Inhaler including photoplethysmography sensor

Abstract

To provide an inhaler which enables even a user whose pulmonary respiration is weak to inhale smoothly and is capable of individually controlling a powder release condition for a general user.SOLUTION: The inhaler includes: a stick provided with a chamber accommodating a capsule containing powder and a pierce hole opened toward the chamber; a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted; a pierce member provided in the insertion groove and breaking the capsule by penetrating the pierce hole when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a vibration member providing vibration to the pierce member; a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor measuring a biosignal of a user of the inhaler; and a controller controlling an operation of the inhaler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments of this document relate to inhalers. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device that allows a user to inhale a liquid or gas containing a composition such as a drug through the oral or nasal cavity.

[0003] Such devices comprise a chamber containing an inhalable composition, which travels from the chamber through a channel and ultimately to the oral or nasal cavity, where it can be inhaled by the user.

[0004] The above-mentioned background art was held or acquired by the inventors in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of this specification, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known art that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Inhalers that use a powdered composition, conventional non-electronic inhalers require the user to inhale the powder by breathing in. In this case, the amount of powder released from the inhaler varies depending on the breathing volume of the user's lungs, which limits the use of inhalers for users whose lungs cannot breathe at a certain level.

[0006] To solve this problem, there has been a demand for an inhaler that allows users with weak lung capacity to inhale smoothly and also allows general users to individually control the release state of powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An inhaler according to one embodiment includes an insertion groove extending in a first direction and accommodating a smoking stick; a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for crushing a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a vibration member for applying vibrations to the piercing member; a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring biosignals of a user of the inhaler; and a controller for controlling the operation of the inhaler.

[0008] The photoplethysmography sensor may be positioned on the inhaler such that it is in close contact with at least a portion of the user's hand when the user grasps the inhaler via the hand.

[0009] The control unit may generate a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor when the inhaler is powered on.

[0010] When the vibration by the vibrating member ends, the control unit can generate a second biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor.

[0011] The control unit can generate a powder inhalation result indicating a difference between the first biological signal and the second biological signal, and output the powder inhalation result.

[0012] The inhaler may further include a puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick, and the control unit may receive a detection result from the puff sensor and control the vibration of the vibrating member.

[0013] The inhaler may further include a sub-vibration member that provides vibration to the stick.

[0014] The inhaler may further include an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressed by the stick when the stick is inserted, and the sub-vibration member may provide vibration to the stick via the elastic member.

[0015] The sub-vibration member can vibrate the stick in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0016] The sub-vibration member can vibrate the stick in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] The stick may include a chamber that houses the capsule and is positioned to be located in the insertion groove when the stick is inserted, a mouthpiece that is provided opposite the chamber, an airflow channel that provides fluid communication between the chamber and the mouthpiece, and a mesh that is positioned between the airflow channel and the chamber.

[0018] The stick may further include a piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to rupture the capsule, and a sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is ruptured by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0019] The stick may include a piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to crush the capsule, and a door for selectively opening and closing the piercing hole.

[0020] The inhaler further includes an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, and a door hinge that opens and closes the door, and the control unit receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and controls the door hinge based on the detection result to open and close the door.

[0021] In one embodiment, a method for outputting the results of powder inhalation performed by an inhaler includes: an insertion groove for accommodating a smoking stick; a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for crushing a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a vibration member for providing vibrations to the piercing member; a photoplethysmography sensor for measuring a biosignal of a user of the inhaler; and a controller for controlling the operation of the inhaler. The method for outputting the results of powder inhalation includes, when the inhaler is powered on, generating a first biosignal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor; when the vibration by the vibration member ends, generating a powder inhalation result indicating a difference between the first biosignal and the second biosignal; and outputting the powder inhalation result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In one embodiment, the inhaler can provide a powder inhalation result to the user.

[0023] The effects of the inhaler according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which a stick is partially inserted into a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which a stick is fully inserted into a holder inside an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a stick according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a stick according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an inhaler including a photoplethysmography sensor according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method for outputting powder inhalation results according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The terms used in the various embodiments are generally used as widely as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0028] In various embodiments, "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, where inhalation refers to drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a body (or holder) that supports a cartridge (or stick) that houses capsules that hold the composition. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited to this. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and fixed so that it cannot be removed by the user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with a capsule housed therein. However, without being limited thereto, powder or capsules holding the powder may be injected into the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0030]

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in a form that can be realized in the inhaler of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment includes at least one of a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, a communication unit 180, and a drive unit 190.

[0033] However, the internal structure of inhaler 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of inhaler 100.

[0034] In one embodiment, the detector 120 can detect the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100 and transmit the detected information to the controller 110 (or processor). The controller 110 can control the operation of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the detected information.

[0035] For example, the control unit 110 can perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 150 based on the detection result of the detection unit 120, determining whether a stick (e.g., stick 210 in FIG. 2), a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIG. 3A), a cartridge, a cigarette, etc. can be inserted and controlling the driving unit 190, or displaying a notification on the output unit 130.

[0036] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, a puff sensor 126, and a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 128, but is not limited to these.

[0037] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature of the heater 150. The inhaler 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed near the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0038] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of a stick (e.g., stick 230 in FIG. 2) or a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the stick or capsule.

[0039] In one embodiment, puff sensor 126 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, puff sensor 126 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0040] In one embodiment, the PPG sensor 128 includes a first end that outputs a signal to the user's body and a second end that receives the output signal from the user's body. For example, the PPG sensor 128 may be configured with multiple physically separated elements for transmitting and receiving signals. As a different example, the PPG sensor 128 may be configured such that the elements for transmitting and receiving signals are physically integrated into one. For example, the PPG sensor 128 may measure basic information used to determine the activity level, stress level, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure index of a functional substance.

[0041] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the aforementioned sensors. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 outputs and provides information to a user regarding the status of the inhaler 100. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device as well as an output device.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 visually provides information about the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, the information about the inhaler 100 may include at least one of various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 140 of the inhaler 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of a stick or capsule, or a status that restricts the use of the inhaler 100 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the vibration status of the driver 190, and the display unit 132 outputs such information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 132 may display the status of an LED light emitting element.

[0044] In one embodiment, the haptic portion 134 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to tactilely provide information to the user regarding the inhaler 100. For example, the haptic portion 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0045] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 audibly provides the user with information regarding the inhaler 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0046] In one embodiment, battery 140 can provide the power used to operate inhaler 100. Battery 140 provides power to heater 150 to heat.

[0047] In one embodiment, battery 140 provides the power necessary to operate other components included within inhaler 100 (e.g., detection unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180, or drive unit 190). Battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0048] In one embodiment, heater 150 receives power from battery 140 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 140 and supplies it to heater 150. Furthermore, if inhaler 100 generates aerosol using an induction method, inhaler 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of battery 140 into AC power.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180, and the drive unit 190 may function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , they may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0050] In one embodiment, heater 150 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 150 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0051] In one embodiment, heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0052] In one embodiment, heater 150 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0053] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared detection type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the inhaler 100 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, through which the inhaler 100 may be connected to another external device to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0054] In one embodiment, memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within inhaler 100, and stores data that has been processed by control unit 110 and data to be processed by control unit 110. Memory 170 includes at least one type of storage medium from the following: a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or xD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0055] In one embodiment, memory 170 stores data such as the operating time of inhaler 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data relating to the user's smoking patterns.

[0056] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 includes a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0057] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0058] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the inhaler 100 within the communication network.

[0059] In one embodiment, the driver 190 may include various drivers to assist the user in inhaling the inhaler 100. For example, the driver 190 may include a vibrating member 191 to assist in the delivery of powder from the inhaler 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the vibrating member 191 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator, and may generate vibrations in response to application of a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage). Without being limited thereto, the driving unit 190 may further include elements such as a motor, a shaft, multiple pinions, or a hydraulic device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the controller 110 controls the overall operation of the inhaler 100. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. The controller 110 may also be implemented as other types of hardware, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. As another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 150 in response to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the result detected by the detection unit 120 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so as to start or stop the operation of the heater 150 or the driving unit 190 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120.

[0064] For example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater 150 can heat up to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user that the inhaler 100 will soon be terminated via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136. Alternatively, for example, the puff sensor 126 may detect the user's inhalation state, and the control unit 110 may control the driving of the vibration member 191 of the driving unit 190 based on the detected state.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 150 depending on the state of the stick or capsule detected by the detection unit 120 .

[0067] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0069] 2, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes a holder 210 and a stick 230, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the inhaler 200 refers to the holder 210 excluding the stick 230. The stick 230 may be integrally formed with the holder 210. Alternatively, the stick 230 (e.g., a cigarette) may be detachable from the holder 210. Hereinafter, the term "inhaler" is used interchangeably with "holder."

[0070] In one embodiment, the holder 210 may be configured in a cylindrical or polygonal column shape. An insertion groove 215 for inserting the stick 230 is formed in the holder 210, and the stick 230 may be inserted into the insertion groove 215 in a first direction (e.g., the -Y direction).

[0071] In one embodiment, the holder 210 includes a first surface 211, a second surface 212, and a side surface 213. An insertion groove 215 may be formed in the first surface 211, and the second surface 212 may be the surface opposite to the first surface 211. A side surface 213 may be formed between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0072] In one embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be a groove formed in the first surface 211 .

[0073] For example, the insertion groove 215 may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the holder 210. The stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210 in the direction in which the insertion groove 215 extends into the holder 210 (e.g., the -Y direction; hereinafter, referred to as the "first direction").

[0074] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) may be formed between the outside of the holder 210 and the insertion groove 215 to allow air outside the holder 210 to flow into the insertion groove 215 .

[0075] Although not shown in the drawings, the holder 210 houses various components of the inhaler 200 therein, for example, the holder 210 may house at least one of a control unit (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1), at least one sensor (e.g., the detection unit 120 in FIG. 1), and a battery (e.g., the battery 140 in FIG. 1).

[0076] In one embodiment, the holder 210 is configured in the shape of a cylindrical or polygonal pillar, and the stick 230 has a size and shape that allows it to be inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. The stick 230 contains the powder P inside.

[0077] In one embodiment, a mouthpiece 231 is provided at one end of the stick 230. For example, the mouthpiece 231 is provided at one end opposite the other end inserted into the insertion groove 215. A user may inhale air by applying negative pressure to the stick 230. For example, the user may bite the mouthpiece 231 in their mouth to inhale the powder P, or may inhale air or aerosol containing the powder P.

[0078] Figures 3A and 3B are views of the inside of region A shown in Figure 2. Specifically, Figure 3A shows a state in which stick 230 is inserted (partially inserted) into insertion groove 215 of holder 210, and Figure 3B shows a state in which stick 230 is substantially completely inserted into insertion groove 215.

[0079] 3A and 3B, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a piercing member 220, a resilient member 225, a chamber 233, and a piercing hole 234.

[0080] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes a chamber 233 for accommodating the capsule 232. The chamber 233 may be a portion of the stick 230 that is inserted into the insertion groove 215. The chamber 233 may be a space for accommodating or storing the capsule 232, or may be a space for restricting the movement of the capsule 232.

[0081] In one embodiment, capsule 232 contains powder P therein. Powder P may be tobacco extract in small particle form, or powder P may be a composition or functional substance including a pharmacological substance such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, a sedative, a hypnotic, a bronchodilator, a vaccine, or a substance such as free nicotine or nicotine salt. However, this is merely an example, and capsule 232 may contain powder P therein that may be replaced with a liquid, a gas, or some combination thereof.

[0082] In one embodiment, the pierce hole 234 is an opening formed in the stick 230 to provide fluid communication between the chamber 233 and the outside. The pierce hole 234 may be formed on the surface of the stick 230 facing the insertion groove 215, preferably in the area facing the pierce member 220. The pierce hole 234 may have a diameter larger than or the same as the diameter of the pierce member 220.

[0083] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes an airflow channel 235 that provides fluid communication from the chamber 233 to a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2). The airflow channel 235 is a passage through which air containing the powder P flows, and a mash 236 may be disposed between the airflow channel 235 and the chamber 233.

[0084] In one embodiment, mesh 236 allows powder P and air to pass through while restricting the passage of capsules 232 or other foreign objects, or mesh 236 may filter out a portion of powder P or prevent powder P from clumping. For example, the diameter of a single hole in mesh 236 may be 5 micrometers.

[0085] In one embodiment, when capsule 232 is crushed, at least a portion of the powder P inside capsule 232 is released into chamber 233. When the user inhales air from stick 230 through mouthpiece 231, powder P passes through mesh 236 and travels through airflow channel 235 to mouthpiece 231, where it is inhaled by the user.

[0086] In one embodiment, the stick 230 may be disposable and replaced with another stick 230 after the powder P is depleted, or the stick 230 may be reusable and, once the powder P is depleted, the capsule 232 or powder P may be refilled and used again.

[0087] In one embodiment, the piercing member 220 is disposed in the insertion groove 215 and may protrude from the insertion groove 215 in a direction (e.g., the +Y direction) toward the stick 230. The piercing member 220 may crush the capsule 232. For example, when the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215 in a first direction (e.g., the -Y direction), at least a portion of the piercing member 220 penetrates the piercing hole 234 and is inserted into the chamber 233 of the stick 230, and the piercing member 220 may partially crush the capsule 232.

[0088] In one embodiment, the distal end of the piercing member 220 has a sharp or pointed shape, for example, the piercing member 220 may be a needle or a sting. The distal end of the piercing member 220 fractures a region of the capsule 232, forming a perforation in the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may release the powder P into the chamber 233 through the perforation fractured by the piercing member 220.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 225 may be provided in the insertion groove 215. When the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 is pressed by the stick 230 and deformed (e.g., compressed). When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 presses the stick 230 in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the +Y direction) due to its elastic force. The elastic member 225 may be formed of a coil spring that applies the elastic force.

[0090] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4A, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes a vibration member 250 (eg, vibration member 191 of FIG. 1).

[0092] In one embodiment, when capsule 232 is crushed by piercing member 220, a perforation communicating with chamber 233 is formed in capsule 232, and at least a portion of powder P inside capsule 232 is released into chamber 233 through the perforation. Powder P released into chamber 233 passes through mesh 236 and is conveyed to airflow channel 235, passes through airflow channel 235 and a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2) and is inhaled by the user.

[0093] In one embodiment, the amount of powder P inhaled by the user may vary based on various parameters related to the powder P emitted from the capsule 232 (e.g., factors such as the amount of powder P emitted per unit time, the density of the powder P in the air passing through the airflow channel 235, or the degree of diffusion of the emitted powder P).

[0094] In one embodiment, by controlling the amount of powder P released from capsule 232 per unit time (hereinafter, "amount of powder P released") via vibration member 250, inhaler 200 can provide powder P to the user in a manner suitable for the user's conditions, usage environment, or user preferences.

[0095] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may provide vibration to the piercing member 220. Alternatively, the vibration member 250 may directly or indirectly vibrate at least one of the capsule 232, the powder P, or the chamber 233. For convenience of explanation, an embodiment of the inhaler 200 in which the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0096] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator that generates vibrations when a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied, but in actual implementation, it is not limited to this and may be implemented with various structures and configurations that can provide vibrations to the piercing member 220.

[0097] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 applies vibrations to the piercing member 220 to assist in the ejection of the powder P from the capsule 232. When the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220, the perforation formed in the capsule 232 becomes larger, or the vibrations are transmitted to the capsule 232 or the powder P, increasing the amount of powder P ejected.

[0098] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) substantially parallel to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, i.e., the first direction (e.g., the -Y direction).

[0099] In one embodiment, when the vibrating member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, it is effective in expelling powder P located or stagnating between the capsule 232 and the piercing member 220. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the diameter of the piercing hole 234 to ensure space for the vibration of the piercing member 220, it is possible to prevent the powder P from escaping from the stick 230 through the piercing hole 234. In addition, the vibration of the vibrating member 250 is mainly transmitted to the piercing member 220 and the capsule 232, and vibration transmitted to the stick 230 or the holder 210 can be reduced or prevented.

[0100] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction (e.g., an XZ plane direction) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, i.e., a first direction (e.g., a -Y direction). The vibration of the piercing member 220 is transmitted to the capsule 232, and the vibration of the capsule 232 can promote the release of the powder P.

[0101] In such a case, the piercing member 220 can increase the size of the perforation, or the piercing member 220 can secure a space between the capsule 232 and the piercing member 220 to effectively release the powder P. Also, the capsule 232 repeatedly collides with the chamber 233 due to vibration, thereby further increasing the amount of the powder P released.

[0102] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vibration member 250 vibrates the capsule 232 three-dimensionally via the piercing member 220, thereby further increasing the amount of powder P released compared to simple unidirectional reciprocating motion.

[0103] In various embodiments, the inhaler 200 may need to reduce or increase the amount or speed of the powder P released from the capsule 232 depending on various factors, such as the user's breathing rate, or according to the user's preferences. If this were controlled solely by the fixed size of the perforations, it would be difficult to accommodate various environments and user needs.

[0104] For example, if the perforations are large, a large amount of powder P is released in a short period of time, and the density of the powder P inhaled by the user is irregular or increases significantly. On the other hand, if the perforations are small, it becomes difficult to release the powder P, and a user with a small lung capacity may have difficulty inhaling the powder P. According to one embodiment, the vibrating member 250 can provide vibration to the capsule 232, thereby controlling the efficient release of the powder P from the capsule 232.

[0105] The inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present document can control the inhalation density of the powder P by the user by forming a relatively small perforation in the capsule 232 via the piercing member 220 and controlling the amount of powder P released from the capsule 232 per unit time via the vibration member 250.

[0106] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4B, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes a sub-vibration member 255 (eg, vibration member 191 of FIG. 1).

[0108] In describing FIG. 4B, the same details as those described above for the inhaler 200 will be omitted.

[0109] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 can provide vibration to the chamber 233. The sub-vibration member 255 can directly or indirectly vibrate the chamber 233 to assist the powder P released into the chamber 233 to move into the airflow channel 235. Alternatively, the sub-vibration member 255 can assist the vibration member 250 to promote the release of the powder P from the capsule 232.

[0110] 4B , the sub-vibration member 255 may be coupled to the elastic member 225 and provide vibration to the chamber 233 via the elastic member 225. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sub-vibration member 255 may be realized in various structures for transmitting vibration to the chamber 233. For example, the sub-vibration member 255 may be directly coupled to the stick 230 or may be disposed in the holder 210 and have a structure for applying an impact to the stick 230.

[0111] In one embodiment, the chamber 233 can provide kinetic energy to the powder P in the chamber 233 by vibrating. The vibration of the chamber 233 causes the powder P to be evenly dispersed and move along the airflow. The vibration of the chamber 233 can also be transmitted to the capsule 232. The sub-vibration member 255 can vibrate the capsule 232 to promote the release of the powder P.

[0112] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) substantially parallel to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, i.e., the first direction (e.g., the -Y direction). In this case, the elastic member 255 can assist and strengthen the vibration of the sub-vibration member 255. In this case, by vibrating the chamber 233 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233 can be efficiently moved, and there is no need to increase the opening of the insertion groove 215 for the vibration of the chamber 233.

[0113] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction (e.g., an XZ plane direction) substantially perpendicular to the first direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210. In this case, the chamber 233 can repeatedly strike the capsule 232, effectively inducing the release of the powder P. In this case, by vibrating the chamber 233 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the powder P can be evenly dispersed in a substantially horizontal direction in the chamber 233.

[0114] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sub-vibration member 255 can further increase the amount of powder P emitted by vibrating the chamber 233 in three dimensions, compared to simple unidirectional reciprocating motion.

[0115] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) acquires information regarding the operation of inhaler 200 from various types of sensors (e.g., detection unit 120 in FIG. 1), and based on that information, can change various factors such as the vibration frequency, vibration intensity, and vibration time of vibration member 250 and / or sub-vibration member 255 to control their respective vibrations.

[0116] For example, if the processor 110 receives information about the airflow inside the stick 230 via a puff sensor (e.g., the puff sensor 126 in Figure 1) and determines that the airflow is insufficient, the processor 110 can increase the vibration intensity or frequency of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255 to increase the amount of powder P emitted.

[0117] In addition, the processor 110 can receive a separate input signal from a user input unit (e.g., the user input unit 160 in FIG. 1) or a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit 180 in FIG. 1) and control the vibration of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255 based on the input signal.

[0118] For example, the processor 110 can control the vibration of the vibrating member 250 and / or the sub-vibrating member 255 depending on various factors such as the breathing volume of the user's lungs, the user's preferences, the usage environment, etc. The inhaler 200 of various embodiments herein can assist the user in inhaling powder P smoothly and can provide a user-customized inhaler 200.

[0119] Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a stick 230 according to one embodiment, and Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a stick 230 according to one embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are cross-sectional views of a partial region of stick 230 in a state separated from holder 210.

[0120] 5A and 5B, the stick 230 includes at least one of a sealing member 237 or a door 238.

[0121] 5A, the sealing member 237 can seal the piercing hole 234. The sealing member 237 can be broken by the piercing member 220 when the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215. For example, the stick 230 can be disposable. Alternatively, the stick 230 can be multi-use, and can be replaced and reused after the sealing member 237 and capsule 232 are broken.

[0122] In one embodiment, the sealing member 237 can protect the chamber 233 from water or foreign matter entering the chamber 233 during manufacturing and transportation of the stick 230. In addition, the sealing member 237 can limit the area of ​​the pierced hole 234 that is broken by the piercing member 220, and prevent the powder P from being released to the outside of the stick 230 through the pierced hole 234.

[0123] 5B, door 238 may selectively open and close piercing hole 234. Door 238 may be opened before or while stick 230 is inserted into insertion groove 215. Door 238 moves by door hinge 239.

[0124] For example, the door hinge 239 may allow the door 238 to push and move in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., in the XZ plane) or tilt in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., in the + / -Y direction).

[0125] In one embodiment, the door 238 may be open when the inhaler 200 is in use or ready to use, and may be closed when the inhaler 200 is not in use. The door 238 may protect the chamber 233 from water or foreign matter entering the chamber 233 during the manufacturing and transportation of the stick 230. The door 238 may also be used to replace the crushed capsule 232.

[0126] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) can acquire information about the coupling of stick 230 from various types of sensors (e.g., detectors in FIG. 1) and control the actuation of door hinge 239 based on the information.

[0127] For example, the processor 110 can detect whether the stick 230 has been inserted into the insertion groove 215 via an insertion detection sensor (e.g., the insertion detection sensor 124 in FIG. 1 ), and based on that, can control the door hinge 239 to open the door 238 so that the piercing member 220 can pass through the piercing hole 234. Alternatively, the door 238 can be opened and closed manually by the user. For example, the user can open and close the door 238 directly, or the inhaler 200 can be provided with a separate switch (not shown) connected to the door 238, and the user can open and close the door 238 by operating the switch (not shown).

[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates an inhaler including a photoplethysmographic sensor according to one embodiment.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the inhaler 200 described above with reference to FIG. 2 includes a PPG sensor 260. For example, the PPG sensor 260 may be disposed on the inhaler 200 so as to be in close contact with at least a portion of a user's hand when the user holds the inhaler 200 through the user's hand. The PPG sensor 260 includes a first end that outputs a signal to the user's body and a second end that receives the output signal from the user's body. Although the PPG sensor 260 is shown in FIG. 6 as being composed of multiple physically separated elements for transmitting and receiving signals, according to an embodiment, the PPG sensor 260 may be composed of elements for transmitting and receiving signals that are physically integrated into one.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the PPG sensor 260 may measure basic information used to determine the activity level, stress level, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure index of the functional substance.

[0131] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for outputting powder inhalation results according to one embodiment.

[0132] The following operations 710-740 are performed via an inhaler (eg, inhaler 100 of FIG. 1 or inhaler 200 of FIG. 2).

[0133] In operation 710, the inhaler's controller (e.g., controller 110 of FIG. 1 ) generates a first biometric signal of the user using a PPG sensor (e.g., PPG sensor 128 of FIG. 1 or PPG sensor 260 of FIG. 6 ) when the inhaler is powered on. The controller generates first biometric information based on the first biometric signal. For example, the biometric information may include various types of biometric information such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, or skin hydration.

[0134] According to one embodiment, after operation 710 is performed, a user may inhale powder P through an inhaler. For example, the inhaler may vibrate a vibration member (vibration member 191 in FIG. 1 or vibration member 250 in FIG. 2) to facilitate the user inhaling powder P within a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIG. 2).

[0135] For example, the powder P may be a fine powder having a size of 1 μm to 5 μm, and the powder P inhaled by a user can be immediately absorbed into the user's body through the user's lungs. As the powder P is immediately absorbed into the user's body, the effect of the powder P is immediately felt by the user. For example, if the powder P is a functional powder, the effect of the corresponding function is immediately felt by the user.

[0136] In operation 720, the control unit of the inhaler generates a second biological signal of the user using the PPG sensor when inhalation of powder P or vibration of the vibrating member is completed. For example, the control unit may generate second biological information based on the second biological signal.

[0137] In operation 730, the inhaler control unit generates a powder inhalation result based on the first biosignal and the second biosignal.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the powder inhalation result may numerically represent a difference between the first biological information and the second biological information. For example, the powder inhalation result may include a difference in at least one of the activity level of a functional substance, stress level, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure index.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the powder inhalation result may show a difference between the first biological information and the second biological information using a graphic effect. For example, if the change in the target measurement item is a positive change, a smiling graphic effect or a sunny weather graphic effect may be generated as the powder inhalation result. For example, if the change in the target measurement item is a negative change, a crying graphic effect or a rainy weather graphic effect may be generated as the powder inhalation result.

[0140] According to one embodiment, when there are multiple measured items, powder inhalation results can be generated for each measured item.

[0141] In operation 740, the control unit of the inhaler outputs the powder inhalation results. For example, the control unit may output the powder inhalation results via a display (e.g., display 132 in FIG. 1 ). As another example, the control unit may transmit information regarding the powder inhalation results to a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone) directly or indirectly connected to the inhaler via a communication unit (e.g., communication unit 180 in FIG. 1 ), and the powder inhalation results may be output via a display of the user terminal.

[0142] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from that described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from that described, or may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, and still achieve appropriate results. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An inhaler, an insertion groove extending in a first direction and receiving a smoking stick; a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for piercing a capsule included in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member; A detector that acquires information about the operation of the inhaler; A control unit that controls the operation of the inhaler; Including, The control unit controls the vibration of the vibrating member based on the information acquired by the detection unit, thereby adjusting the amount of powder released from inside the capsule.

2. further comprising a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring a biosignal of a user of the inhaler; 10. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the photoplethysmographic sensor is positioned on the inhaler so as to be in close contact with at least a portion of the user's hand when the user grasps the inhaler via the hand.

3. The inhaler of claim 2 , wherein the control unit generates a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor when the inhaler is powered on.

4. The inhaler of claim 3 , wherein the control unit generates a second biosignal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor when vibration by the vibrating member ends.

5. The control unit generating a powder inhalation result indicative of a difference between the first biosignal and the second biosignal; The inhaler of claim 4, which outputs the powder inhalation result.

6. the detection unit includes a puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick, The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the control unit receives a detection result from the puff sensor and controls the vibration of the vibrating member.

7. 10. The inhaler of claim 1, further comprising a sub-vibration member that provides vibration to the stick.

8. The stick further includes an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressed by the stick when the stick is inserted, The inhaler of claim 7 , wherein the sub-vibration member provides vibration to the stick via the elastic member.

9. The inhaler of claim 7 , wherein the sub-vibration member vibrates the stick in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

10. The inhaler of claim 7 , wherein the sub-vibration member vibrates the stick in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

11. further comprising the stick, The stick is a chamber for accommodating the capsule and arranged to be positioned in the insertion groove when the stick is inserted; a mouthpiece disposed opposite the chamber; an airflow channel providing fluid communication between the chamber and the mouthpiece; a mesh disposed between the airflow channel and the chamber; 10. The inhaler of claim 1, comprising:

12. further comprising the stick, The stick is a pierce hole through which the piercing member penetrates and breaks the capsule; a sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is broken by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; 10. The inhaler of claim 1, further comprising:

13. further comprising the stick, The stick is a pierce hole through which the piercing member penetrates and breaks the capsule; a door for selectively opening and closing the piercing hole; 10. The inhaler of claim 1, comprising:

14. an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a door hinge for opening and closing the door; further comprising The inhaler of claim 13, wherein the control unit receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor, and controls the door hinge based on the detection result to open and close the door.

15. 1. A method of releasing a powder carried out by an inhaler, comprising: The inhaler comprises: an insertion groove for receiving a smoking stick; a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for piercing a capsule included in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member; A detector for acquiring information regarding the operation of the inhaler; A control unit that controls the operation of the inhaler; Including, The method of releasing the powder comprises: acquiring information regarding the operation of the inhaler; an operation of adjusting the amount of powder released from the capsule by controlling the vibration of the vibration member based on information regarding the driving of the inhaler; 10. A powder delivery method comprising:

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