Electronic Inhaler Electrode Spacing for Formulation-Specific Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic inhalers are designed for specific pharmaceutical formulations and tissues, requiring different specifications for each, leading to inefficient manufacturing and potential errors in component incorporation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the counter electrode distance and, optionally, the discharge electrode distance after manufacturing to adapt the inhaler for specific pharmaceutical formulations and respiratory tissues, allowing a single model to be produced and adjusted post-manufacture for precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different specifications are designed for each pharmaceutical formulation and tissue target, then delivery precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler is divided into modular components: a standardized body portion and interchangeable electrode assemblies. The electrode assembly includes the counter electrode, discharge electrode, and nozzle positioned at specific distances from each other, forming a replaceable unit that can be configured for different formulations without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized body portion serves multiple functions by accommodating different electrode assemblies through a universal coupling mechanism. The body includes a standardized air inlet, lumen, and electrode assembly receptacle that can work with various electrode configurations tailored to different pharmaceutical formulations and tissue targets.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom inhalers are manufactured for each formulation, then delivery accuracy is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrode assemblies are pre-configured with specific electrode distances and nozzle positions during manufacturing to match required delivery parameters. These pre-configured assemblies are then stocked and rapidly exchanged in the standardized body portions during or after production, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing of each inhaler variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables adjustment of critical parameters such as counter electrode distance, discharge electrode distance, and nozzle position by exchanging electrode assemblies or adjusting components within the assembly. This allows a single production line to manufacture standardized bodies that can be adapted to different delivery requirements through parameter modification rather than custom manufacturing.
3Productivity
If electrode distances are fixed during manufacturing, then production speed is improved, but adaptability to different formulations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow modification of electrode distances and nozzle positions after the standardized body is manufactured. The counter electrode, discharge electrode, and nozzle can be repositioned or replaced to change the electric field configuration and atomization characteristics, enabling the same production line to serve multiple formulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides mechanisms to change critical geometric parameters (counter electrode distance, discharge electrode distance, nozzle position) without remanufacturing the entire inhaler. These parameters can be adjusted by exchanging electrode assemblies with different pre-configured dimensions or by using adjustable mounting mechanisms within the standardized body portion.
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
This approach enables cost-effective production of inhalers that can be tailored for various formulations and tissues, reducing manufacturing errors and ensuring consistent, efficient delivery of pharmaceuticals to targeted respiratory areas.
Implementation Method 1
a Taylor cone is established at the nozzle outlet by means of a potential between the nozzle and a counter electrode. This is typically a stable Taylor cone with a single jet, but may be a temporary Taylor cone as well. The Taylor cone presents a tip from which a jet emerges. At a distance from the Taylor cone the jet breaks up in charged liquid particles
Implementation Method 2
The discharge of the particles in the spray is achieved by a discharge electrode having a sharp tips serving as discharge portion, from which discharge portion corona particles having an opposite charge with respect to the spray particles may be emitted. These corona particles collide and fuse with the particles in the spray and thus cause discharge of the spray
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler and a method for adjusting the inhaler for inhaling a liquid pharmaceutical formulation and an inhaler with a nozzle for use with said method. The inhaler has a mouth piece portion with a lumen and a coupled body portion. The body portion has a body with a base facing the lumen. The body further includes a nozzle with an outlet for discharging said pharmaceutical formulation extending from the base into the lumen, a counter electrode at the base at a counter electrode distance from the nozzle outlet and a discharge electrode at a discharge electrode distance from the nozzle outlet. The inhaler further includes a power supply and an air inlet. The method includes a step of adjusting the electrode(s) relative to the nozzle outlet of the inhaler.