Collapsible Spacer for MDI Inhalation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inhalation devices using pressurized aerosol canisters are not effective for many patients, as they do not facilitate optimal inhalation of medications for tracheal, bronchial, nasal, and pulmonary conditions, leading to inefficient medication distribution.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible inhalation device with a tubular, pliable sleeve member and end members that form a chamber to mix medication with air, featuring one-way valves and a blowback relief valve, encouraging slow inhalation by using negative thoracic pressure to prevent rapid inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct use of pressurized aerosol canisters is used to deliver medication, then the device is simple and portable, but the medication distribution is inefficient and patients do not obtain optimum benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spacer chamber as an intermediary device between the pressurized aerosol canister and the patient's mouth. This spacer receives the pressurized medication dose and allows it to mix with ambient air, converting the concentrated pressurized form into a nonpressurized, diluted form that can be inhaled more effectively. The spacer acts as a mediator that transforms the medication delivery mechanism to improve patient uptake while maintaining the simplicity of the original canister system.
2Reliability
If an expandable breathing bag or spacer is provided to promote long and slow inspiration, then medication distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, collapsible bag made of thin film material as the spacer chamber. This flexible shell allows the chamber to expand when receiving the pressurized medication dose and collapse during the inhalation process, providing the necessary volume changes to promote slow inhalation without requiring complex mechanical structures. The thin film construction keeps the device simple and lightweight while achieving the desired respiratory control function.
3Volume of moving object
If the sleeve member is made collapsible to reduce storage size, then portability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible sleeve is constructed from flexible thin film material that can be folded or collapsed into a compact form for storage and transport. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to conform to the engagement features of the end members, providing effective sealing through deformation rather than requiring precision-machined sealing surfaces. This approach reduces storage volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of formable thin material.
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 device effectively converts concentrated medication from aerosol canisters into a nonpressurized form, promoting efficient and effective inhalation by ensuring medication is inhaled slowly and uniformly, enhancing treatment efficacy for respiratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the patient is required during respiratory maneuvers to utilize a negative thoracic pressure upon inhalation
Implementation Method 2
a dose of the medication can be dispensed from the MDI dispenser into the chamber through the inlet port to mix with air in the chamber and thereby form a mixture of the air and the dose of the medication
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible inhalation device for use with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) dispenser includes an outlet end member, an inlet end member and a tubular, pliable, collapsible sleeve member attached at either end to the inlet and outlet members. The outlet end member includes a mouthpiece. The inlet end member includes an inlet port and an MDI dispenser mount structure configured to receive and engage the MDI dispenser. The inhalation device is positionable in each of an open position, wherein the sleeve member defines a chamber, and a closed position, wherein the sleeve member is collapsed and enveloped by the outlet end member and the inlet end member.