Dosing Head Segmented Channels Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry powder dose filling devices are inefficient in concurrently filling multiple containers with high speed and precision, particularly for multi-dose disks used in inhalers, as they often rely on injectors or pistons that do not meet the need for rapid and accurate filling of multiple dose containers.
Innovation Solution
A dosing head with a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels that communicate with a dry powder bed, allowing for concurrent filling of multiple aligned dose containers by applying a controlled vibration flow signal to facilitate the flow of dry powder through the channels, enabling rapid and precise filling of up to 120 containers in less than one second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional injectors or pistons are used for filling, then device complexity is reduced, but filling speed and precision for multiple containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing head is segmented into multiple elongate channels (e.g., 30 channels) that communicate with the dry powder bed, allowing concurrent filling of multiple dose containers. Each channel acts as an independent pathway, enabling parallel operation and high-speed filling without requiring complex injector or piston mechanisms for each container.
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration source is integrated into the dosing head to apply controlled vibrations to the dry powder bed and channels. This mechanical vibration facilitates rapid powder flow through the channels into the containers, achieving sub-second filling times while maintaining precise dosing control, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical injectors or pistons.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional filling methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision for defined dose amounts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate channels are designed with specific geometric characteristics (length, width, slope) that are optimized for controlled powder flow. The channels have defined dimensions that ensure consistent powder delivery to each container, achieving precise dosing control through carefully engineered local channel properties rather than complex overall device mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration source parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) are precisely controlled to regulate powder flow through the channels. By adjusting vibration parameters, the system achieves accurate dose amounts and consistent filling precision without requiring complex mechanical dosing mechanisms.
3Productivity
If high-speed concurrent filling is implemented, then productivity increases, but control of powder flow (preventing free-flow) becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration source provides controlled vibrations that enable rapid powder flow through the channels while maintaining precise flow control. The vibration prevents powder bridging and ensures consistent flow rates, allowing high-speed filling without uncontrolled free-flow of powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration is applied in controlled periodic cycles that synchronize with the filling process. This periodic vibration ensures that powder flows reliably through the channels at high speed while maintaining consistent dosing, preventing both free-flow and flow interruption.
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 enables high-speed, precise filling of multiple dose containers with a defined amount of dry powder, ensuring efficient and reliable dispensing of pharmaceutical agents, such as bronchodilators, into inhalers, while preventing free-flow and allowing for interchangeable channel geometries to accommodate different container forms and powder formulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal
Data Source
AI summary
Dosing heads for apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port. In use, the dosing heads are aligned with a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head and at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal. When the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.