Dose Indicator for pMDI with Resilient Deformable Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose indicators for pressure-actuated metered dose inhaler (pMDI) devices are costly due to the large number of components, complex assembly requirements, and dimensional tolerance issues, making them unsuitable for price-sensitive markets.
Innovation Solution
A dose indicator designed with a maximum of three components, featuring a resilient deformable element and display element arranged around the axis of the indexing element, allowing for alignment and integration into a standard pMDI actuator without increasing cost, and incorporating breath coordination functionality without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing dose indicators use multiple components and complex mechanisms to provide accurate dose counting, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dose indicator components into a single integrated component that includes the display element, indexing mechanism, and breath coordination features all in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining accurate dose counting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single component design performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dose counting, displays remaining doses, coordinates breath actuation, and integrates with the pMDI valve mechanism, thereby reducing component count while improving overall system efficiency
2Measurement precision
If existing dose indicators incorporate multiple small mechanical parts to achieve accurate dosing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small mechanical parts into a single molded component with integrated features including teeth for indexing, display elements, and breath coordination structures, eliminating complex assembly steps while preserving accurate dose counting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from assembling multiple precision-machined parts to a single injection molding process, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the precision required for accurate dose counting through optimized mold design and material selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing dose indicators use additional components for breath coordination, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated component performs both dose counting and breath coordination functions simultaneously, with the same structural features serving dual purposes: the teeth engage with the valve for dosing while also coordinating with breath actuation mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate breath coordination components
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and provides a reliable, compact dose indicator with breath coordination functionality, compatible with standard pMDI devices, addressing the limitations of existing indicators in price-sensitive markets.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient deformable element and a display element arranged around the axis of the indexing element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dose indicator for a pressure-actuated metered dose inhaler (pMDI) device. In an embodiment, the dose indicator comprises a chassis element having a viewing portion, a display element located within the chassis element, a resilient deformable element, and an indexing element having an axis, translation of the indexing element along its axis from a first position to a second position causing deformation of the resilient deformable element in the same direction as translation of the indexing element resulting in generally greater displacement of portions of the resilient deformable element nearer to the axis relative to portions thereof further from the axis, the displacement of the portions of the resilient deformable element in the same direction as translation of the indexing element inducing indexing of the display element from a current position to a subsequent position relative to the viewing portion of the chassis element.