Detachable Nebulizer Filter Module for Exhaled Medication Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medication/drug compounds vented to the atmosphere during exhalation accumulate and can be re-inhaled by the user or others, posing a health risk.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design with a detachable filter module that includes a filter material, such as polymer fibers, to capture exhaled medication compounds before they are released into the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nebulizer is used to deliver medication via aerosol, then the patient receives effective drug delivery to airways, but medication compounds are vented to the atmosphere and can be re-inhaled causing health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The nebulizer is divided into separate detachable parts: a base part containing the liquid chamber and a top part containing the aerosol-generating system. This segmentation allows the top part to be removed and replaced with a filter module, enabling the system to switch between treatment mode and filtration mode to prevent medication venting.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter module is introduced as an intermediary component that can be attached to the top part of the nebulizer. This filter module contains filter material that captures medication compounds in the exhaled aerosol, preventing them from being vented to the atmosphere while allowing the system to maintain its primary drug delivery function.
2Ease of operation
If the top part is detachably secured to the base part, then cleaning and refilling becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nebulizer is divided into separate detachable parts: a base part containing the liquid chamber and a top part containing the aerosol-generating system. This segmentation allows the top part to be removed and replaced with a filter module, enabling the system to switch between treatment mode and filtration mode to prevent medication venting.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a filter module is added to capture exhaled medication, then re-inhalation risk is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A filter module is introduced as an intermediary component that can be attached to the top part of the nebulizer. This filter module contains filter material that captures medication compounds in the exhaled aerosol, preventing them from being vented to the atmosphere while allowing the system to maintain its primary drug delivery function.
Solution Approach 2:
The nebulizer is divided into separate detachable parts: a base part containing the liquid chamber and a top part containing the aerosol-generating system. This segmentation allows the top part to be removed and replaced with a filter module, enabling the system to switch between treatment mode and filtration mode to prevent medication venting.
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
Reduces the proportion of medication compounds vented to the atmosphere, minimizing re-inhalation risks and environmental contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the inner chamber of the module body comprises a filter material, such as polymer fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a nebulizer (1) for aerosolizing a liquid comprising a base part (10) comprising a tubular body (15) comprising a liquid chamber (11) for storing a liquid to be aerosolized and a central tubular structure (14) projecting upwardly in the liquid chamber (11), and a top part (20) comprising an elongated tubular portion (23) comprising an inner channel (24), and an aerosol-generating system (21) comprising a jet nozzle (26). The top part (20) is detachably secured to the base part (10). A filter module (40) is detachably attached to the top part (20). The filter module (40) comprises a module body (41) comprising an inner chamber (46) with a filter material (47) and the inner chamber (46) of the module body (41) is in fluid communication with the inner channel (24) of the elongated tubular portion (23).