Disposable Spacer End Fitting with Dual-Configuration Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spacer devices for inhaler devices are not suitable for low-cost, disposable, and easy-to-use solutions, especially for children, as they often require cleaning, may leak, and are not familiar or easy to use, posing contamination and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A disposable spacer assembly with an end fitting that can be configured to fit either axial end of a spacer body, featuring an open-ended tubular projection and aperture for forming a seal with the inhaler device, ensuring proper drug delivery and ease of use, made from inexpensive materials like plastics or cellulosic materials for recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plastic spacers are used, then they provide reliable drug delivery, but they require thorough cleaning after use which places a burden on staff and creates contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed as a disposable device made from low-cost materials such as paper, cardboard, or biodegradable plastics. After a single use, the entire spacer assembly is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing contamination risk while maintaining reliable drug delivery through proper seal design and structural configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If non-conventional spacers like paper cups are used, then they are low cost and disposable, but they do not form a good seal causing leakage and wastage of drug
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer employs flexible sealing elements such as elastomeric rings, foam seals, or flexible membranes at critical interfaces where the spacer contacts the inhaler device. These flexible sealing components conform to the mating surfaces, creating effective seals that prevent drug leakage while maintaining the low-cost, disposable nature of the spacer assembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-conventional spacers are used, then they are easily available without prescription, but they are unlikely to meet the requirements for spacer provision set by UK Government for schools
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer design incorporates universal features that meet both the simplicity requirements for school emergency use and the reliability standards set by UK Government guidelines. The device provides effective drug delivery, prevents leakage, and can be used by children and adults, making it suitable for multi-setting deployment including schools, clinics, and home care
4Device complexity
If the spacer mouthpiece is inserted into a cross-cut in the base of a paper cup, then it is simple to construct, but it will not form a good seal and so there may be leakage and wastage of the drug
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a reusable inhaler interface portion with integrated sealing elements, a disposable body portion, and a user interface mouthpiece. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sealing interface maintains simplicity while the mouthpiece and body provide effective seals through dedicated sealing structures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an end fitting (1) for a spacer assembly and a spacer assembly having such an end fitting for fitting to a drug delivery inhaler device (21). The spacer assembly has a spacer body (17) with opposing first and second axial ends. The end fitting comprises an end panel having an upper end face (2) and a lower end face (3). A lower annular recess (4) is provided on the lower end face for receiving the first axial end (18) of the spacer body in a first configuration. An upper annular recess (12) is provided on the upper end face for receiving the second axial end (20) of the spacer body in a second configuration. The end fitting further comprises an open-ended tubular projection (16) extending from the upper end face and an aperture extending through the end panel from the lower end face to the tubular projection.