Filament Extension Atomizer for Low-Loss Therapeutic Mist Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for delivering eye drops, such as droptainers, are inefficient and difficult to use, with significant material loss, while spray delivery systems face challenges with large globs or limitations on rheology for non-Newtonian fluids.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held filament extension atomizer device with a docking station, motor-activated filament extension atomizer, and air source to generate a mist, featuring replaceable cartridges and a cleaning system for efficient and precise fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a droptainer is used to deliver eye drops, then the delivery method is simple, but the material loss is significant with only 10% of the volume being active material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial lossVSAvoiddifficulty to use

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gravity-based droptainer system with a pneumatic atomization system that uses pressurized gas to deliver medication as a fine mist, eliminating the large droplet formation and associated material loss while maintaining ease of use through automated delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If pneumatic atomization is used for spray delivery, then the device can work at any angle relative to the eye, but it produces large globs of spray at the beginning of the stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework at any angleVSAvoidspray uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the pneumatic actuator with variable stroke lengths and speeds, allowing the system to adapt during operation - using shorter, controlled strokes that prevent large glob formation while maintaining the ability to work at various angles relative to the eye

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pneumatic actuator is used with non-Newtonian extensionally hardening fluid, then the fluid can be delivered, but it produces a filament like stream instead of a mist of small droplets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess non-Newtonian fluidsVSAvoiddroplet formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies key parameters of the pneumatic actuation system including pressure, stroke speed, and nozzle geometry to accommodate non-Newtonian extensionally hardening fluids, transforming the filament-like output into a fine mist by optimizing the relationship between actuator speed and fluid rheological properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If ultrasonic and vibrating mesh technologies are used to produce a fine mist, then small droplets are achieved, but the systems have extreme limitations on rheology and cannot process fluids with extensionally hardening properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine mist productionVSAvoidrheology limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultrasonic and vibrating mesh technologies with a pneumatic atomization system that uses pressurized gas to generate the fine mist, thereby achieving both fine droplet production and the ability to handle a broad range of fluid rheologies including extensionally hardening non-Newtonian fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and efficient delivery of therapeutic fluids as a mist, minimizing overspray and ensuring device cleanliness, with replaceable components for convenience and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a filament extension atomizer to generate a mist

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical atomization:

Implementation Method 2

using an air source contained in the casing arranged adjacent the filament extension atomizer to provide air flow to direct the mist to a nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12403270B2Handheld filament extension atomizer for precision delivery of drugs and therapeutics

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A docking station for a hand-held filament extension atomizer device includes a receiver to receive the device, station electronics, a recharging point for the device arranged to connect with a power source of the device, a power connection to an alternating current power source, and a cleaning reservoir of cleaning solution. A method of operating hand-held dispenser to dispense fluid as a mist includes receiving a signal at a motor contained in a casing in response to a user triggering an actuator on the casing, activating the motor to provide fluid to a filament extension atomizer contained in the case from a reservoir contained in the casing, the motor to cause the filament extension atomizer to generate a mist, and using an air source contained in the casing arranged adjacent the filament extension atomizer to provide air flow to direct the mist to a nozzle that is arranged to allow the mist to exit the casing.