Gravity-Weighted Nebulizer Orientation for Upright Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulizers face issues with ineffective aerosol formation due to non-aerosolized droplets and require patients to maintain an upright position, which is difficult for weak, unconscious, or anesthetized individuals, and elbow joints cause condensation and hinder drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer orientation apparatus with weighted and deformable conduits or joints that maintain the aerosol-forming nozzle in a vertical position using gravity, allowing for flexible attachment and rotation to accommodate patient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outlet joins the inhalation mask via an elbowed joint, then the patient is encouraged to sit in an upright position, but it frustrates drug administration when the patient cannot comply and causes condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed elbowed joint with a dynamic articulated arm system that can move and adapt its configuration. The articulated arm includes multiple joints that allow the outlet to be repositioned, enabling the system to adapt to different patient conditions whether sitting upright or in alternative positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustable positioning mechanism that adds dimensional flexibility to the outlet-mask connection. The articulated arm can extend, retract, and articulate in multiple directions, transforming the rigid single-position connection into a multi-positional system that operates in three-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a longer length between the outlet and the inhalation mask is used, then flexibility is increased, but the risk of condensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm provides dynamic flexibility without requiring excessive length. By using multiple articulation points, the system achieves the needed adaptability with a more compact configuration, reducing the overall tube length and minimizing condensation risk while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Reliability
If the nozzle is required to remain vertical, then effective aerosol formation is achieved, but patients must be seated upright or standing which creates operational difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm dynamically adjusts the nebulizer assembly orientation to maintain the nozzle in a vertical position regardless of patient posture. The joints in the articulated arm compensate for patient position changes, actively preserving the required vertical alignment for effective aerosol generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the patient support structure and the nebulizer assembly. It mediates the transmission of motion and maintains the vertical orientation of the nozzle while allowing the patient to be positioned in various configurations.
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
Ensures effective aerosol formation and delivery by maintaining the nozzle upright, reducing condensation, and facilitating drug administration in various patient positions.
Implementation Method 1
the first straight hollow body is weighted relative to the second straight hollow body to facilitate displacement of the first body under force of gravity relative to the second body
Implementation Method 2
pressurized gas enters the nebulizer via the gas inlet, passing over or through the drug entrained solution before passing through the nozzle to produce a Venturi effect that facilitates drawing the drug entrained solution up and into the nozzle by means of a pressure differential
Implementation Method 3
passing through the nozzle to produce a Venturi effect that facilitates drawing the drug entrained solution up and into the nozzle by means of a pressure differential such that said drug entrained solution is encouraged to form an aerosol or mist
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a nebulizer orientation apparatus for orientating an aerosol or mist forming means of the nebulizer into a substantially vertical position relative to the ground level under force of gravity. Particularly, there is provided a nebulizer orientation apparatus comprising first and second straight hollow bodies in flow communication with each other via a joint means, which joint means facilitating movement of the first and second straight hollow bodies relative to each other in a first plane facilitated by the joint means, and wherein the first straight hollow body is weighted relative to the second straight hollow body to facilitate displacement of the first body under force of gravity relative to the second body.