Capsule Retention Inhaler for Rapid Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers require complex user interactions and additional steps for loading a capsule, which can be challenging for patients, especially during acute medical conditions, and may prolong the delivery of pharmaceutically active ingredients.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler design with a pre-loaded capsule receptacle and a retention element that moves between positions to securely hold the capsule until use, allowing for quick activation and delivery of the active ingredient without additional assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the capsule is pre-loaded into the inhaler, then the time to deliver the pharmaceutically active ingredient is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like retention elements
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is pre-loaded into the inhaler during manufacturing, so that when the patient uses the inhaler, the capsule is already in position and ready for immediate aerosolization. This eliminates the need for the patient to perform the loading step, significantly reducing the time from capsule insertion to medication delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A retention element is introduced as an intermediary component between the capsule receptacle and the aerosolization chamber. This retention element selectively blocks the airflow path to prevent capsule migration during storage, and can be moved to allow capsule transfer during use. This intermediary mechanism enables pre-loading while maintaining device simplicity.
2Reliability
If the retention element blocks the airflow path, then the capsule is prevented from moving prematurely, but the airflow path is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element is designed to be movable rather than fixed. During storage, the retention element blocks the airflow path to stabilize capsule position. During use, the retention element can be moved (e.g., by actuator engagement) to open the airflow path, allowing the capsule to be transferred to the aerosolization chamber. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and airflow efficiency.
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 simplifies the user experience by reducing the number of steps and ensuring rapid delivery of the medication, even in debilitating conditions, with a pre-loaded capsule that maintains orientation for efficient rupture and aerosolization.
Implementation Method 1
a retention element movable between a first position in which the capsule is prevented from moving from the capsule receptacle to the aerosolization chamber
Implementation Method 2
an aerosolization chamber for allowing the composition to be entrained in airflow within the airflow path
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler is provided, including: a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an airflow path extending from the inlet to the outlet; a capsule receptacle configured to receive a capsule including a composition for inhalation; a rupturing component configured to rupture the capsule received in the capsule receptacle; an aerosolization chamber configured to allow the composition to be entrained in airflow within the airflow path; and a retention component movable between a first position in which the capsule is prevented from moving from the capsule receptacle to the aerosolization chamber, and a second position in which the capsule is movable from the capsule receptacle to the aerosolization chamber, the retention component extending through the inlet when the retention element is in the first position.