Disposable Capsule with Venturi Suction Channel for Nebulizer Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for nasal irrigation and aerosol therapy face challenges in easy cleaning and sanitization, and inefficient recovery of nebulized substances that do not reach the delivery mouth, affecting device performance.
Innovation Solution
A capsule assembly that integrates with the delivery device, featuring a closed chamber with a pierceable bottom and a nozzle that forms a suction channel using the Venturi effect, allowing for effective recovery of nebulized substances through a substance recovery channel, and includes nebulization means for aerosol therapy applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the delivery device uses a complex chamber structure to contain and nebulize the substance, then the nebulization performance is improved, but the cleaning and sanitization process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is divided into separable components: a reusable base body and a disposable capsule containing the substance. The capsule can be easily removed and discarded after use, eliminating the need to clean complex internal chambers. This segmentation allows the nebulization chamber to have an optimized complex structure for performance while the disposable nature of the capsule simplifies maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable capsule that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sanitization of the substance-containing chamber, as the entire capsule is thrown away. The reusable base body has a simple structure that is easy to clean, while the complex nebulization functionality is contained within the disposable capsule.
2Productivity
If the device allows complete recovery of nebulized substance, then substance utilization efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery system is segmented into simple components: a recovery channel in the base body and a corresponding opening in the capsule. Unused substance flows through this simple channel back to the capsule or collection area. The segmentation allows effective recovery without requiring complex pumps or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery of unused nebulized substance is achieved through pneumatic pressure differentials created during the nebulization process. The compressed air flow that drives nebulization also creates a pressure gradient that naturally draws unused substance back through the recovery channel, eliminating the need for additional mechanical recovery systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule uses a pierceable bottom for substance dispensing, then assembly simplicity is improved, but the risk of contamination during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is pre-assembled with the pierceable bottom sealed before attachment to the base body. The piercing action occurs automatically upon assembly or at the moment of use, preventing contamination during the assembly process itself. This preliminary sealing ensures that the substance remains protected until the intended dispensing moment.
Solution Approach 2:
A piercing mechanism or pierceable film acts as an intermediary between the sealed capsule and the open dispensing system. This intermediary maintains the seal during assembly and only opens when needed, preventing direct exposure of the substance to the external environment during the assembly process while still allowing simple attachment.
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 assembly simplifies cleaning and sanitization, ensures maximum substance nebulization by recovering unused particles, and facilitates quick assembly, enhancing device performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle cover, commonly called a 'pisper,' is fitted onto the nozzle, which forms with the nozzle at least one suction channel for the substance, which is sucked towards the constriction at the end of the nozzle cover, exploiting the Venturi effect produced by the pressurized air passing through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle cover is usually equipped with a nebulizer element which extends in the form of a pin just above the end constriction and which, by mechanical impact, breaks up particles of the substance exiting said constriction, causing the substance to be nebulized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to an assembly of a capsule (10, 1010) adapted to contain at least one substance for liquid aerosol therapy or nasal irrigation and a delivery device with which the capsule can be associated. The capsule forms a connecting element between two separate parts of the delivery device and is provided with a substance recovery channel (114).