COC Elastomer Sealing in Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing elements in pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) interact negatively with pharmaceutical active products and propellant gases, leading to undesirable interactions and manufacturing complexities.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric Cyclo Olefin Copolymer (COC) materials for sealing elements in pMDIs, which are less reactive and easier to manufacture, reduces interactions with active products and propellant gases, and provides improved sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elastomeric sealing elements (EPDM, nitrile, chloroprene) are used in pMDI devices, then sealing performance is achieved, but harmful interactions with active products and propellant gases occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the sealing element material from conventional elastomers (EPDM, nitrile, chloroprene) to COC elastomer. This material substitution fundamentally alters the chemical properties of the sealing element, making it inert to propellant gases and active pharmaceutical ingredients while maintaining elastomeric sealing capabilities. The COC elastomer's unique molecular structure provides both the flexibility needed for sealing and the chemical inertness to prevent harmful interactions.
2Reliability
If conventional elastomeric sealing elements are used, then sealing function is provided, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to COC elastomer, which has superior processing characteristics compared to conventional elastomers. COC elastomer can be more easily molded and assembled, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining effective sealing function throughout the device lifecycle.
3Reliability
If conventional elastomeric sealing elements are used, then sealing is achieved, but interaction with propellant gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs COC elastomer as an inert material that creates a chemically inert environment within the sealing element. This material does not react with propellant gases (HFA-134a, HFA-227, or CFC-11), preventing degradation of both the sealing element and the propellant gas, thereby maintaining sealing integrity and product stability throughout the device's service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid material, which includes a body (100) provided with a dispensing port (110), a store (1) containing the fluid product and a propellant gas, a metering valve (20) assembled onto said vessel (1), said vessel (11) being movable in said body (100) in order to actuate the metering valve (20) and dispense a metered amount of fluid material through said dispensing port (110), said metering valve (20) comprising a valve (30) sliding in said metering valve (20) during the actuation, said device comprising at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) for forming a seal against the fluid, at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) of said device comprising COC elastomer.