Capsule Inhaler Vibration Control for Weak Lung Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers that discharge powder based on user lung capacity can restrict use for individuals with weak lung capacity, and there is a need for an inhaler that can smoothly inhale powder and individually control the discharged state.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler design featuring a vibrating member and sub-vibrating member to control the discharge of powder, assisted by a puff sensor and processor to adjust vibration based on airflow sensing, with a piercing member to crush capsules and a sealing member to manage the piercing hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inhaler discharges powder based on user breathing, then the powder discharge amount varies according to lung capacity, but users with weak lung capacity cannot use the inhaler effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrating member that vibrates the piercing member to crush the capsule and facilitate powder discharge. This vibration mechanism helps users with weak lung capacity by actively assisting the powder release process, making the inhalation smoother and more controllable regardless of the user's natural breathing capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inhaler uses a fixed piercing hole design, then the structure is simple, but the powder discharge state cannot be individually controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the piercing member movable through vibration rather than fixed. The vibrating member can adjust the piercing member's position and movement to control powder discharge timing and amount. This dynamic mechanism provides individual control over powder discharge state while maintaining relatively simple structure through the use of a single vibrating component.
3Quantity of substance
If the inhaler discharges powder passively through breathing, then the device is simple, but the amount of powder discharged varies and cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration to actively control powder discharge amount. The vibrating member vibrates the piercing member at controlled frequencies and amplitudes to regulate how much powder is released from the capsule. This allows precise control over the quantity of substance delivered to the user, transforming the passive breathing-dependent discharge into an actively controllable process.
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 inhaler effectively controls the amount and rate of powder discharge, ensuring smooth inhalation for users with varying lung capacities and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating member configured to provide vibration to the piercing member
Implementation Method 2
a puff sensor configured to sense airflow inside the stick
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler according to an embodiment includes a stick including a chamber configured to accommodate a capsule containing powder and a piercing hole that opens toward the chamber, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted in a first direction, a piercing member provided in the insertion groove and configured to crush the capsule through the piercing hole when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, and a vibrating member configured to provide vibration to the piercing member.