Dual-Disk Powder Inhaler With Central Piercing Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers for administering powdery dry substances, particularly pharmaceutical preparations, are complex and require numerous parts, especially dual blister strip inhalers, which complicate manufacturing and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler design featuring two rotatable substance carrier disks with cavities filled with different powdery substances, using a piercing nozzle between the disks to mix and deliver the substances through an air channel, facilitated by cam grooves and guide pins for synchronized rotation and linear displacement, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual blister strip inhalers are used to administer two different active substances, then the ability to simultaneously administer two powdery dry substances is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the substance carrier into two separate rotatable disks, each containing cavities for one active substance. This segmentation allows independent control and simpler mechanism design compared to complex dual blister strip systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to administer two substances simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable disk design serves multiple functions: it stores multiple doses, enables sequential access to cavities, and allows synchronization of two different substances through a common drive mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each substance, thereby reducing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If blister strips are used with stepwise removal of cover foil, then active substances can be released for inhalation, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires great expenditure for mounting due to the pliable blister strip
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing a cover foil to access the substance (as in blister strips), the invention inverts the approach by using a piercing nozzle that penetrates the disk from the opposite side. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex foil removal systems and makes mounting more straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical foil removal system with a piercing mechanism that uses a simple nozzle to create an opening. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components required for foil manipulation and reduces mounting complexity
3Device complexity
If a single plastic disk with deep-drawn cavities is used, then the structure is simplified, but only one substance can be administered
Solution Approach 1:
The single disk is segmented into two separate rotatable disks, each dedicated to one active substance. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling the administration of two different substances, as each disk can be independently controlled and pierced
4Device complexity
If two rotatable substance carrier disks are used with a piercing nozzle, then the number of parts and manufacturing complexity are reduced, but the aerodynamic behavior must be maintained similar to conventional inhalers
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing nozzle is specifically designed with optimized geometry and positioning to ensure that the cavity opening, nozzle shape, and air channel dimensions create the correct aerodynamic conditions. This local optimization of the piercing and air channel region ensures proper particle suspension and inhalation flow, maintaining manufacturing precision despite reduced overall device complexity
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 inhaler achieves efficient and cost-effective simultaneous administration of two powdery substances with similar inhalation parameters as conventional inhalers, while minimizing parts and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an air channel (4) which comprises a piercing nozzle (41) arranged between the substance carrier disks (2, 3)
Implementation Method 2
The air channel (4), through which a mixture of air and a powdery dry substance can be guided to a mouthpiece (5) of the inhaler
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler for administering powdery dry substances comprises two substance carrying disks (2, 3). Each disk has a cavity filled with a powdery dry substance. The substance carrying disks (2, 3) are rotatably arranged about a common axis of rotation such that the cavities are opposite each other. The inhaler further has an airway (4) having a piercing nozzle (41). The piercing nozzle is disposed between the substance carrying disks (2, 3).