Foldable pMDI Aerosol Enhancer With Swivelable Holding Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) face inefficiencies in drug delivery due to synchronization challenges between patient inhalation and drug release, leading to inconsistent dosages and potential under- or over-dosage, and existing spacers are bulky and difficult to carry.
Innovation Solution
A foldable enhancer for MDIs comprising a holding chamber with a swivelable connector, one-way valve, and adjustable volume, featuring a locking mechanism for compact storage and efficient aerosol delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spacer is used to improve drug delivery synchronization, then the drug delivery efficiency is improved, but the device size increases and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancer is divided into separable components: a holding chamber and a connector assembly. The connector can be detached from the holding chamber, allowing the patient to carry only the necessary components or store them separately, reducing the effective device volume while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding chamber is designed to receive and nest the connector assembly within its structure. When not in use, the connector can be positioned inside the holding chamber, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall device volume while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If a spacer is used to allow patient inhalation flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a swiveling mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the holding chamber angle relative to the pMDI. This enables the patient to position the mouthpiece at optimal angles for comfortable inhalation while the connector can be swiveled away or nested when not in use, reducing carrying burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary component between the pMDI and the holding chamber, providing a detachable interface that allows the holding chamber to be separated from the pMDI body. This intermediary design enables the patient to carry only the essential holding chamber component or store the connector separately, reducing overall carrying difficulty while maintaining inhalation flexibility during use.
3Reliability
If the holding chamber volume is increased to improve aerosol dispersion, then the drug delivery consistency is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding chamber is designed with a predetermined optimal volume that is pre-configured to provide sufficient aerosol dispersion space. The chamber volume is engineered in advance to balance dispersion effectiveness with compact size, eliminating the need for patients to adjust or expand the chamber during use while ensuring consistent drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding chamber volume is optimized as a specific parameter to achieve the desired balance between aerosol dispersion and device compactness. By carefully selecting and controlling the chamber volume parameter during design, the system achieves consistent drug delivery without requiring excessive size, maintaining reliability while minimizing volume.
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 enhancer ensures consistent drug delivery, compact size, and ease of use by allowing flexible configuration and locking mechanisms, enhancing patient convenience and drug efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A one way valve is configured to be positioned inside the holding chamber to provide one way path for the aerosol from the first end to the second end of the holding chamber
Implementation Method 2
A screen having a plurality of apertures is configured between the first end and the second end of the holding chamber for disseminating the aerosol into fine particles uniformly from the first end to the mouthpiece
Implementation Method 3
The connector is configured to have an adapter end configured to be mounted with the pMDI and a pivot end configured to pivotally mount the first end of the holding chamber. Further, the connector is configured to swivel the holding chamber around the pivot end
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter discloses an enhancer (100) for delivery of aerosol from a pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI, 10) to a user. The enhancer comprises a holding chamber (110), a connector (120) and a one way valve (130). The holding chamber (110) is having a first end (112) configured to receive aerosol from the pMDI (10) and a second end (114) configured to form a mouthpiece (114) for engagement with the user's mouth. The connector (120) is having an adapter end (122) configured to be connected with the pMDI (10) and a pivot end (124) configured to pivotally mount the first end (112) of the holding chamber (110). Further, the connector (120) is configured to swivel the holding chamber (110) around the pivot end (124).