Capsule-based dry powder inhaler and method of operation

Abstract

This invention discloses a capsule-type dry powder inhaler and its working method, comprising: a fixing module, a rotating module, and a top cover; the fixing module has a blind-hole circular cavity with the open end located at the top of the fixing module; the rotating module is disposed in the circular cavity, and a gap is provided between the rotating module and the fixing module; the top cover is installed on the top of the fixing module; a mesh is provided at one end of the mouthpiece of the top cover; a magnet is provided at the bottom of the fixing module, and a magnet is provided at the bottom of the rotating module, and the magnets of the fixing module and the rotating module are attracted by magnetic force; the rotating module also has a capsule chamber, and the capsule chamber has slits at both ends; a puncture device is provided on the fixing module at positions corresponding to the two ends of the capsule chamber. This invention not only solves the problem of easy jamming during capsule rotation in existing dry powder inhalers, but also solves the problems of powder waste and inaccurate dosage caused by low inhalation flow rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a capsule-type dry powder inhaler and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Dry powder inhalers, as a mainstream pulmonary drug delivery device, have been widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Currently, commercially available dry powder inhalers are mainly divided into several types, including capsule-type, reservoir-type, and blister-type. Among them, capsule-type dry powder inhalers are widely used due to their simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and ease of portability and use. Typically, a hard capsule containing a single dose of medication powder is inserted before use. The capsule shell is broken open by puncture, cutting, or squeezing, and then the airflow generated by the patient's inhalation drives the capsule to rotate within the chamber. Under centrifugal force, the medication powder is ejected from the holes in the capsule shell.

[0004] In practical use, existing capsule-type dry powder inhalers still suffer from several issues: the capsule may become upright or jammed due to instability; and drug release efficiency is highly dependent on the patient's inspiratory flow rate. Typically, dry powder inhalers require at least 30 liters per minute of inspiratory flow, with an optimal flow rate of 60 liters per minute. If the inhalation is weak, the capsule rotation speed will decrease, preventing the drug powder from being fully expelled, resulting in more residual powder inside the capsule. Although existing technologies provide some devices to detect the flow rate of capsule-type dry powder inhalers, these devices only indicate that the initial inspiratory flow rate is insufficient when the patient's flow rate is low. At this point, some powder is still expelled from the capsule, but the dissociation of this powder is not ideal, failing to achieve the desired effect and resulting in substantial waste. Even if the second inhalation meets the required flow rate, the dosage remains inaccurate, failing to achieve the expected therapeutic effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a capsule-type dry powder inhaler and its operating method. This not only solves the problem that the capsules in existing dry powder inhalers may become upright or stuck due to unstable posture, but also solves the problem of powder waste caused by weak inhalation, thus ensuring accurate dosage.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions: This invention provides a capsule-type dry powder inhaler, comprising: a fixing module, a rotating module, and a top cover; the fixing module has a blind-hole circular cavity, with the open end located at the top of the fixing module; the rotating module is disposed in the circular cavity, and there is a gap between the rotating module and the fixing module; the top cover is mounted on the top of the fixing module; the top cover consists of a mouthpiece and a mounting base, the mounting base has a through hole, the mouthpiece is fixedly disposed on the mounting base, and the through hole corresponds to the channel of the mouthpiece; a mesh is provided at the end of the mouthpiece near the mounting base; The rotating module is also provided with a capsule chamber, and the capsule chamber has incisions at both ends. The fixing module is provided with puncture devices at positions corresponding to the two ends of the capsule chamber. The rotating module also includes a wind wheel, which is disposed on one side of the rotating module. The bottom of the rotating module is also provided with a magnet. The wind wheel consists of a fixing part and blades, and multiple blades are disposed on the circumference of the fixing part. The side wall of the fixed module is also provided with at least two air inlets, which are connected to the circular cavity. A magnet is provided on the bottom of the circular cavity. The magnet of the rotating module and the magnet of the fixed module are attracted to each other by magnetic force.

[0007] As a further implementation, the blades are either arc-shaped or straight.

[0008] As a further implementation, when the blade is curved, the concave side of the blade faces the airflow direction.

[0009] As a further implementation, the magnets are all flat.

[0010] As a further implementation, the magnet on the rotating module is a sphere, and the magnet on the fixed module has a groove that is compatible with the sphere.

[0011] As a further implementation, both the rotating module and the magnet in the circular cavity have one N pole facing upwards and the other S pole facing upwards.

[0012] As a further implementation, the button is equipped with a reed relay, and the reed relay is connected to a prompter.

[0013] As a further implementation, the fixed module is embedded with an induction coil and a control device. The control device is connected to the induction coil and is used to receive the electrical signal generated by the induction coil cutting the magnetic field lines.

[0014] As a further implementation, the control device establishes a connection with the terminal via a short-range wireless communication module.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for operating a capsule-type dry powder inhaler, comprising the following steps: S1. Capsules are placed in the capsule compartment; S2. Place the rotating module impeller upwards into the circular cavity on the fixed module; S3. Lock the top cover to the fixing module using the locking components; S4. Press the button, and the puncture device moves along the mounting groove toward the center of the fixing module. The needle punctures the capsule through the puncture hole. When the indicator of the puncture device sounds, it indicates that the capsule has been punctured. The puncture device is reset under the action of the spring. S5. When a negative pressure state appears in the suction nozzle and reaches the set threshold, the rotating module rotates, and the powder in the capsule undergoes centrifugal motion and enters the suction nozzle; S6. When the rotating module rotates, the induction coil repeatedly cuts the magnetic field lines to generate an electrical signal. By measuring the changes in the electrical signal, the movement of the capsule can be detected. The control device records the relationship between time and current when the time when the electrical signal is first generated is zero, and finally transmits the detected signal to the terminal via Bluetooth.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: This invention provides a magnet at the bottom of a rotating module and a magnet at the bottom of a circular cavity in a fixed module. The magnets in the rotating module and the fixed module attract each other through magnetic force, causing the cuts at both ends of the capsule chamber to automatically align with the puncture holes. The rotating module can be attached to the fixed module, thus preventing the rotating module from rotating when the airflow does not reach the target value, preventing the powder from being thrown out, and avoiding the waste of powder caused by insufficient airflow.

[0017] The two air inlets of this invention enable the gas to form a symmetrical and uniform circulation or convection within the cavity, thereby creating a stable and controllable airflow environment in the central region of the cavity. The relative air intake ensures uniform airflow pressure distribution on the rotating module. The puncture hole is a small-diameter channel that effectively reduces gas leakage in the non-puncture state. It physically isolates the mounting slot from the circular cavity and provides a mounting base for the puncture device. The spring return force in the puncture device allows the needle to quickly retract into the device, preventing the needle tip from remaining inserted in the capsule compartment for an extended period and thus avoiding interference with the subsequent dry powder inhalation process. By selecting different spring specifications, the puncture force and depth can be precisely controlled to meet the specific puncture force requirements of different application scenarios. The button of the puncture device is equipped with a reed relay and connected to an indicator to notify the user when the capsule is punctured, preventing inhalation from starting before the capsule is punctured.

[0018] When the capsule is not inserted, this invention can also be used as an inhalation trainer for patients to practice inhalation. The rotating module does not rotate when the required inhalation is not achieved, and rotates and emits a sound when the required inhalation is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an assembly structure diagram of the fixed module, rotating module, and upper cover of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the fixed module of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a rotating module according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the rotating module of the present invention having two spherical bodies; Figure 5 This is a right view of the fixing module of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the puncture device of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the upper cover of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Fixed module; 2. Rotating module; 3. Top cover; 4. Circular cavity; 5. Mounting slot; 6. Air inlet; 7. Magnet; 8. Capsule compartment; 9. Fan wheel; 10. Puncture hole; 11. Button; 12. Needle; 13. Spring; 14. Suction nozzle; 15. Mounting base; 16. Mesh. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0022] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the invention, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. Example 1 This embodiment discloses a capsule-type dry powder inhaler, such as Figures 1-7As shown, it includes: a fixing module 1, a rotating module 2, and a top cover 3; the fixing module 1 has a blind-hole circular cavity 4, with the open end located at the top of the fixing module 1; the rotating module 2 can be placed in the circular cavity 4, and after placement, a gap is provided between the rotating module 2 and the fixing module 1; the top cover 3 is installed on the top of the fixing module 1; the top cover 3 consists of a suction nozzle 14 and a mounting base 15; the mounting base 15 has a through hole, and the suction nozzle 14 is fixedly mounted on the mounting base 15, with the through hole corresponding to the channel of the suction nozzle 14; a mesh 16 is provided at the end of the suction nozzle 14 near the mounting base 15; like Figures 3-4 As shown, one end of the rotating module 2 is equipped with a fan wheel 9, which consists of a circular fixed part and blades. Multiple blades are evenly distributed on the circumference of the fixed part; the blades are either arc-shaped or straight. The fan wheel 9 in the rotating module 2, through its circular fixed part and multiple evenly distributed arc-shaped or straight blades, can rotate efficiently under the airflow of the air inlet 6, effectively improving the overall rotation speed of the rotating module. The rotating module 2 also has a capsule chamber 8, with slits at both ends. A puncture device is located on the fixed module 1 at positions corresponding to the ends of the capsule chamber 8. The slit structure provides the application point for the puncture device, ensuring that the puncture action breaks the capsule rather than squeezes it, which is beneficial for efficient drug release. The capsule is broken by the puncture device, and after puncture, the drug in the capsule is centrifuged out at a high rotation speed, thereby reducing drug residue in the capsule.

[0023] A magnet 7 is provided on the top of the rotating module 2. The magnet 7 may be flat. Figure 3 It can also be a sphere. Figure 4 The magnets on both sides of the capsule have opposite polarities, with the N pole of one magnet pointing upwards and the S pole of the other magnet pointing upwards.

[0024] At least two air inlets 6 are provided on the side wall of the fixed module 1. The air inlets 6 are connected to the circular cavity 4. The centrifuged drug is carried into the nozzle 14 in the upper cover 3 by the airflow. The gas can form a symmetrical and uniform circulation or convection in the cavity, thereby creating a stable and controllable airflow environment in the central area of ​​the cavity. The relative air intake ensures that the airflow pressure distribution on the rotating module 2 is uniform.

[0025] As a further implementation, the side wall of the fixing module 1 is also provided with a mounting groove 5 for mounting the puncture device. The mounting groove 5 is connected to the circular cavity 4 through a puncture hole 10. The puncture hole 10 is a small-diameter channel that can effectively reduce gas leakage in the non-puncture state. It physically isolates the mounting groove 5 from the circular cavity 4 and provides a mounting base for the puncture device.

[0026] As a further implementation, the puncture device includes a spring 13, a button 11, and a needle 12. The needle 12 is disposed at one end of the button 11 and is coaxially arranged with the button 11. The spring 13 is sleeved on the outside of the needle 12, with one end fixedly connected to the button 11 and the other end abutting against the end of the mounting groove 5 where the puncture hole 10 is located. The end of the button 11 connected to the spring 13 is engaged with the mounting groove 5 to prevent the button 11 from falling out of the mounting groove 5. After puncture, the restoring force of the spring 13 allows the needle 12 to quickly retract into the device, preventing the needle tip from being inserted into the capsule chamber 8 and affecting the subsequent inhalation of dry powder, while also preparing for the next use. By selecting needles 12 and springs 13 of different specifications, the puncture force and depth can be precisely controlled to meet the specific requirements of different application scenarios for puncture force.

[0027] As a further implementation, the suction nozzle 14 is fixedly mounted on the mounting base 15, and the through hole corresponds to the channel of the suction nozzle 14. The suction nozzle 14, fixed on the mounting base 15, with its channel accurately corresponding to the through hole, forms an efficient and sealed conveying path.

[0028] As a further implementation, one side of the mounting base 15 is hinged to one edge of the top of the fixing module 1 via a rotating shaft, and a snap-fit ​​is provided between the other side of the mounting base 15 and the top of the fixing module 1. The hinged connection between the mounting base 15 and one edge of the top of the fixing module 1 via the rotating shaft allows the mounting base 15 to rotate flexibly, facilitating the placement of the rotating module into the capsule compartment 8. The snap-fit ​​mechanism enables quick locking or releasing, ensuring the stability and reliability of the mounting base 15 when fixed.

[0029] As a further implementation, the rotating module 2 also includes a fan wheel 9, which is located on the side of the capsule chamber 8 away from the magnet 7. The fan wheel 9 consists of a circular fixed part and blades, and there are multiple blades evenly arranged on the circumference of the fixed part. The blades are arc-shaped blades or straight blades. The design of multiple arc-shaped or straight blades can rotate efficiently under the action of airflow from the air inlet 6, effectively improving the overall rotation speed of the rotating module.

[0030] As a further implementation, a pair of magnets are provided at the bottom of the rotating module corresponding to the circular cavity. When the rotating module magnet 7 is flat, the magnet in the circular cavity is also flat and of the same size and shape, with the N pole of one magnet facing upwards and the S pole of the other magnet facing upwards. When the rotating module magnet 7 is spherical, the magnet in the circular cavity is a corresponding groove shape, with the N pole of one magnet facing upwards and the S pole of the other magnet facing upwards. When one end of the rotating module 2 magnet is placed downwards into the circular cavity 4, the N pole of the rotating module attracts the S pole of the circular cavity, and the S pole of the rotating module attracts the N pole of the circular cavity, thereby automatically aligning the cuts at both ends of the capsule chamber 8 with the puncture holes 10.

[0031] Because the magnet causes the rotating module 2 to adhere to the bottom circular cavity of the fixed module 1, the rotating module will not rotate and the powder will not be released when the inhalation speed is insufficient. When the required inhalation speed is reached, the rotating module rises and rotates, and the powder is thrown out of the capsule under centrifugal force and inhaled into the patient's lungs under negative pressure, ensuring accurate dosage and good dissociation effect, thus guaranteeing good medication efficacy.

[0032] As a further implementation, a reed relay is provided inside the button 11, and the reed relay is connected to an indicator. When the puncture is complete, the reed relay closes or opens under the action of the magnetic force of the capsule chamber, and the indicator emits a set sound to inform the user that the capsule has been punctured in the form of sound waves. The puncture signal is then transmitted to the terminal, and the inhalation process is recorded.

[0033] As a further implementation, an induction coil is embedded in the bottom end of the fixed module 1 and in the position corresponding to the circular cavity 4, or in the side wall or grid. The control device is connected to the induction coil and is used to receive the electrical signal generated by the induction coil cutting the magnetic field lines.

[0034] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for operating a capsule-type dry powder inhaler, including the following steps: S1. A capsule is placed in capsule compartment 8; S2 inserts the rotating module impeller upwards into the circular cavity 4 on the fixed module; S3 locks the upper cover 3 to the fixing module 1 using the locking component; S4. Press button 11, and the puncture needle 12 moves with button 11 through puncture hole 10 toward the center of fixed module 1 to puncture the capsule. When the puncture needle reaches or exceeds the set position, the reed relay is disconnected or connected under the action of magnetic field, so that the indicator sounds a warning sound, indicating that the capsule has been punctured; release the button, and the puncture device is reset under the action of spring 13. S5. The user exhales deeply and holds his breath, then puts the mouthpiece into his mouth and inhales deeply. At this time, a negative pressure state appears in the mouthpiece 14 and the circular cavity 4. When the negative pressure reaches the set value, the rotating module rises from the bottom of the fixed module and rotates under the push of the air entering from the air inlet of the fixed module. The powder in the capsule undergoes centrifugal motion, disperses from the hole on the capsule, and enters the mouthpiece under the action of negative pressure, and reaches the patient's lungs through the mouthpiece. S6. When the rotating module rotates, the induction coil repeatedly cuts the magnetic field lines to generate an electrical signal. By measuring the changes in the electrical signal, the movement of the capsule can be detected. The control device records the relationship between time and current when the time when the electrical signal is first generated is zero, and finally transmits the detected signal to the terminal via Bluetooth.

[0035] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a fixed module, a rotating module, and a top cover. The fixed module has a blind-hole circular cavity with its open end located at the top. The rotating module is disposed within the circular cavity, and a gap exists between the rotating module and the fixed module. The top cover is mounted on the top of the fixed module. The top cover consists of a suction nozzle and a mounting base. The mounting base has a through hole, and the suction nozzle is fixedly mounted on the mounting base, with the through hole corresponding to the nozzle's channel. A mesh is provided at the end of the suction nozzle near the mounting base. The rotating module is also provided with a capsule chamber, and the capsule chamber has incisions at both ends. The fixing module is provided with puncture devices at positions corresponding to the two ends of the capsule chamber. The rotating module also includes a wind wheel, which is disposed on one side of the rotating module. The bottom of the rotating module is also provided with a magnet. The wind wheel consists of a fixing part and blades, and multiple blades are disposed on the circumference of the fixing part. The side wall of the fixed module is also provided with at least two air inlets, which are connected to the circular cavity. A magnet is provided on the bottom of the circular cavity. The magnet of the rotating module and the magnet of the fixed module are attracted to each other by magnetic force.

2. The capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The blades are either arc-shaped or straight.

3. The capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the blade is curved, the concave side of the blade faces the direction of the airflow.

4. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, All the magnets are flat.

5. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnet on the rotating module is a sphere, and the magnet on the fixed module has a groove that is compatible with the sphere.

6. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the rotating module and the magnet in the circular cavity have one N pole facing upwards and the other S pole facing upwards.

7. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The button contains a reed relay, and the reed relay is connected to a prompter.

8. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed module is embedded with an induction coil and a control device. The control device is connected to the induction coil and is used to receive the electrical signal generated by the induction coil cutting the magnetic field lines.

9. A capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The control device establishes a connection with the terminal via a short-range wireless communication module.

10. The method of operating a capsule-type dry powder inhaler as described in any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Capsules are placed in the capsule compartment; S2. Place the rotating module impeller upwards into the circular cavity on the fixed module; S3. Lock the top cover to the fixing module using the locking components; S4. Press the button, and the puncture device moves along the mounting groove toward the center of the fixing module. The needle punctures the capsule through the puncture hole. When the indicator of the puncture device sounds, it indicates that the capsule has been punctured. The puncture device is reset under the action of the spring. S5. When a negative pressure state appears in the suction nozzle and reaches the set threshold, the rotating module rotates, and the powder in the capsule undergoes centrifugal motion and enters the suction nozzle; S6. When the rotating module rotates, the induction coil repeatedly cuts the magnetic field lines to generate an electrical signal. By measuring the changes in the electrical signal, the movement of the capsule can be detected. The control device records the relationship between time and current when the time when the electrical signal is first generated is zero, and finally transmits the detected signal to the terminal via Bluetooth.

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