Nasal dispensing head and nasal dispensing device having such a head

Abstract

The invention relates to a nasal dispensing head (10) of a nasal dispensing device for dispensing a fluid or pulverulent product, the dispensing head (10) being designed to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, the dispensing head (10) having a body (12) connected to a nasal tip (13) having a reduced diameter intended to be inserted into a nostril and having a dispensing opening (11) at its axial end, the dispensing head (10) having a sensor element (40) designed to detect correct insertion and / or orientation of the device in the nostril, the sensor element (40) being arranged in the nasal tip (13) and having at least one capacitive sensor (45, 45', 45'').

Description

Nasal dispensing head and nasal dispensing device comprising such a head

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal dispensing head and a nasal dispensing device comprising such a head.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to such a head adapted to detect correct use of the device to which it is associated.

[0003] Nasal dispensing devices are well known and used in various applications. These devices generally include a dispensing head incorporating the product dispensing orifice, at least a portion of said head being intended to be inserted into the user's nostril during product dispensing.

[0004] The user then activates the device to expel a dose of liquid or powder product into the nostril.

[0005] In certain applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical field, products delivered by nasal delivery devices can be expensive and / or must be dosed very precisely.

[0006] The aim is therefore to achieve maximum efficiency of the dose of product delivered into the nostril with each actuation.

[0007] Currently, most nasal delivery devices expel the dose of product in a direction very substantially parallel to the nasal septum, towards the superior turbinate of the nostril.

[0008] However, it has turned out that for a number of fluid or powdery products, particularly in the pharmaceutical field, the most effective parts of the nasal cavity for assimilating the product may consist of parts other than the superior turbinate, including the inferior turbinate, the floor, the frontal sinuses, the sphenoid sinus, or the olfactory area, especially the ethmoids.

[0009] There are systems available that determine the depth of insertion of the nasal head and its orientation within the nostril. Documents EP0988079 and US2021196653 describe nasal support tips of this type.

[0010] However, these devices do not allow for precise detection of whether the insertion and / or orientation of the tip is / are correct at the time the device is activated.

[0011] One aim of the present invention is to provide a nasal dispensing head and a nasal dispensing device which do not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0012] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nasal distribution head which, when the device is actuation, allows the fluid or powdered product to be distributed in the area of ​​the nostril where the assimilation of the product is most effective.

[0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing head which allows, when the device is actuation, to detect whether the insertion and / or orientation of the device in the nostril is / are correct.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing device of the aforementioned type which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a nasal dispensing device which is simple and reliable for any user.

[0016] The present invention therefore relates to a nasal dispensing head of a nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product, said dispensing head being adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head comprising a body connected to a reduced diameter nasal tip intended to be inserted into a nostril and comprising a dispensing orifice at its axial end, said dispensing head comprising a sensor element adapted to detect correct insertion and / or orientation of the device in the nostril, said sensor element being disposed in said nasal tip and comprising at least one capacitive sensor.

[0017] Advantageously, a horizontal flange connects said body to said nasal tip, thus forming a support surface which limits the insertion of said nasal tip into the nostril.

[0018] Advantageously, the distribution head includes at least one visual, audible and / or tactile indicator, such as an indicator capable of displaying different colours and / or alphanumeric indications, in particular disposed in said horizontal flange forming a support surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the distribution head also includes a finger rest surface, separate from said horizontal flange.

[0020] Advantageously, said finger rest surface is formed at a lower axial edge of said body.

[0021] Advantageously, said sensor element includes a support member which receives the capacitive sensor(s), said support member being adapted to be inserted into said nasal tip during assembly.

[0022] Alternatively, said capacitive sensor(s) is / are integrated into a wall of said nasal tip, in particular by overmolding.

[0023] Advantageously, said sensor element comprises at least two capacitive sensors.

[0024] Advantageously, said sensor element comprises at least one horizontal capacitive sensor and / or at least one vertical capacitive sensor and / or at least one dot-shaped sensor, or a mixture of these.

[0025] Advantageously, said sensor element comprises an array of horizontal capacitive sensors and interlaced vertical capacitive sensors.

[0026] Advantageously, the distribution head includes an electronic board connected to said sensor element.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a nasal distribution device for a fluid or powdered product, comprising a distribution member mounted on a reservoir, said device comprising a nasal distribution head as described above.

[0028] Advantageously, said nasal distribution head defines a horizontal insertion angle α between 30° and 70°, advantageously between 50° and 55°, a vertical insertion angle β between 0° and 20°, advantageously between 3° and 7°, preferably 5°, and an insertion depth between 0 and 30 mm, advantageously between 5 and 20 mm, preferably 15 mm.

[0029] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

[0030] This is a schematic perspective view of a distribution device according to an advantageous embodiment.

[0031] This is a schematic perspective view of the distribution head of the,

[0032] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a distribution head according to a first advantageous variant.

[0033] This is a perspective and transparent view of the distribution head after assembly.

[0034] This is a schematic perspective view cut out of the distribution head of the,

[0035] This is a schematic, detailed perspective view of three sensors according to the first variant.

[0036] This is a view similar to that of the [image / image], showing three sensors according to a second variant, and

[0037] Figures 8 to 11 are very schematic views of other variants of sensor geometries.

[0038] cf

[0039] cf

[0040] cf

[0041] In the description, the terms "upper", "lower", "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to an upright position of the device, with the dispensing head positioned above the tank, as shown in the figure. The term "axial" refers to the longitudinal central axis X of the device shown in the figure.

[0042] With reference to the, the nasal delivery device includes a nasal delivery head 10 provided with a delivery orifice 11 and intended to penetrate the nostril during use.

[0043] This distribution head 10 is mounted on a distribution unit 20, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on a reservoir 30 containing the fluid or powdered product to be distributed.

[0044] The dispensing head 10 comprises a body 12 connected to a reduced-diameter nasal tip 13 intended for insertion into a nostril. A horizontal flange 14 connects the body 12 to the nasal tip 13, thus forming a support surface that limits the insertion of the nasal tip 13 into the nostril by pressing against the entrance of the nose and / or the upper lip.

[0045] The head 10 also includes a finger rest surface 15, separate from the horizontal flange 14. In the example shown in the figures, the finger rest surface 15 is rectangular, but any shape could be imagined, for example, round or oval. Advantageously, the finger rest surface 15 is formed at the lower axial edge of the body 12.

[0046] Advantageously, at the moment the device is actuation, the dispensing head 10 defines a horizontal insertion angle (angle between the longitudinal central axis X of the device and a horizontal plane when the user is standing) of between 30° and 70°, advantageously between 50° and 55°. Similarly, the vertical insertion angle (angle between the longitudinal central axis X of the device and a vertical plane when the user is standing) is between 0° and 20°, advantageously between 3° and 7°, preferably 5°. Finally, the insertion depth is less than 30 mm, advantageously between 5 and 20 mm, preferably approximately 15 mm.

[0047] According to the invention, the dispensing head 10 includes a sensor element 40 connected to an electronic board 50 to detect correct insertion and / or orientation of the device, and therefore efficient distribution of the fluid product into the user's nostril.

[0048] This sensor element 40 includes at least one capacitive sensor 45, 45', 45'' connected to the electronic board 50 by one or more suitable electrical link(s) 60, in particular one or more electrical wire(s).

[0049] This sensor element 40 is arranged in the nasal tip 13 of the dispensing head 10.

[0050] In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the sensor element 40 includes a support member 41 which receives the capacitive sensor(s) 45, 45', 45''. The support member 41 and the electronic board 50 are then inserted into the distribution head 10, as seen in Figures 3 and 4.

[0051] In the example shown, the capacitive sensor(s) 45, 45', 45'' is / are integrated into the wall of the nasal tip 13, notably by overmolding. Only the electronic board 50 is then inserted into the dispensing head 10 to connect to said sensors.

[0052] This sensor element 40 includes at least one capacitive sensor 45, 45', 45''.

[0053] A capacitive sensor works like an antenna that generates an electric field. When a material approaches the antenna, it changes the capacitance of this field. A microcontroller detects this difference and can determine the object's proximity. With this technology, it's possible to transform any conductive object into a sensor.

[0054] Capacitive sensors are electrically conductive, for example made of aluminum, copper, or any other suitable material, such as conductive plastic.

[0055] These sensors can be made in the form of flat strips, such as aluminum films, or in the form of wires, such as copper wires. Other shapes, geometries, and materials are also possible.

[0056] The principle of the present invention is the use of one or more capacitive sensor(s) to determine: - whether the nasal tip 13 is properly inserted into the nostril, - whether the insertion depth of the nasal tip 13 in the nostril is correct, and - whether the angular positioning of the nasal tip 13 in the nostril is correct.

[0057] The type of information (output) that such a capacitive sensor delivers to the user via the electronic circuit can be any type, including visual and / or auditory and / or tactile.

[0058] Advantageously, the distribution head 10 includes at least one indicator 16, for example a light indicator that can display different colours and / or alphanumeric indications.

[0059] In the example of figures 1 to 5, there are two indicators 16 arranged diametrically opposite in the horizontal flange 14 forming a bearing surface.

[0060] The type of information can be: Insertion: YES / NO; Depth: YES / NO, +deep / -deep; Positioning: YES / NO, 3D guidance of the tip in space

[0061] Preferably, at least two capacitive sensors 45, 45', 45'' are provided. These sensors are advantageously independent of each other, by not being connected to the same electrical potential.

[0062] In the examples in Figures 6 and 7, there are three horizontal capacitive sensors 45 extending horizontally around the periphery of the nasal tip 13, being axially spaced.

[0063] The example of the watch with capacitive sensors 45 extending over the entire periphery of the nosepiece 13, while the example of the watch with capacitive sensors 45 extending over only a part of the periphery of the nosepiece 13.

[0064] Figures 8 to 11 show other possible variants, with four horizontal sensors 45 ( ), with a mix of horizontal sensors 45 and vertical sensors 45' ( ), with point-shaped sensors 45'' ( ), or with an array of interlaced horizontal sensors 45 and vertical sensors 45' ( ).

[0065] A mixture of these different sensor shapes and geometries is also possible, as well as other suitable sensor shapes.

[0066] The device works as follows.

[0067] The user inserts the nasal tip 13 of the head 10 into a nostril.

[0068] The signal (electrical voltage) sent by each capacitive sensor 45, 45', 45'' to the chip provided on the electronic board 50 is proportional to the distance between said sensor and the surface of the nostril arranged opposite said sensor.

[0069] Thus, depending on the signal level of each sensor and depending on the location of said sensor on the nasal tip 13, it is possible to detect whether the tip is inserted into the nasal cavity, the depth of this insertion, and the positioning of the nasal tip 13 inside the nostril.

[0070] More specifically, particularly by using a network of interlaced 45, 45' sensors, it is possible, in the manner of capacitive touch screens, to know the different contact areas of the internal surfaces of the nostril on the nasal tip.

[0071] Thus, by checking the signal line by line and column by column, it is possible to know the proximity / contact / contact force of the nasal mucosa at all points of the nasal tip 13. It is therefore possible to guide the user to an optimal 3D positioning of the nasal tip, for example via the indicators 16.

[0072] Optionally, one or more additional indicators can be provided, for example on an external body placed around the tank, to improve the visual, audible and / or tactile guidance of the user.

[0073] With wireless communication methods, this guidance information could also be transmitted to a remote mobile device, for example a smartphone.

[0074] When the optimal position is reached, the user activates the device, and the dose of liquid or powdered product is optimally dispensed. Optionally, the present invention can be integrated into an automatic actuation device that automatically triggers the device when the optimal position is reached.

[0075] The present invention makes it possible to provide a nasal delivery device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0076] This device is also simple and reliable to use, with the various sensors prompting the user to insert the head into the nostril in an optimal direction and with an optimal depth to distribute the dose of product into the desired area of ​​the nostril.

[0077] The present invention provides in particular the following advantages: - it allows easy verification that the fluid product, in particular the drug, has been taken correctly; - it allows easy verification that the device has been used correctly.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it is understood that it is not limited by the examples described. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art may make any useful modifications to it without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

Nasal dispensing head (10) of a nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powder product, said dispensing head (10) being adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head (10) comprising a body (12) connected to a reduced diameter nasal tip (13) intended to be inserted into a nostril and comprising a dispensing orifice (11) at its axial end, characterized in that said dispensing head (10) comprises a sensor element (40) adapted to detect correct insertion and / or orientation of the device in the nostril, said sensor element (40) being disposed in said nasal tip (13) and comprising at least one capacitive sensor (45, 45', 45''). Distribution head (10) according to claim 1, in which a horizontal flange (14) connects said body (12) to said nasal tip (13), thus forming a bearing surface which limits the insertion of said nasal tip (13) into the nostril. Distribution head (10) according to claim 2, comprising at least one visual, audible and / or tactile indicator (16), such as an indicator capable of displaying different colours and / or alphanumeric indications, in particular disposed in said horizontal flange (14) forming a support surface. Distribution head (10) according to claim 2 or 3, also comprising a finger resting surface (15), separate from said horizontal flange (14). Distribution head (10) according to claim 4, in which said finger resting surface (15) is formed at a lower axial edge of said body (12). Distribution head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor element (40) comprises a support member (41) which receives the capacitive sensor(s) (45, 45', 45''), said support member (41) being adapted to be inserted into said nasal tip (13) during assembly. Distribution head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said capacitive sensor(s) (45, 45', 45'') is / are integrated into a wall of said nasal tip (13), in particular by overmolding. Distribution head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor element (40) comprises at least two capacitive sensors (45, 45', 45''). Distribution head (10) according to claim 8, wherein said sensor element (40) comprises at least one horizontal capacitive sensor (45) and / or at least one vertical capacitive sensor (45') and / or at least one dot-shaped sensor (45''), or a mixture thereof. Distribution head (10) according to claim 9, wherein said sensor element (40) comprises an array of horizontal capacitive sensors (45) and vertical capacitive sensors (45') interlaced. Distribution head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic card (50) connected to said sensor element (40). Nasal delivery device for a fluid or powdered product, comprising a delivery element (20) mounted on a reservoir (30), characterized in that said device comprises a delivery head (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Device according to claim 12, wherein said distribution head (10) defines a horizontal insertion angle between 30° and 70°, advantageously between 50° and 55°, a vertical insertion angle between 0° and 20°, advantageously between 3° and 7°, preferably 5°, and an insertion depth of less than 30 mm, advantageously between 5 and 20 mm, preferably about 15 mm.

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