Electromechanical Valve Actuator for Inhaled Drug Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs) face challenges with dose reproducibility and aerosol size distribution due to variability in patient conditions and environmental factors, leading to inconsistent drug delivery and potential drug decomposition.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled MDI with a microprocessor and electromechanical valve actuator that uses sensors for real-time data input to control valve timing and duration, includes a micro-heater for aerosol formation, and integrates with standard mechanical valves to compensate for temperature, pressure, and flow variations, ensuring accurate dosing and improved aerosol distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical MDI valve with fixed orifice size and metering volume is used, then the device structure is simple, but dose reproducibility and aerosol size distribution are poor due to variability in patient conditions and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical MDI valve system with an electronically controlled valve system. The electronic controller receives inputs from sensors (temperature, pressure, flow, breath detection) and adjusts valve actuation parameters accordingly, substituting fixed mechanical characteristics with programmable electronic control to achieve consistent dosing despite environmental variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the MDI system by using temperature control mechanisms and pressure regulation. The electronic controller adjusts valve opening duration, timing, and actuation force based on real-time temperature and pressure readings, dynamically changing operational parameters to maintain optimal aerosol generation and dosing consistency
2Reliability
If software/firmware control is added to compensate for temperature and environmental variations, then dose consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by incorporating sensors that continuously monitor temperature, pressure, and breath parameters. The electronic controller processes this feedback information and adjusts valve actuation in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for environmental variations without requiring complex user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system performs self-adjustment based on sensor inputs, automatically compensating for temperature and pressure variations without requiring external calibration or manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensor data to optimize its performance
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed mechanical metering volume is used, then manufacturing is simple, but aerosol size distribution varies with changing flow and pressure during discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed metering volume to a dynamic control system. The electronic controller adjusts valve opening duration and timing based on real-time pressure and flow measurements, allowing the system to adapt to changing discharge conditions and maintain consistent aerosol size distribution throughout the dose delivery process
4Measurement precision
If electromechanical valve actuator is used to control timing and duration, then valve control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an electromechanical actuator that can be precisely controlled by the electronic controller. This substitution enables accurate control of valve opening timing and duration through electrical signals, achieving precise dosing control while maintaining compatibility with standard mechanical MDI valves
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 provides precise and consistent drug delivery, minimizing dose variation and aerosol size distribution, while preventing drug decomposition, and enhancing lung deposition of biologically active substances, thus improving the efficacy of inhaled treatments.
Implementation Method 1
This invention with microprocessor controlled inhaler can also easily display data such as but not limited to doses used, doses remaining, expiration date or time to expiration date, programmed dose for delivery, warnings like too hot, too cold, needs shaking, needs priming dose, almost out of doses, inhaler battery low, inhaler needs to be replaced, and the like. The mechanical metered volume in the typical MDI also has variable pressure as the dose is released from the small fixed volume with changing flow and aerosol size during discharge. In this invention a partial volume discharge actuator or directly mounted electromechanical valve can reduce or eliminate this potential problem when it is controlled by a controller with the correct data inputs. Many of the non-adjustable mechanical variables in the typical MDI can be at least partly compensated for in a program and processor controlled MDI using an electromechanical valve or valve actuator. This present invention also discloses the optional heating device for a metered dose inhaler to improve aerosol formation and/or compensate for low temperature operating conditions of the MDI.
Data Source
AI summary
Inhaled medications present a great opportunity for controlled drug delivery for self medicated patients. With this invention most medicinal aerosol generators have the potential for much more controlled dosage and monitoring of doses to the patient than current inhaled medication systems. The pressurized metered dose inhaler has especially great potential for controlled drug delivery being that the aerosol drug formulation is in a permanently sealed container that can use a digital program controlled electromechanical valve on a metered dose inhaler to control drug dose and time of release. An electromechanical inhaler valve actuator can also provide dose control, monitoring, breath activation timing and other important features.