Dry Powder Inhaler Side-Piercing Structure for Easier Capsule Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule-based dry powder inhalers with elastic actuation mechanisms face operational challenges due to the requirement for coordinated lateral actuation, excessive force application, and wide horizontal width, which are difficult for patients with reduced hand strength and affect aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A dry powder inhaler design that utilizes a vertical pressing method with a drive structure enabling longitudinal linear movement to pierce capsules from the side, incorporating inclined tracks or linkage structures for easier operation and reduced width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lateral elastic actuation mechanism is used for capsule piercing, then the piercing function is achieved, but the device width increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation direction from lateral (horizontal) to vertical, moving the piercing action to a different dimensional plane. The piercing needles are arranged vertically and actuate in the vertical direction, transforming the device from a wide horizontal configuration to a compact vertical configuration, thereby reducing the horizontal width while maintaining the piercing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the piercing needles and actuation mechanism, with needles positioned at different vertical levels and actuating in a sequential or coordinated manner. This asymmetric design allows for a more compact horizontal footprint compared to symmetric lateral actuation mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a lateral elastic actuation mechanism is used for capsule piercing, then the piercing function is achieved, but the operational force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved or inclined guide surfaces and arc-shaped actuation paths for the piercing needles. The curved geometry of the guide surfaces and actuation mechanism provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to apply smaller vertical forces that are converted into effective piercing motion through the curved path, thereby reducing the operational force requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic elements and spring mechanisms as intermediaries between the user's pressing action and the piercing needles. These intermediary elements store and release energy, amplify the applied force, and provide a smoother actuation sequence, reducing the peak force the user must directly apply to achieve capsule piercing
3Ease of operation
If coordinated lateral actuation is required for capsule piercing, then the piercing function is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases for patients with reduced hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vertical actuation mechanism with self-aligning features and automatic sequence control. The pressing action automatically triggers the coordinated movement of multiple piercing needles through guide surfaces and linkage mechanisms, eliminating the need for the user to perform complex coordinated lateral movements with their fingers, thereby making the device accessible to patients with reduced hand strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual lateral actuation mechanism with a vertical pressing mechanism that utilizes a different mechanical principle - direct compression transmitted through inclined planes and linkages. This substitution transforms the operation from requiring fine motor skills for lateral coordination to a simpler pressing motion that can be performed with reduced hand strength
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a dry powder inhaler, which belongs to a field of dry powder inhaler, including an upper structure, a lower structure and a piercing base with one or more piercing needles. The upper structure undergoes a longitudinal linear movement relative to the lower structure, the upper structure is formed with a capsule chamber and a piercing channel arranged laterally outside of the capsule chamber, the piercing needles undergo a lateral piercing movement along the piercing channel, a drive structure is provided between the upper structure, the lower structure, and the piercing structure, the drive structure moves with a longitudinal linear relative movement of the upper structure and the lower structure, and drives the piercing needles to pierce the capsule in the capsule chamber along the piercing channel. The driving structure includes an inclined track scheme and a linkage scheme on the lower structure, and each scheme of setting can effectively realize that the piercing needles pierce the capsule from the side along the piercing channel by pressing the lower structure and the upper structure, and the whole inhaler is beautiful and easy to operate.