclosure has the following advantages compared with the prior art: by setting an automatic puncture module on the shell, the capsule inside the inhaler is automatically punctured, which solves the technical problem that pressing the puncture part of the inhaler to puncture the capsule requires a lot of force, which is difficult for users with weak strength to press, and is not user-friendly for the elderly and children.

[0017] In addition, if the user does not inhale the medication, the capsule may not rotate as expected. In this case, the high-pressure nozzle sprays high-pressure airflow into the inhaler's medication chamber, disrupting the airflow balance within the inhaler. The impact of the high-pressure airflow allows the capsule, which was originally tilted or upright in the airflow vortex, to become horizontal. Under the impact of the high-pressure airflow, the capsule can redistribute the medication to some extent, giving it a chance to rotate. The high-pressure nozzle acts as a corrective measure, facilitating medication administration. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a capsule-type powder inhaler in the prior art;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an inhalation medication assistance device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another inhalation medication assistance device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an inhaler assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an inhalation medication assistance device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the base of an inhalation medication aid device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a top view of the internal structure of the base of an inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cover tube located at the air intake provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] In the diagram: 100, Inhaler; 101, Receiving tank; 102, Spiral air groove; 103, Air inlet; 104, Puncture section; 200, Capsule; 1, Shell; 111, Base; 112, Cover tube; 4, Flow rate sensor; 5, High-pressure nozzle; 6, Inhalation port; 7, Second high-pressure air tank; 8, First solenoid valve; 9, Air pump; 12, Inhalation airflow collection tube; 13, Support; 14, First collection tube; 15, Second collection tube; 16, Infrared transmitter; 17, Infrared receiver; 18, Second solenoid valve; 19, High-pressure airflow main pipe; 20, High-pressure airflow branch pipe; 21, Airflow adapter; 301, Top rod; 302, Movable connecting rod; 303, Motor; 401, Pneumatic actuator; 402, First high-pressure air tank. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of this disclosure will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0029] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "length," "width," "height," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the equipment or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] See Figure 1As shown, in the prior art, a capsule-type powder inhaler includes a connected base and an inhalation unit. The base has a puncture part 104 and a medication chamber inside. The medication chamber includes a connected receiving groove 101 and a spiral air groove 102, with the spiral air groove 102 located above the receiving groove 101. When the user uses the device, pressing the puncture part 104 punctures the capsule in the receiving groove. The user inhales through the inhalation unit, and external gas enters the medication chamber from the air inlet 103 under negative pressure, forming a spiral airflow along the inner wall of the spiral air groove 102. The capsule, propelled by this spiral airflow, floats from the receiving groove 101 into the spiral air groove 102, where it rotates and ejects the powdered medication. The released powdered medication is then inhaled into the user's mouth and lungs. However, the inventors discovered during the development of this disclosure that pressing the puncture part 104 requires considerable force, making it difficult for users with weaker strength, and is not user-friendly for the elderly or children.

[0031] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides an inhalation medication assistance device that automatically punctures the capsule inside the inhaler using an automatic puncture module mounted on the housing. This solves the technical problem that pressing the puncture point of the inhaler to puncture the capsule requires considerable force, making it difficult for users with weaker strength to press, and is unfriendly to elderly and young users.

[0032] The technical solution provided in this disclosure will be described in more detail below.

[0033] This disclosure provides an inhalation medication aid device, including a housing and an automatic puncture module. The housing is fitted over the inhaler to secure it. The automatic puncture module is mounted on the housing to automatically puncture the capsule inserted into the inhaler.

[0034] Optionally, the automatic puncture module may include a drive source, a transmission mechanism driven by the drive source, and a pressing member that moves under the drive mechanism; wherein the pressing member is configured to abut against and push the puncture part of the inhaler when driven, so as to puncture the capsule.

[0035] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The driving source can be a motor 303, the transmission mechanism can include a movable link 302 driven by the motor 303, and the pressing member can be a push rod 301 connected to the movable link 302. The output shaft of the motor 303 drives the push rod 301 to move through the movable link 302 to push the puncture part 104 of the inhaler 100.

[0036] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 3The driving source can also be a first high-pressure gas tank 402. The transmission mechanism and the pressing component are integrated into a pneumatic actuator 401. The transmission mechanism corresponds to the piston of the pneumatic actuator 401, and the pressing component corresponds to the piston rod of the pneumatic actuator 401. Under the pressure of the high-pressure gas released from the first high-pressure gas tank 402, the piston in the pneumatic actuator 401 drives the piston rod to extend, thereby abutting against and pushing the puncture part 104 of the inhaler 100, realizing automatic puncture of the capsule. The pneumatic drive has the advantages of fast response speed and stable thrust, which can effectively avoid damage to the inhaler 100 or capsule caused by mechanical transmission delay or excessive impact force. For example, the pneumatic actuator 401 can be a high-pressure cylinder.

[0037] The above are merely two examples of the automatic puncture module in the embodiments of this disclosure. The specific implementation can be determined according to actual needs, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0038] To detect the puncture status of the capsule, the inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment further includes a status detection module and a first control module; the status detection module is communicatively connected to the first control module and is configured to: detect physical parameters related to the action process of the automatic puncture module and send the physical parameters to the first control module; the first control module is configured to: determine the puncture status of the capsule based on the physical parameters.

[0039] For example, when the drive source is a motor, the physical parameters may include at least one of the following: the operating current of the drive source, the torque of the drive source, the resistance experienced by the pressing element, and the stress experienced by the transmission mechanism. When the drive source is a first high-pressure gas tank, the physical parameters may include at least one of the following: the gas pressure change value inside the first high-pressure gas tank, the piston displacement of the pneumatic actuator, the extension speed of the piston rod, or the air pressure value inside the pneumatic actuator. For example, during the puncture process, as the piston rod pushes the puncture part to puncture the capsule, the capsule shell will generate a certain resistance to the piston rod, causing a specific fluctuation in the air pressure inside the pneumatic actuator. The state detection module can collect the air pressure data inside the pneumatic actuator in real time through a pressure sensor and send it to the first control module. The first control module can compare the air pressure data with a preset air pressure change model.

[0040] Optionally, after determining the puncture status of the capsule, a preset operation can be executed based on the determination result. The preset operation can be a reminder for failed puncture and / or a monitoring operation for the next step after successful puncture.

[0041] The first control module can be configured to: generate a parameter curve that changes over time based on physical parameters; compare the parameter curve with a pre-stored reference curve; and, based on the comparison result, determine whether the capsule is completely punctured or abnormally punctured. For example, an abnormal puncture state may include at least one of the following: the capsule is not punctured, the capsule is incompletely punctured, or the capsule is missing.

[0042] To provide a puncture warning for the capsule, the inhalation medication aid may further include a warning module; the first control module is further configured to: when the capsule is determined to be punctured abnormally, control the warning module to send a warning signal to the user; and / or, when the capsule is determined to be punctured completely, control the warning module to send a success signal to the user.

[0043] To avoid incomplete puncture due to capsule tilting, the inhalation medication assistance device provided in this embodiment may further include a second controller and an attitude sensor electrically connected to the second controller; the attitude sensor is configured to detect the tilt angle of the inhalation medication assistance device and generate a corresponding angle signal; the second controller is configured to receive the angle signal and, when the tilt angle is within a preset angle range, send a puncture trigger signal to the automatic puncture module.

[0044] Optionally, the first controller and the second controller can be the same controller or different controllers, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0045] See also Figure 1 In horizontally placed inhalers, capsule-type powder inhalers often result in a situation where, even with a sufficiently high inhalation flow rate, the capsule is punctured and then tilted or upright, causing the powdered medication to accumulate at the bottom. The capsule cannot rotate in the spiral air channel, thus failing to expel the medication.

[0046] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides an inhalation medication assistance device. The inhalation medication assistance device can intervene and correct a capsule that is not rotating properly. In one possible implementation, the inhalation medication assistance device is equipped with a sound collector to collect sound signals from the inhaled airflow to determine the capsule's rotation status. Upon detecting a failure to rotate, intervention and correction are initiated to ensure effective drug release. It is understood that other technical means can also be used to determine the capsule's rotation status. Exemplarily, the sound collector can be positioned near the inhaler's air inlet.

[0047] The following is combined with Figures 4-8 The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0048] The inhalation medication aid device provided in this embodiment includes a housing 1 and a high-pressure nozzle 5. The high-pressure nozzle 5 is disposed toward the air inlet 103 of the inhaler 100 and is used to spray high-pressure airflow into the medication chamber of the inhaler when the inhalation airflow velocity reaches the required level and the capsule is not rotating.

[0049] The aforementioned drug compartment refers to the receiving slot 101 and spiral air slot 102 of the inhaler in the prior art, such as... Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the outlet of the high-pressure nozzle 5 is positioned facing the inlet of the spiral air groove 102, which is the location where the capsule 200 rotates. There can be one or more high-pressure nozzles 5. When there are multiple high-pressure nozzles 5, they can be positioned facing different air inlets 103 of the inhaler 100 to spray high-pressure airflow into the inhaler's medication compartment from multiple angles.

[0050] In existing technologies, ideally, a lightweight capsule requires only a relatively low inspiratory flow rate to rotate. However, even with sufficient inspiratory flow, the capsule often fails to rotate, rendering the inhaler unusable. During use, the non-rotating capsule does not release medication, and the user cannot inhale the medication even with forceful inhalation.

[0051] The present disclosure embodiments revealed that this is due to uneven drug distribution within the capsule, such as drug accumulation at one end of the capsule, a very common phenomenon. When the drug is unevenly distributed within the capsule, under the influence of the inhaled airflow, the capsule tilts or stands upright, with powdered drug accumulating at the bottom. The capsule cannot rotate within the spiral air groove, thus failing to expel the drug. In this situation, it is difficult to detect this particular condition by simply measuring the airflow velocity.

[0052] In existing technologies, when medication is not inhaled, it is impossible to detect whether the capsule is punctured or rotating. The usual practice is to either open the inhaler and re-check for punctures, or shake the capsule to spread the medication as evenly as possible within it. These existing methods require opening the inhaler and eliminating various factors, making them very complex. Without opening the inhaler, it is impossible to detect whether the capsule is punctured or rotating.

[0053] When the user inhales normally, but the capsule does not rotate as expected, the high-pressure nozzle 5 sprays high-pressure airflow into the inhaler's medication chamber, disrupting the airflow balance within the inhaler's medication chamber. Through the impact of the high-pressure airflow, the capsule, which was originally tilted or upright in the airflow vortex, has the opportunity to become horizontal. Under the impact of the high-pressure airflow, the capsule can redistribute the internal medication to a certain extent, giving the capsule a chance to rotate.

[0054] As an alternative implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, a second high-pressure gas storage tank 7 is fixed inside the housing 1. The outlet of the second high-pressure gas storage tank 7 is connected to a high-pressure nozzle 5 via a pipeline, and a first solenoid valve 8 is installed on the pipeline. The high-pressure nozzle 5 and part of the pipeline can be installed on the housing 1 and connected to the first solenoid valve 8 via an airflow adapter 21. The second high-pressure gas storage tank 7 is connected to an air pump 9, and a pressure sensor is installed inside the second high-pressure gas storage tank 7. Optionally, the first high-pressure gas storage tank and the second high-pressure gas storage tank 7 can be the same gas storage tank or different gas storage tanks, depending on actual needs.

[0055] The air pump 9 inflates the second high-pressure air tank 7. A pressure sensor detects the air pressure inside the second high-pressure air tank 7 to determine if it is functioning properly. When the inhalation flow rate reaches the required level, but the capsule does not rotate as expected, the first solenoid valve 8 is opened. The pressurized gas in the second high-pressure air tank 7 enters the high-pressure nozzle 5, which then sprays high-pressure airflow into the medication compartment of the inhaler, disrupting the airflow balance within the medication compartment.

[0056] As an optional implementation, a vibrator is also fixed inside the housing 1 of this embodiment. The vibrator is in contact with the inhaler and is used to oscillate the capsule.

[0057] The vibrator is located inside the housing 1. The vibrator can be a high-frequency vibration motor, as is available in the prior art, used to vibrate the drug compartment, facilitating the redistribution of the drug inside the capsule. The vibrator, in conjunction with the high-pressure nozzle 5, vibrates the capsule. When the inhalation airflow reaches the required level but the capsule does not rotate, the vibration helps to rearrange the drug powder inside the capsule, making it easier to rotate again.

[0058] In this embodiment, the airflow pressure inside the high-pressure nozzle 5 is greater than the user's inhalation pressure. When the high-pressure nozzle 5 releases high-pressure airflow into the drug chamber of the inhaler, it can break the existing airflow state of the capsule. The high-speed airflow can knock over the tilted or upright capsule. In addition, the vibrator vibrates the capsule, causing the drug to be redistributed in the capsule. When the drug is evenly distributed in the capsule, it is beneficial for the capsule to rotate again in the drug chamber, which facilitates the smooth release of the drug from the capsule.

[0059] In this embodiment, it is possible to re-correct a capsule that has sufficient inhalation airflow but is not rotating without turning on the inhaler. Specifically, the correction measures include: impacting the capsule with high-pressure airflow from the high-pressure nozzle 5 and vibrating it with a vibrator to spread the drug evenly in the capsule. The above-mentioned correction measures in this embodiment can increase the probability of capsule rotation and achieve smooth drug release without turning on the inhaler.

[0060] In existing technologies, elderly users sometimes forget to puncture the capsule before taking the medication. Many elderly people have gradually weakened hand strength, which can cause tremors when puncturing the capsule, resulting in incomplete puncture. This affects the success and effectiveness of medication inhalation. In such cases, even if the inhalation and airflow are performed correctly, it is still impossible to administer the medication correctly, affecting disease control and leading to acute exacerbations.

[0061] For the above issues, please refer to Figures 4-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 1 of the inhalation medication assistance device is fixed outside the inhaler, and the pneumatic actuator 401 corresponds to the puncture part of the inhaler. The pneumatic actuator 401 can automatically drive the puncture part to perform a puncture action.

[0062] In order to detect whether there is powder passing through the inhalation port, the inhalation medication assistance device of this embodiment also includes a light scattering and collecting device. The light scattering and collecting device is fixed inside the housing and located at the inhalation port 6 of the inhaler. It is used to detect whether there is powder passing through the inhalation port 6 according to the change of light.

[0063] When powder passes through, the light is reflected by the powder, and more light enters the optical path of the receiving sensor. The change in the photoelectric sensor determines whether powder has passed through. When the inhalation airflow reaches the required level and the capsule is rotating, the change in the light intensity determines whether the powder has been completely absorbed, thus preventing drug waste.

[0064] As an alternative implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the light scattering and collecting device includes a bracket 13, a first collecting tube 14, a second collecting tube 15, an infrared transmitter 16, and an infrared receiver 17. The bracket 13 is fixed inside the housing 1, and there are two or more brackets 13 arranged at intervals around the center of the air intake 6. The first collecting tube 14 and the second collecting tube 15 are both fixed to their respective brackets 13, with their openings facing the air intake 6 and connected to it. The infrared transmitter 16 is fixed inside the first collecting tube 14. There are one or more infrared receivers 17, and the number of second collecting tubes 15 corresponds one-to-one with the number of infrared receivers 17. The infrared receivers 17 are fixed inside their respective second collecting tubes 15.

[0065] See Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, an infrared emitter 16 and two infrared receivers 17 are installed inside the shroud 112 at the air intake 6. When no powder passes through, the scattered light received by the photoelectric sensor is generated by the disordered reflection of particulate matter in the ambient air and is basically constant. When powder passes through, more infrared light will enter the optical path of the receiving sensor due to the reflection of the powder. A large number of powder particles will scatter the infrared beam, causing the light intensity reaching the infrared receiver 17 to decrease significantly or fluctuate violently. The change in the photoelectric sensor is used to determine whether powder has passed through. The change in the infrared receiving intensity during inhalation while the capsule is rotating is used to determine whether the powder has been completely absorbed.

[0066] Infrared transmitter 16 and infrared receiver 17 are prone to drug residue, which may lead to misjudgment of whether the drug powder has been completely absorbed during the next use.

[0067] For the above issues, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the monitoring device in this embodiment also includes a high-pressure airflow main pipe 19 and high-pressure airflow branch pipes 20, wherein: the gas inlet of the high-pressure airflow main pipe 19 is connected to a second high-pressure gas storage tank 7, and a second solenoid valve 18 is provided on the pipeline connecting the two; the gas inlets of all high-pressure airflow branch pipes 20 are connected to the high-pressure airflow main pipe 19, and the gas outlets of the high-pressure airflow branch pipes 20 are connected to the corresponding first collection pipe 14 or second collection pipe 15, for high-pressure flushing of the first collection pipe 14 or the second collection pipe 15.

[0068] After each use, the controller opens the second solenoid valve 18, and the high-pressure airflow in the second high-pressure gas tank 7 enters the first collection tube 14 and the second collection tube 15 through the high-pressure airflow main pipe 19 and the high-pressure airflow branch pipe 20. The impact of the high-pressure airflow washes away the residual powder, thus cleaning the transmitting and receiving sensors. When the capsule is punctured by pressing, the optical path is zeroed to prevent misjudgment of whether the powder has been completely absorbed.

[0069] The cleaning component described above in this embodiment is used to automatically clean the optical surface of the powder detection device after each medication administration, so as to prevent residual powder from adhering and affecting the accuracy of the next detection.

[0070] As an alternative implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 includes a base 111 and a cover tube 112 that are fixedly connected. The base 111 is fixedly covered to the outside of the base of the inhaler, and the cover tube 112 is covered to the outside of the inhalation part of the inhaler. The cover tube 112 is connected to the inhaler and is used for the user to inhale through the mouth.

[0071] The base 111 is designed to match the base of the inhaler, and the cover 112 covers the inhalation section of the inhaler. Figure 1 The inhalation section (the structure of the inhalation tube) of the inhaler is omitted. When in use, the user inhales by holding the end of the mask tube 112 away from the base 111 in their mouth.

[0072] As an alternative implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 5 As shown, the monitoring device also includes an inhalation airflow collection tube 12, which is located inside the cover tube 112, and the collection port of the inhalation airflow collection tube 12 is located at the inhalation port 6 of the inhaler. The flow rate detection sensor 4 is fixed inside the bottom shell and is used to detect the gas flow rate inside the inhalation airflow collection tube 12.

[0073] See Figure 5 As shown, an air intake 6 is provided with an air intake 12. When air is inhaled, the pressure changes, and the flow rate sensor 4 will detect the pressure change through the air intake 12, which corresponds to the flow rate.

[0074] When a user inhales, airflow is generated in the main inhalation channel, resulting in a pressure difference across the inhalation airflow acquisition tube 12. The flow rate sensor 4 accurately measures this pressure difference and converts it into a real-time volumetric flow rate in liters per minute based on fluid dynamics principles (such as Bernoulli's equation). This flow rate signal is transmitted to the controller for analysis in real time.

[0075] In existing technology, users cannot determine whether all the powder in the capsule has been inhaled. The usual practice is to open the inhaler; if the capsule shell 1 is transparent, it's possible to visually inspect whether there is still medication inside. However, if the capsule shell 1 is opaque, it's impossible to tell whether there is any unused medication. Therefore, in existing technology, users often experience incomplete use of the medication in the capsule, resulting in medication waste.

[0076] The inhalation medication aid device of this embodiment operates according to the following steps during use: detecting the capsule puncture action; detecting whether the capsule is rotating; collecting the inhalation flow rate; collecting whether the powder in the powder aerosol is completely inhaled; if the inhalation flow rate meets the requirements but the capsule does not rotate as expected, the high-pressure nozzle 5 and the vibrator work together to break the airflow balance in the medication chamber, making the capsule horizontal, making it easier to spread the medication inside the capsule evenly, and making it easier for the capsule to rotate again.

[0077] This embodiment provides an inhaler assembly, including an inhaler and an inhalation medication assistance device as described in the above embodiment, wherein the inhaler is detachably fixed inside the housing 1.

[0078] The specific features, structures, or characteristics described in this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0079] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0080] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An inhalation medication aid device, characterized in that, Includes a housing and an automatic puncture module, the housing being fitted over the inhaler for securing the inhaler; The automatic puncture module is disposed on the housing and is used to automatically puncture the capsule inserted into the inhaler; The automatic puncture module includes a drive source, a transmission mechanism driven by the drive source, and a pressing component that moves under the drive of the transmission mechanism. The pressing element is configured to, when driven, abut against and push the puncture portion of the inhaler to puncture the capsule; The drive source includes a motor, the transmission mechanism includes a movable link driven by the motor, and the pressing member includes a push rod connected to the movable link, or... The drive source includes a first high-pressure gas storage tank, and the transmission mechanism and the pressing component are integrated into a pneumatic actuator. The transmission mechanism corresponds to the piston of the pneumatic actuator, and the pressing component corresponds to the piston rod of the pneumatic actuator. It also includes a status detection module and a first control module; The status detection module is communicatively connected to the first control module and is configured to: detect physical parameters related to the action process of the automatic puncture module and send the physical parameters to the first control module; The first control module is configured to: determine the puncture state of the capsule based on the physical parameters, wherein the puncture state includes a fully punctured state and an abnormal puncture state, wherein the abnormal puncture state includes at least one of the following: the capsule is not punctured, the capsule is not completely punctured, or the capsule is missing. The inhalation medication support device further includes a high-pressure nozzle and a second high-pressure gas reservoir, wherein: The high-pressure nozzle is connected to the second high-pressure gas tank. The high-pressure nozzle is positioned toward the air inlet of the inhaler and is used to spray high-pressure air into the medication chamber of the inhaler when the airflow velocity reaches the required level and the capsule is not rotating.

2. The inhalation medication assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control module is configured as follows: Generate a parameter curve that changes over time based on the physical parameters; The parameter curve is compared with a pre-stored reference curve; Based on the comparison results, the puncture status of the capsule is determined to be either complete puncture or abnormal puncture.

3. The inhalation medication assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reminder module; The first control module is further configured to: when the puncture status of the capsule is determined to be abnormal, control the alert module to send an alert signal to the user; and / or When the capsule is determined to be fully punctured, the control module sends a success signal to the user.

4. The inhalation medication assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second controller and an attitude sensor electrically connected to the second controller; The attitude sensor is configured to detect the tilt angle of the inhalation medication assistance device and generate a corresponding angle signal; The second controller is configured to receive the angle signal and, when the tilt angle is within a preset angle range, send a puncture trigger signal to the automatic puncture module.

5. The inhalation medication assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A vibrator is also fixed inside the shell, and the vibrator is in contact with the inhaler to vibrate the capsule.

6. The inhalation medication assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a light scattering and collection device, wherein: The light scattering and collecting device is located inside the housing and at the inhalation port of the inhaler, and is used to detect whether there is powder passing through the inhalation port based on changes in light. The light scattering and collecting device includes a bracket, a first collecting tube, a second collecting tube, an infrared emitter, and an infrared receiver. The bracket is fixed inside the housing, and there are two or more brackets arranged at intervals around the center of the inhalation port of the inhaler. The first collecting tube and the second collecting tube are both fixed to their respective brackets, with their openings facing and communicating with the inhalation port. The infrared emitter is fixed inside the first collecting tube. There are one or more infrared receivers, and the number of second collecting tubes corresponds one-to-one with the number of infrared receivers. Each infrared receiver is fixed inside its corresponding second collecting tube.

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