Auxiliary actuation device for use with aerosol drug delivery device

Abstract

An auxiliary actuation device (100) for use with an aerosol drug delivery device (200), the auxiliary actuation device comprising: a nozzle portion (201) and a liquid storage portion (202) which is configured to store a drug, the aerosol drug delivery device (200) being configured to enable the liquid storage portion (202) to move along the axis thereof toward the nozzle portion (201) to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the nozzle portion; a housing portion (101), which has a distal opening (112) and defines an inner cavity (111) for accommodating at least part of the aerosol drug delivery device, the housing portion (101) being capable of at least partially engaging with the nozzle portion (201) to restrict movement of the nozzle portion (201) along the inner cavity toward the distal opening (112); and an actuator (121) and an actuator driving component (122), the actuator (121) being at least partially arranged in the inner cavity (111) and configured to engage with and drive the liquid storage portion (202) to move along the axis of the aerosol drug delivery device (200) toward the nozzle portion (201) to release a predetermined dose of the drug.

Description

Auxiliary actuator used in conjunction with a spray drug delivery device Technical Field

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

[0002] Spray drug delivery devices for pulmonary inhalation mainly convert liquid preparations such as drugs and nutrients into tiny particles that can be inhaled into the human body through breathing through atomization, thereby achieving their effective delivery. Currently common spray drug delivery devices for pulmonary inhalation are either unable to effectively meet the requirements of spray drug delivery for various parameters or functions (for example, requirements for final dosage, average spray particle size, initial plume velocity, locking function, etc.), or even if some requirements are met, complex structures are required to achieve these requirements, resulting in high costs. For example, some spray drug delivery devices require the use of a firing pre-compression spring to achieve a specified volume of liquid spray delivery, while other spray drug delivery devices require the use of complex electronic actuators to achieve the corresponding atomization function.

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

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

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, an auxiliary actuation device for use with a spray drug delivery device is provided. The spray drug delivery device includes a spray head and a liquid reservoir for storing a drug. The spray drug delivery device is configured to enable the liquid reservoir to move along the axis of the spray drug delivery device toward the spray head to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head. The auxiliary actuation device includes: a housing portion having a distal opening and defining an inner cavity that at least partially accommodates the spray drug delivery device, and the housing portion is configured such that, when the spray drug delivery device is disposed in the inner cavity, the housing portion can at least partially engage the spray head to restrict movement of the spray head along the inner cavity toward the distal opening and allow the spray drug delivery device to release the drug outward through the distal opening; and an actuation assembly, the actuation assembly including an actuator and an actuator driving component. The actuator is at least partially disposed in the inner cavity, the actuator being configured to engage the liquid reservoir and drive the liquid reservoir to move along the axis of the spray drug delivery device toward the spray head to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head.

[0006] In some embodiments, the actuator drive component includes a mechanical energy accumulator, which is configured so that when the spray delivery device is placed in the inner cavity, the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can drive the actuator along the inner cavity to drive the liquid storage part to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head, and a single release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can enable the spray delivery device to release a predetermined dose of the drug with a predetermined spray average particle size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the actuator drive component includes an actuator motor, which is configured so that when the spray delivery device is placed in the inner cavity, the actuator motor can operate at a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator along the inner cavity to drive the liquid storage part to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head, and the predetermined power curve is configured so that the spray delivery device releases a predetermined dose of the drug with a predetermined spray average particle size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0018] In some embodiments, the auxiliary actuating device further includes a fingerprint recognition element communicatively connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the motor to drive the stop member to move to the unlocking position when receiving a signal from the fingerprint recognition element and determining that the recognized fingerprint is correct.

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

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

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

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

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

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion engaged with each other, and the auxiliary actuating device is configured to store a predetermined amount of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy accumulator through relative movement of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion.

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

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

[0027] According to another aspect of the present application, a spray delivery system having a spray delivery device is further provided, the system comprising the auxiliary actuating device described in any one of the above embodiments, wherein the spray delivery device is detachably arranged in the inner cavity of the auxiliary actuating device, and the spray delivery device comprises a spray head and a liquid storage portion for storing medicine, the spray delivery device being configured to enable the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head to release a predetermined dose of medicine from the spray head.

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

[0029] Those skilled in the art will more fully understand the above and other features of the present application through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. It should be understood that these drawings and detailed description only depict several exemplary embodiments of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. By reference to the accompanying drawings, the present application will be more clearly and fully explained.

[0030] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram showing an auxiliary actuator according to one embodiment of the present application when used in conjunction with a spray drug delivery device;

[0031] FIG2 shows an exploded view of the auxiliary actuating device and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with each other as shown in FIG1 ;

[0032] FIG3 shows a cross-sectional front view of the auxiliary actuator and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with the auxiliary actuator shown in FIG1 ;

[0033] FIG4 shows a perspective schematic diagram of the auxiliary actuating device and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with each other as shown in FIG1 , viewed from another angle;

[0034] FIG5 shows a perspective view of the upper cover portion of the upper housing of the auxiliary actuator shown in FIG1 ;

[0035] FIG6 shows a perspective view of the bracket of the auxiliary actuator shown in FIG1 ;

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a schematic control block diagram of a controller and a position sensor of the auxiliary actuator shown in FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0038] The inventors of this application have conceived an auxiliary actuator that can be mounted on the outside of a spray delivery device. This device can provide the preset energy required for the spray delivery device's atomization operation, thereby making the use of the spray delivery device independent of the user's own usage actions and habits, especially independent of the actions that control the atomization operation of the spray delivery device. This effectively improves the quality and stability of the spray delivery, producing atomized droplets that meet the atomization parameters and functional requirements. In addition, this auxiliary actuator can detachably accommodate the spray delivery device, so that the spray delivery device can be replaced with a new one after use and reused, thereby saving usage costs.

[0039] The structure of an auxiliary actuator and a spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with the auxiliary actuator according to an embodiment of the present application is described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4, wherein Figure 1 shows a perspective schematic diagram of the auxiliary actuator according to an embodiment of the present application when used in conjunction with the spray drug delivery device, Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the auxiliary actuator and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with Figure 1, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional front view of the auxiliary actuator and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows a perspective schematic diagram of the auxiliary actuator and the spray drug delivery device used in conjunction with Figure 1 as viewed from another angle. The spray drug delivery device can be an existing spray drug delivery device having, for example, a predetermined shape, volume, and capacity, etc.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the spray drug delivery device 200 includes a spray head 201 and a liquid storage portion 202 for storing medicine (usually in liquid form). The spray drug delivery device 200 is configured to enable the liquid storage portion 202 to move along the central axis of the spray drug delivery device 200 toward the spray head 201 to release a predetermined dose of medicine spray from the spray head 201. Specifically, the spray head 201 can have a nozzle 211 and a flange portion 212. Taking handheld use as an example, the user can align the nozzle with the position to be administered, with part of the finger resting against the flange portion 212 to limit the movement of the flange portion 212, and the other part of the finger applying force to the bottom of the liquid storage portion 202, thereby driving the liquid storage portion 202 to move toward the spray head 201. The movement of the liquid storage portion 202 increases its internal pressure, thereby driving the medicine to be ejected through the nozzle 211, releasing a predetermined dose of medicine spray. Although the specific internal structure and connection relationship of the spray head 201 and the liquid storage part 202 of the spray drug delivery device 200 are not shown in the figure, those skilled in the art will understand that the spray drug delivery device 200 can adopt any available structure available on the market that releases a predetermined dose of drug spray through the mutual movement between the spray head 201 and the liquid storage part 202. In some embodiments, a mechanical energy accumulator (such as a spring) can also be provided in the spray release device 200. The mechanical energy accumulator is configured to store mechanical energy in the process of external force driving the liquid storage part 202 to move toward the spray head 201, and after the external force acting on the liquid storage part 202 is removed, the mechanical energy is released to drive the liquid storage part 202 to move in a direction away from the spray head 201, so that the spray drug delivery device 200 can return to its original shape for the next spray operation.

[0041] Continuing with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the auxiliary actuator 100 includes a housing 101 defining an inner cavity 111, with a distal opening 112 disposed at the distal end of the inner cavity 111. When used in conjunction with a spray delivery device 200, the spray delivery device 200 is disposed within the inner cavity 111, and its nozzle 211 is capable of extending through the distal opening 112 of the housing 101, thereby enabling the spray delivery device 200 to release a medicament spray to the exterior of the housing 101 through the distal opening 112. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 211 extends through the distal opening 112, in other embodiments, the nozzle 211 may be disposed at any other location capable of releasing a medicament spray to the exterior of the housing 101. For example, the nozzle 211 may be disposed within the inner cavity 111 such that the spray emission direction of the nozzle 211 is substantially aligned with the distal opening 112. In some embodiments, the distal opening 112 of the housing portion 101 is configured to be adjustable in size to accommodate spray heads 201 of different sizes, thereby enabling the auxiliary actuator 100 to be used in conjunction with a spray delivery device 200 having different spray head sizes and / or shapes. It should be noted that the so-called adjustable size of the distal opening can be achieved by adjusting the overall size of the opening itself, or by adjusting the size by a clamping member provided near the opening. The "distal end" described herein refers to the end of the spray delivery device 200 and the auxiliary actuator 100 that is adjacent to the position to be sprayed during use, while the "proximal end" is the end opposite to the "distal end", that is, the end facing the user.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the housing 101 is capable of engaging the flange 212 of the spray head 201 at its distal end, thereby restricting the spray head 201 from moving along the inner cavity 111 toward the distal opening 112. Specifically, when the spray medication delivery device 200 is placed in the inner cavity 111 and an external force drives its liquid reservoir 202 toward the spray head 201, the spray head 201, constrained by the housing, is able to achieve relative movement with the liquid reservoir 202, thereby releasing the drug spray. Continuing with Figures 2 and 3 , the housing 101 may include an upper housing 113 comprising an end cap 115 and an upper cap 116. In addition to the end cap 115 abutting the flange 212 at the distal end of the spray head 201 to restrict its movement toward the distal opening 112, the upper cap 116 is positioned at the proximal end of the spray head 201 abutting the flange 212 to restrict its movement in the opposite proximal direction. This arrangement can prevent the liquid storage portion 202 from driving the spray head 201 to move in the same proximal direction when the liquid storage portion 202 moves in the proximal direction away from the spray head 201. This undesirable movement will affect the accuracy of subsequent drug administration.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the housing portion 101 further includes a lower housing portion 114, which is coupled to the upper housing portion 113 to form the housing portion 101 defining an inner cavity 111. In some embodiments, the upper housing portion 113 or the lower housing portion 114 can be interchanged to accommodate spray delivery devices 200 of different sizes and / or shapes, thereby enabling the auxiliary actuator 100 to be used with these different spray delivery devices. Although not shown in the figures, in other embodiments, the sidewalls of the housing portion 101 may further include at least one opening; in still other embodiments, the sidewalls of the housing portion may further include a transparent portion. These openings and / or transparent portions may generally correspond to the position of the liquid reservoir 202 of the spray delivery device, thereby allowing the user to observe the status of the spray delivery device 200 in use, such as the operation of the liquid reservoir and the amount of liquid medicine stored in the reservoir.

[0044] Continuing with FIG2 , the auxiliary actuator device 100 further includes an actuator assembly 102, which can apply energy, such as mechanical energy, to the spray delivery device. The actuator assembly 102 includes an actuator 121 and an actuator drive component 122. The actuator 121 is disposed within the inner cavity 111 and is configured to engage the liquid reservoir 202 and drive it along the axis of the spray delivery device 200 toward the spray head 201 to release a predetermined dose of medication from the nozzle 211. Specifically, the actuator 121 shown in FIG2 is a bracket structure disposed within the inner cavity 111 that supports and drives the liquid reservoir 202. In other embodiments, the actuator 121 can also be at least partially disposed within the inner cavity 111. In still other embodiments, the actuator 121 can be any other structure that engages and drives the movement of the liquid reservoir 202, such as a rod-like structure, a claw-like structure, or a protruding structure that mates with a recessed portion at the bottom of the liquid reservoir 202.

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

[0046] Although not shown in the figures, in some alternative embodiments, the actuator drive component 122 may also include an actuator motor. When the spray drug delivery device 200 is placed in the inner cavity 111, the actuator motor can operate at a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator 121 along the inner cavity 111, driving the liquid storage portion 202 along the axis of the spray drug delivery device 200 toward the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the predetermined power curve is configured to cause the spray drug delivery device 200 to release a predetermined dose of the drug with a predetermined average spray particle size and / or initial plume velocity.

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

[0048] In some embodiments, when the actuating assembly 102 of the auxiliary actuating device 100 uses a mechanical energy accumulator to drive the actuator, the auxiliary actuating device may further include a trigger assembly 103 for preventing and triggering the release of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator. As shown in FIG2 , the auxiliary actuating device 100 further includes a trigger assembly 103, which includes a blocking element 131 and a trigger element 132. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the blocking element 131 is a retaining ring, and the triggering element 132 is a button. When the retaining ring 131 is in the blocking position, it is in an eccentric position relative to the actuator 121, so that a force is applied to the spring 122 through the actuator 121, causing the spring 122 to be in a compressed state; at the same time, the button of the triggering element 132 is also in a triggerable state. When the button 132 is pressed by an external force, the button 132 causes the collar 131 to return to a position substantially concentric with the actuator 121, thereby not engaging with the actuator 121 and allowing the actuator 121 to move therethrough. For example, the collar 131 may have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the actuator 121. At this time, the collar 131 is in a released position, which releases the force acting on the spring 122 and allows the mechanical energy of the spring 122 to be released to drive the actuator 121 to move distally through the collar 131.

[0049] Although the blocking element 131 shown in the figure is a collar structure and the trigger element 132 is a button structure, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the trigger assembly 103 can be a combination of any blocking and triggering components that can apply a force to the mechanical energy accumulator to control its release. Although not shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the blocking element 131 can also be configured to move between multiple blocking positions, and when the blocking element 131 is in one of the blocking positions, the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator is different from the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator when the blocking element 131 is in another blocking position. This arrangement allows the auxiliary actuator 100 to actuate the same spray device with different amounts of mechanical energy (corresponding to different blocking positions) to achieve different spray parameters and effects. In addition, by being adapted to define an upper housing having an inner cavity of different shapes and sizes, the auxiliary actuator 100 with different blocking positions can be used in conjunction with different spray devices and actuated, which can expand the use scenario and scope of the auxiliary actuator 100.

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

[0051] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the upper cover portion 116 of the upper housing 113 of the auxiliary actuator device 100 shown in Figure 1 . Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the bracket 121 of the auxiliary actuator device 100 shown in Figure 1 . As shown in Figures 2 , 5 , and 6 , the upper cover portion 116 has a helical surface structure 117 that mates with the helical surface structure 123 on the bracket 121 . During use, the user manually rotates the upper housing portion 113 relative to the lower housing portion 114 . The bracket 121 then moves downward along the helical surface, compressing the spring 122 and thereby storing mechanical energy. Although not shown, corresponding to the multiple blocking positions described above, multiple identifiers may be provided on the exterior of the upper housing portion and / or the lower housing portion, each corresponding to a different blocking position of the blocking element 131. This allows the user to store a predetermined amount of mechanical energy according to the identifiers to accommodate different drug spray release requirements.

[0052] Continuing with Figures 2 and 3 , the auxiliary actuator 100 further includes a locking assembly 104, which includes a stopper 141 disposed within the inner cavity 111 and a locking motor 142 for driving the stopper 141. Specifically, driven by the locking motor 142, the stopper 141 is movable along the inner cavity 111 between a locked position at a relatively distal end and an unlocked position at a relatively proximal end. When in the locked position, the stopper 141 presses the liquid reservoir 202 against a distal position relative to the spray head 201 and applies a force to the liquid reservoir 202, thereby preventing the liquid reservoir 202 from moving in a proximal direction relative to the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the distal position is the extreme position of the liquid reservoir 202 closest to the spray head 201. In other embodiments, the distal position may also be an intermediate position of the liquid reservoir 202 relative to the spray head 201. When the stopper 141 is in the locked position, the mechanical energy of the mechanical energy accumulator (such as a spring) provided in the spray release device 200 cannot be released to drive the liquid storage portion 202 to move back to the initial position in a direction away from the spray head portion 201, thereby making it impossible to drive the liquid storage portion again through the auxiliary actuator device 100 to realize the process of releasing the medicine.

[0053] When the stopper 141 is in the unlocked position, it allows the liquid reservoir 202 to move to a proximal position relatively far away from the spray head 201 without applying any force to the liquid reservoir 202. In some embodiments, the proximal position is the extreme position of the liquid reservoir 202 relatively far away from the spray head 201. At this time, the stopper 141 in the unlocked position may not engage the liquid reservoir 202, or although it engages the liquid reservoir 202, it does not apply any force to it. In this case, due to the absence of the obstruction of the stopper 141, the liquid reservoir 202 can move to a proximal position relatively far away from the spray head 201, so that the liquid reservoir 202 can be driven again by the auxiliary actuator 100 to realize the process of releasing the medicine again. It should be noted that although the stopper 141 shown in the figure is a top block structure located in the inner cavity 111, in other embodiments, the stopper can also be at least partially disposed in the inner cavity 111. In some other embodiments, the stopper may be any other structure that can engage with and limit the movement of the liquid storage portion 202, such as a rod-shaped structure, a claw-shaped structure, or a protruding structure that matches the recess at the bottom of the liquid storage portion 202, etc.

[0054] As shown in FIG2 , the auxiliary actuator 100 further includes a bottom support 105, which houses a locking motor 142 and allows a stopper 141 to move through a telescopic opening at its distal end to engage with the liquid reservoir 202. In addition to the locking assembly 104, the bottom support 105 may also house any other suitable electronic components, such as a printed circuit board 151 containing a microcontroller, a Bluetooth chip, and a GPS chip, to enable data acquisition, data communication, and device positioning functions of the auxiliary actuator 100. Furthermore, the bottom support 105 may also house a rechargeable battery 152 to power the auxiliary actuator's motor, printed circuit board, and other electronic components.

[0055] Figure 7 shows a schematic control block diagram of the controller and position sensor of the auxiliary actuator shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the auxiliary actuator may further include a controller 106 and a position sensor 161, communicatively connected to each other. Position sensor 161 is configured to sense the position of actuator 121 or liquid reservoir 202 within inner cavity 111. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, position sensor 161 is mounted on actuator 121 and accompanies its movement. When auxiliary actuator 100 is used for spray administration, actuator 121 moves distally, and position sensor 161 accompanies it, leaving its sensing position. Thus, through position sensor 161, the auxiliary actuator can sense the movement of actuator 121 or liquid reservoir 202 from a proximal position relatively distal to spray head 201 toward spray head 201. After a first predetermined time interval of sensing this signal, controller 106 can control locking motor 142 to drive stopper 141 to a locked position, thereby locking spray administration device 200. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time interval is 5 to 50 seconds. The first predetermined time interval can be adjusted so that it can be adapted to different usage scenarios and adapted to different spray drug delivery devices 200. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will understand that the position sensor 161 here can also be any other currently available sensor structure capable of detecting the position of the actuator 121 or the liquid reservoir 202. In some embodiments, the position sensor can be a proximity sensor, such as a reflective, retroreflective, or through-beam photoelectric proximity sensor.

[0056] In some embodiments, after controlling the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the locked position for a second predetermined time interval, the controller 106 can control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to move to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the liquid storage portion 202 to move to a proximal position relatively away from the spray head 201. In some embodiments, the second time interval is 1 to 100 hours. Because the auxiliary actuator 100 can maintain the locked state of the spray drug delivery device 200 for a relatively long time interval after each use and automatically return to the unlocked state after the time interval, this can effectively avoid problems such as accidental touch and repeated medication after the user completes the drug spraying.

[0057] In other embodiments, if the actuator 121 or the liquid reservoir 202 is detected to have moved from a proximal position relatively away from the spray head 201 toward the spray head 201 more than a predetermined number of times within a third predetermined time interval, the controller 106 may control the locking motor 142 to drive the stopper 141 to a locked position. This effectively locks the spray medication delivery device 200 after a predetermined number of uses, thereby preventing duplicate medication and overdose. In some embodiments, the third predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours, and the predetermined number of uses is 3 to 20.

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

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

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

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

[0062] Finally, by manually pressing the button 131, the driving collar 131 moves from an eccentric position relative to the bracket 121 to a concentric position. At this point, since the bracket 121 is no longer engaged with the collar 131, it can move distally through the collar 131 under the drive of the spring 122, thereby driving the liquid storage portion 202 thereon to move toward the spray head 201, thereby achieving spray delivery of the spray drug delivery device 200. During this process, since the position sensor 161 accompanies the distal movement of the bracket 121, the controller senses its departure for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 to 30 seconds), and the locking motor 142 drives the stopper 141 to rise to support the bracket 121, preventing the liquid storage portion 202 from returning to a proximal position relatively away from the spray head 201, thereby restricting the reuse of the spray drug delivery device 200.

[0063] In summary, the auxiliary actuator of the present application can be used in conjunction with a variety of spray delivery devices, thereby achieving a more accurate final dosage, a more uniform average spray particle size, and a more reasonable initial plume velocity without relying on the inherent structure of the spray delivery device. Furthermore, the auxiliary actuator can also achieve more user-friendly functions.

[0064] Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations to the disclosed embodiments by studying the specification, disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude plural reference. In the practice of this application, a single component may perform the functions of multiple technical features recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An auxiliary actuating device used in conjunction with a spray drug delivery device, characterized in that: The spray drug delivery device comprises a spray head and a liquid storage part for storing drugs, and the spray drug delivery device is configured to enable the liquid storage part to move toward the spray head along the axis of the spray drug delivery device to release a predetermined dose of drugs from the spray head, wherein the auxiliary actuation device comprises: a housing portion, the housing portion having a distal opening and defining an inner cavity for at least partially accommodating the spray drug delivery device, and the housing portion being configured such that when the spray drug delivery device is arranged in the inner cavity, the housing portion can at least partially engage the spray head portion to restrict movement of the spray head portion along the inner cavity toward the distal opening, and allow the spray drug delivery device to release the drug outward through the distal opening; and An actuator assembly includes an actuator and an actuator driving component, wherein the actuator is at least partially arranged in the inner cavity, and the actuator is configured to engage the liquid storage portion and drive the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head portion to release a predetermined dose of medicine from the spray head portion.

2. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator driving component includes a mechanical energy accumulator, which is configured so that when the spray drug delivery device is placed in the inner cavity, the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can drive the actuator along the inner cavity to drive the liquid storage part to move along the axis of the spray drug delivery device toward the spray head, and a single release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator can enable the spray drug delivery device to release a predetermined dose of the drug with a predetermined average spray particle size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

3. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator driving component includes an actuator motor, which is configured so that when the spray delivery device is placed in the inner cavity, the actuator motor can operate at a predetermined power curve to drive the actuator along the inner cavity to drive the liquid storage part to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head, and the predetermined power curve is configured so that the spray delivery device releases a predetermined dose of the drug with a predetermined spray average particle size and / or a predetermined initial plume velocity.

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

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

6. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary actuation device further includes a locking assembly, which includes a stopper at least partially arranged in the inner cavity, and the stopper can move along the inner cavity between a locking position at the distal end and an unlocking position at the proximal end. When in the locking position, the stopper presses the liquid storage portion against a distal position relatively adjacent to the spray head portion and applies a force to the liquid storage portion to prevent it from moving toward a proximal direction relatively away from the spray head portion. When in the unlocking position, the stopper allows the liquid storage portion to move to a proximal position relatively away from the spray head portion and does not apply a force to the liquid storage portion.

7. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly further includes a locking motor, which drives the stopper to move along the inner cavity between the locking position and the unlocking position.

8. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The auxiliary actuation device further comprises: Controller; and A position sensor is communicatively connected to the controller and is configured to sense the position of the actuator or the liquid storage portion in the inner cavity, wherein the controller is configured to control the locking motor to drive the stop member to move to the locking position after sensing a first predetermined time interval after the actuator or the liquid storage portion moves from a proximal position relatively away from the spray head portion toward the spray head portion.

9. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first predetermined time interval is 5 to 50 seconds.

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

11. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours.

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

13. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The third predetermined time interval is 1 to 100 hours, and the predetermined number of times is 3 to 20 times.

14. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The auxiliary actuation device further includes a fingerprint recognition element that is communicatively connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the motor to drive the stopper to move to the unlocking position when receiving a signal from the fingerprint recognition element and determining that the recognized fingerprint is correct.

15. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distal end opening of the housing portion is configured to be adjustable in size to accommodate spray heads of different sizes.

16. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing portion includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion engaged with each other, and the upper housing portion or the lower housing portion is replaceable to fit spray drug delivery devices of different sizes.

17. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the housing portion includes at least one opening.

18. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary actuation device further comprises a trigger assembly, wherein the trigger assembly comprises: a blocking element, configured to be movable between a blocking position and a release position under the action of an external force, wherein when in the blocking position, the blocking element can apply a force to the mechanical energy accumulator to prevent the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator, and in the release position, the blocking element releases the force applied to the mechanical energy accumulator to allow the release of the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator; A trigger element is configured to actuate the blocking element to move from the blocking position to a releasing position under an external force.

19. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The blocking element is arranged to be movable between a plurality of blocking positions, and the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator when the blocking element is in one of the blocking positions is different from the amount of mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy accumulator when the blocking element is in another of the blocking positions.

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

21. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 20, characterized in that: A plurality of identifiers are arranged on the outside of the upper housing portion and / or the lower housing portion, and the plurality of identifiers respectively correspond to different blocking positions of the blocking element.

22. The auxiliary actuation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mechanical energy storage device is a spring.

23. A spray delivery system having a spray delivery device, the system comprising an auxiliary actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the spray delivery device is detachably arranged in an inner cavity of the auxiliary actuating device, and the spray delivery device comprises a spray head and a liquid storage portion for storing a drug, the spray delivery device being configured to enable the liquid storage portion to move along the axis of the spray delivery device toward the spray head to release a predetermined dose of the drug from the spray head.

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