Fluid Atomizer Assembly with Flexing Legs for Nasal Nozzle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid atomizer structures do not effectively secure the conical cap member to the nozzle member during assembly, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in spray pattern distribution, particularly in nasal administration where precise particle size distribution is crucial for deposition and dosage.
Innovation Solution
A method of assembling the nozzle assembly involves applying an axial force to the proximal surface of the fluid atomizer, causing the legs to flex and radially engage with the nozzle member, securing the conical cap member through radially outwardly projecting barbs, ensuring proper alignment and connection between the fluid atomizer and nozzle member, and utilizing a conical cap made of resilient material for easy insertion into nasal passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conical cap member is secured to the nozzle member using traditional methods, then the assembly structure is simple, but the alignment precision and spray pattern control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed to flex radially outward when axial force is applied, transforming the static assembly structure into a dynamic one that self-adjusts during assembly. This dynamic mechanism enables precise alignment and secure engagement of the conical cap member to the nozzle member without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The flexing legs with barbs create a self-service assembly mechanism where the components themselves perform the alignment and securing functions. When axial force is applied during assembly, the legs automatically flex outward to engage the barbs with the conical cap member, eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures or additional securing mechanisms
2Reliability
If the legs are made rigid for structural stability, then the assembly is stable, but the legs cannot flex to engage with the nozzle member inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow controlled flexibility. By adjusting parameters such as leg thickness, material modulus, and cross-sectional geometry, the legs achieve optimal balance between rigidity for structural support and flexibility for radial engagement, enabling reliable contact with the nozzle member inner surface
Solution Approach 2:
The legs transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible element that responds to axial loading. During assembly, the legs dynamically flex radially outward to engage the barbs, then maintain this engaged position to provide stable structural support, achieving both engagement reliability and structural stability through dynamic behavior
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple securing mechanisms are added to ensure proper alignment, then the alignment precision improves, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment and securing functions from separate complex mechanisms and integrates them into the leg structure itself. The barbs on the flexing legs perform both alignment and securing functions in a single integrated feature, eliminating the need for multiple separate securing mechanisms and simplifying the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The legs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable radial engagement through flexing, perform alignment through the barb geometry, and secure the conical cap member. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single integrated structure
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 assembly method ensures a consistent and controlled spray pattern with specific particle size distributions (D10, D50, D90) for optimal nasal deposition and minimizes gastrointestinal dosage, while allowing for easy disassembly and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a conical cap member (16) connected to and disposed about an outer surface portion of a distal end of the nozzle member (14). The conical cap member (16) may be made of a soft, resilient material
Implementation Method 2
applying an axial force to the proximal surface of the fluid atomizer, causing the legs to flex and radially engage with the nozzle member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method of assembling a nozzle assembly (10) is disclosed. The method includes: providing a nozzle member (14) having a central passage (80, 94) defined by at least an inner side surface (76, 92a) and an inner distal surface (92b); inserting a fluid atomizer (12) into the central passage (80, 94) of the nozzle member (14); and, with a distal surface (56) of the fluid atomizer (12) arranged adjacent the inner distal surface (92b) of the nozzle member (14), flexing legs (34) of the fluid atomizer (12) in a radially-outward direction for engaging each leg (34a, 34b) of the legs (34) with the inner side surface (92a) of the nozzle member (14). A fluid atomizer (12) is also disclosed. A nozzle assembly (10) is also disclosed. A method of utilizing a nozzle assembly (10) is also disclosed.