Aerosol Delivery Device Gasket Compression Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol delivery devices face challenges in achieving consistent particle size for effective drug delivery, as particles that are too large may not reach deep into lung tissue, while those that are too small may be exhaled before deposition, leading to variable drug concentrations and potential side effects.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol delivery device incorporates a piezo disc oscillated by ultrasonic waves within a carrier liquid container, using a flexible gasket whose compression can be adjusted to control aerosol particle size, allowing for precise manipulation of the particle distribution to achieve optimal drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed compression gasket is used in the atomizer assembly, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the particle size of the aerosol cannot be adjusted or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with adjustable compression through a threaded rod mechanism that allows the compression force on the gasket to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability enables control over the aperture dimensions and consequently the aerosol particle size, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression parameter of the gasket to control the aperture size. By adjusting the compression force applied to the gasket, the dimensions of the aperture through which liquid is expelled are controlled, thereby controlling the particle size of the generated aerosol.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gasket compression is increased to reduce aperture size, then smaller aerosol particles are produced, but the manufacturing precision required to achieve consistent particle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than relying on precise manufacturing of fixed apertures, the invention uses a dynamic adjustment mechanism (threaded rod) that allows the aperture compression to be tuned after manufacturing. This shifts the precision requirement from the manufacturing process to the adjustment process, which is easier to control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression parameter of the gasket to control the aperture size. By adjusting the compression force applied to the gasket, the dimensions of the aperture through which liquid is expelled are controlled, thereby controlling the particle size of the generated aerosol.
3Length of moving object
If the aperture size is reduced to produce smaller particles, then deeper lung penetration is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with adjustable compression through a threaded rod mechanism that allows the compression force on the gasket to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability enables control over the aperture dimensions and consequently the aerosol particle size, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed aperture design is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the adaptability to deliver different particle sizes for different therapeutic needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with adjustable compression through a threaded rod mechanism that allows the compression force on the gasket to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability enables control over the aperture dimensions and consequently the aerosol particle size, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the aerosol delivery device to maintain a consistent and controlled particle size, ensuring accurate dosing and maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects by adjusting the gasket compression to alter the energy focal point and resonant frequency, thereby optimizing the delivery of active substances.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo disc with a flexible gasket relative to the carrier liquid container, and manipulating a compression of the gasket to adjust a particle size of the aerosol to be produced. The piezo disc is configured to be oscillated by ultrasonic waves generated by an oscillator
Implementation Method 2
The piezo disc is configured to be oscillated by ultrasonic waves generated by an oscillator and transmit the oscillations through the carrier liquid to the active liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable aerosol delivery device includes an active liquid container, a carrier liquid container, a piezo disc mounted with a flexible gasket relative to the carrier liquid container, an oscillator configured to generate an ultrasonic wave that causes the piezo disc to oscillate and transmit the oscillations through the carrier liquid to the active liquid to cause at least a portion of the active liquid to become an aerosol, a bushing fixed relative to the carrier liquid container via a fixing portion that conforms to and mates with an entire perimeter of a fixing section of the bushing, and a fastener extending through the piezo disc housing and into the bushing. The fastener is configured to be loosened or tightened to manipulate a compression of the gasket to adjust a particle size of the aerosol. A pull force of the bushing is greater than a counter force of the gasket.