Capsule Inhaler Drawer Mechanism for Automatic Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry powder inhalers require manual force application to perforate capsules, which can lead to incomplete or failed perforation due to user error, and confine capsules in tight spaces that reduce delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler design with a drawer mechanism that automatically perforates capsules as it closes, using a cam post and spring system to ensure consistent perforation, and includes a spin chamber for efficient powder delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual button pressing is used to perforate the capsule, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of capsule perforation deteriorates due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler device automatically perforates the capsule through a spring-loaded needle mechanism that activates when the drawer is closed, eliminating the need for manual user action. The system serves itself by using the closing motion of the drawer to trigger the perforation, ensuring consistent reliability without requiring user knowledge or force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and positioned ready to perforate the capsule as soon as the drawer closes. This preliminary preparation ensures that the perforation action occurs automatically and reliably at the precise moment the capsule is in position, removing dependency on user timing and force application.
2Volume of moving object
If the capsule is confined to a tight space for perforation, then the device size is reduced, but the productivity of medicament delivery deteriorates due to incomplete capsule emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is allowed to spin freely within the chamber using a spin mechanism that utilizes air flow or mechanical rotation. This dynamic movement enables the capsule contents to be completely emptied through the perforations by centrifugal force and air flow, maximizing delivery efficiency without requiring a large chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery process is divided into distinct phases: perforation, spinning/rotation, and medicament release. This segmentation allows the capsule to be perforated first, then rotated to ensure complete emptying of contents through the perforations, achieving high productivity in a compact space by optimizing each phase separately.
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
Ensures reliable capsule perforation and efficient medicament delivery by minimizing user error and maximizing capsule emptying, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the perforating means may comprise at least one needle configured to transversely slide against the biasing of at least one spring
Implementation Method 2
The use of a spring helps to keep the other components of the perforating means in their required positions during the opening and closing of the drawer
Implementation Method 3
a spin chamber comprising a primary recess for allowing air to mix with contents of a capsule
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler includes a main body and a drawer to open out of and close into the main body between an open position and a closed position. The drawer includes a spin chamber having a primary recess to receive air to mix with contents of a capsule and a secondary recess to hold the capsule. When the drawer is in the open position, the secondary recess is exposed to receive a new capsule therein or to withdraw a used capsule therefrom. When the drawer is in the closed position, the capsule is enclosed within the inhaler. The inhaler includes a perforating means to perforate the capsule. The perforating means moves away from a resting position toward a perforating position as the drawer moves into the main body. When set at the perforating position, the perforating means is positioned within the secondary recess to perforate the capsule.