Medical Aerosol Control Device Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of conventional medical aerosol delivery devices are confused about which mouthpiece to use and face difficulties adapting to physical restrictions, leading to increased costs due to the need for two separate mouthpieces for different modes of operation.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a medical aerosol delivery device that selects between aerosol delivery modes based on inhalation length data, allowing for the use of a single mouthpiece and eliminating the need for mode-specific mouthpieces, by providing inhalation length data and calculating target inhalation times and aerosol pulse lengths for either device-guided or user-guided modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate mouthpieces are provided for different aerosol delivery modes (TIM and TBM), then the device can support multiple delivery modes, but user confusion increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol delivery mode selectionVSAvoidmouthpiece variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single mouthpiece that serves multiple functions - it works for both TIM (target inhalation mode) and TBM (tidal breathing mode) operations. The control unit automatically detects which mode to use based on breathing patterns, eliminating the need for separate mode-specific mouthpieces while maintaining versatility in delivery modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service through automatic mode detection and switching. The control unit monitors the user's breathing pattern and autonomously determines whether to operate in TIM or TBM mode without requiring the user to manually select modes or use different mouthpieces. This self-adjusting capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while simplifying the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate mouthpieces are provided for different aerosol delivery modes, then mode-specific optimization is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode-specific optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal mouthpiece that works for both TIM and TBM modes, the patent reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, stock, and distribute multiple specialized mouthpieces. The single mouthpiece design simplifies the supply chain and reduces inventory complexity while maintaining mode-specific optimization through software-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical distinction between mode-specific mouthpieces with an electronic/software-based mode detection and switching system. The control unit uses sensors to detect breathing patterns and automatically adjusts operational parameters, substituting physical differentiation with intelligent control logic. This reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving mode-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If users must adapt to physical restrictions in TIM mouthpiece, then target inhalation control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhalation control precisionVSAvoiduser adaptation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the system adaptable to different user behaviors rather than requiring users to conform to fixed physical constraints. The control unit dynamically adjusts between TIM and TBM modes based on real-time breathing pattern detection, allowing the system to optimize inhalation control precision while accommodating various user preferences and capabilities without physical restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters automatically based on detected breathing patterns. Instead of imposing fixed physical restrictions on users, the control unit adjusts delivery parameters such as aerosol pulse timing and duration based on whether the user exhibits TIM-like or TBM-like breathing patterns. This parameter-based adaptation maintains measurement precision while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11247002B2Control device for a medical aerosol delivery device
Publication Date: 2022.02.15 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • US11247002B2 patent drawing
  • US11247002B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (10) for a medical aerosol delivery device (2), a medical aerosol delivery system, a method for controlling a medical aerosol delivery device (2), a computer program element for controlling such device or system, and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The control device is configured to provide inhalation length data and to select an aerosol delivery mode from at least a first aerosol delivery mode or a different, second aerosol delivery mode based on the provided inhalation length data. The first aerosol delivery mode and the different, second aerosol delivery mode are one of a target inhalation mode, a tidal breathing mode, a continuous aerosol delivery mode and breath-actuated delivery mode. Optionally, the control device (10) comprises a provision unit (11) and a control unit (13). The provision unit (11) is configured to provide inhalation length data. The processing unit may be configured to select either a first aerosol delivery mode or a different, second aerosol delivery mode based on the provided inhalation length data. The medical aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol delivery device (2) and such control device (10). The control device (10) is configured to control the aerosol delivery device (2). The aerosol delivery device (2) is configured to deliver aerosol to a user.