Cannabinoid Inhaler Bung and Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannabinoid inhalers face issues such as small dose delivery, variable dosage, non-uniform drug delivery, and difficulty in use for individuals with limited dexterity, along with potential thermal damage to biasing components during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The inhaler design incorporates an outer housing with a bung to support the biasing member, a deformable membrane for valve actuation, and ergonomic features for improved grip and orientation, along with a refilling mechanism that is irreversible and child-resistant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a welded cap is used to support the biasing member during assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but thermal damage occurs to the biasing member during welding
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure for the biasing member is divided into two separate components: a cap and a bung. The cap is welded to the housing (simplifying assembly), while the bung is inserted through the cap to support the biasing member (protecting it from welding heat). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its function without suffering from the drawbacks of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bung acts as an intermediary component between the welded cap and the biasing member. It provides the necessary support for the biasing member while being positioned such that it is not directly exposed to welding thermal effects, thus protecting the biasing member from thermal damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the biasing member is inserted before the cap is welded, then assembly is easier, but the spring heat embeds itself in surrounding materials affecting biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a cap and a bung, allowing the biasing member to be supported by the bung rather than directly by the welded cap. This prevents the spring from embedding into surrounding materials during welding, maintaining consistent biasing force.
3Volume of moving object
If a small metering chamber is used, then device size is reduced, but dose delivery becomes variable requiring optimal coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to be breath-operated, automatically opening in response to the user's inhalation flow. This dynamic response eliminates the need for manual coordination between valve actuation and inhalation, ensuring consistent dose delivery while maintaining a compact metering chamber.
4Extent of automation
If a breath-operated valve is used, then automated dose delivery is improved, but the valve requires precise timing with inhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to automatically detect and respond to the user's own breath. The breath-operated valve opens in response to inhalation flow, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for the user to manually coordinate valve actuation with inhalation timing.
5Speed
If heating to vaporise cannabis is used, then rapid delivery is achieved, but toxins are produced at slightly higher temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed to precisely control and maintain the temperature within the 180-200°C range, avoiding excursions to higher temperatures where toxins are produced. This precise parameter control enables rapid vaporization and delivery while preventing harmful thermal degradation.
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
Enhances uniform dosage delivery, improves usability for those with limited dexterity, and prevents thermal damage during assembly, while ensuring secure and easy refilling.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable membrane in communication with an air flow path through the inhaler leading to the inhaling end, the deformable membrane being configured to be deformable by the air in the air flow path to displace a valve element
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member configured to bias the valve element in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
The cap is welded to the inner housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An inhaler comprising an inner housing (1) with a pressurised reservoir of an inhalable composition. A breath operated valve (5) is operable by a user inhaling on an inhaling end of the inhaler. A composition flow path extends from the breath operated valve (5) to the inhaling end via which the composition is dispensed when the breath operated valve is opened. The breath operated valve (5) is biased closed by a biasing member contacting the breath operated valve at one end. A bung (16)in the inner housing is positioned in an opening in the inner housing to support the end of the biasing member (8) opposite to the breath operated valve. A rigid outer housing (3) surrounds the inner housing and supports the bung (16).