Capsule Inhaler Airflow Layout for Non-Puncture Powder Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers face challenges in efficiently delivering dry powder agents without puncturing the capsule, leading to inconsistent and inefficient delivery of pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals to the respiratory system.
Innovation Solution
A capsule inhaler design featuring a main body with an inner cavity, an actuator, and nozzles that separate a capsule into segments without puncturing, allowing airflow to direct into and across the segments for effective delivery of dry powder formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inhaler punctures the capsule to deliver dry powder agents, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the delivery consistency and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into two segments that are separated by airflow forces. The first segment contains the dry powder formulation and is opened by airflow entering through the first opening, while the second segment is opened by airflow entering through the second opening. This segmentation allows each segment to be opened independently and consistently, improving delivery reliability without requiring complex mechanical puncturing mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the inhaler uses a simple capsule opening mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dry powder delivery efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic forces generated by the user's inhalation to open the capsule segments and deliver the dry powder formulation. Airflow enters through first and second openings and applies forces to separate the capsule segments, then continues to entrain and deliver the powder through the mouthpiece. This pneumatic mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical opening systems while ensuring efficient and complete powder delivery.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inhaler design is simplified, then manufacturing ease is improved, but airflow uniformity and powder dispersion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler device has different opening configurations at different locations: a first opening and a second opening positioned to direct airflow onto different surfaces of the capsule segments. This local differentiation in opening placement and orientation ensures uniform airflow distribution across the powder formulation, improving dispersion consistency 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
The design ensures consistent and efficient delivery of dry powder agents, such as pharmaceuticals for respiratory diseases and nutraceuticals, by separating the capsule segments to facilitate uniform airflow and dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
allowing airflow to direct into and across the segments for effective delivery of dry powder formulations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a capsule inhaler. The capsule inhaler includes a main body including an inner cavity, a mouth section coupled to or integral with the main body and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, an actuator coupled to the main body, at least four longitudinally spaced apart nozzles residing within the main body positioned and configured to direct airflow into the inner cavity, and a cover coupled to the main body. The inner cavity is sized and configured to receive a capsule containing a dry powder formulation. One or more of the inner cavity, elongate member, and cover each are configured to engage with the capsule when inserted into the inner cavity and assist in separating the capsule to release the dry powder formulation into the inner cavity of the inhaler for inhalation by a subject.