Double Chamber Ampoule Capillary Constriction Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles with elastic plastic dosing chambers struggle to deliver media with low viscosity without mixing with the propellant medium, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for complex structures like separating pistons, and are not suitable for delivering aerosols effectively.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design featuring a capillary constriction between the dosing chamber and the compressible part, stiffened by support arms, which prevents unintentional mixing and ensures reliable operation, allowing for the delivery of thin liquids and aerosols without the need for expensive components like separating pistons, and includes a conical taper for enhanced jet action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separating piston is used to prevent mixing between delivery medium and propellant medium, then mixing prevention is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separating piston component entirely and replaces it with a capillary constriction formed directly in the receptacle wall. This extraction of the unnecessary component simplifies the device structure while maintaining the separation function through capillary action at the constriction, which prevents delivery medium from entering the propellant chamber without requiring a mechanical separating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary constriction acts as an intermediary structure that passively prevents mixing between the delivery medium and propellant medium. Instead of using an active mechanical separator, the constriction utilizes capillary forces to block the flow of delivery medium into the propellant chamber, providing a simple yet effective barrier without additional moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separating piston is used to enable delivery of thin liquids, then delivery capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable receptacle design where the capillary constriction is molded directly into the receptacle body during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for expensive, precision-manufactured separating pistons and allows for cost-effective production of single-use devices that can handle various delivery media including thin liquids and aerosols, making the solution economically viable for pharmaceutical applications.
3Ease of operation
If the receptacle is made axially large to accommodate a separating piston, then delivery function is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the receptacle body and the separating mechanism into a single integrated structure. The capillary constriction is formed directly in the receptacle wall, combining the containment function with the separation function. This integration eliminates the need for additional axial space required by separate pistons and seals, resulting in a more compact device that maintains full delivery functionality.
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 design enables efficient and cost-effective delivery of thin liquids and aerosols, ensuring sterility and operational reliability, with improved sealing and handling, and allows for the production of sprayable aerosols that can target nasal mucosa for prompt ingredient uptake.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting point between the dosing chamber and the receptacle part is formed from a constriction designed such that a capillary action is formed. Independently of the three-dimensional location of the receptacle, the capillary action prevents overflow of the delivery medium from the dosing chamber into the receptacle part with the propellant medium.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle of an elastically flexible plastic includes a dosing chamber (10) with a medium to be discharged. One end of the dosing chamber (10) has a discharge opening (18). The opposite end is connected via a junction point (20) to a compressible receptacle part (22) with a gaseous propelling medium. When compressing the receptacle part (22), the propelling medium forces the medium to be discharged out of the dosing chamber (10) via the discharge opening (18). The junction point (20) between the dosing chamber (10) and the receptacle part (22) is a bottleneck creating a capillary effect independent of the spatial position of the receptacle preventing transfer of the medium of the dosing chamber (10) into the receptacle part (22).