Grid Element for Inhaler Capsule Orientation and Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid elements for inhalers are expensive and complex to produce, as they require overmoulding a plastics material frame on a metal grid to generate turbulence and limit capsule movement, while also being costly and elaborate.
Innovation Solution
A grid element with a planar grid-type portion and a centrally arranged protruding element on the grid front side, which can be produced simply and allows the capsule to vibrate while maintaining orientation, generating turbulence without additional suction or deceleration of airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid element with overmoulded plastics frame on metal grid is used to generate turbulence and limit capsule movement, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grid structure and the capsule-contacting elements into a single integrated component. The grid element comprises a grid portion with multiple protruding elements that directly contact the capsule, eliminating the need for a separate plastics frame overmoulding process. This integration maintains the dual functionality of generating turbulence and limiting capsule movement while significantly simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple grid structure made from cost-effective materials that can be manufactured using economical processes. The grid element with its protruding elements serves as a disposable or replaceable component that provides the necessary functionality without requiring expensive metal grids and complex overmoulding operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional grid is used to limit capsule movement, then capsule orientation is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and elaborateness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning specific protruding elements at strategic locations on the grid structure. These protruding elements are arranged to contact specific portions of the capsule, providing localized constraints that maintain capsule orientation during vibration. This targeted approach achieves stable capsule orientation without requiring a complete frame structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the grid element generates turbulence, then powder deagglomeration is improved, but airflow deceleration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grid structure into multiple protruding elements distributed across the grid portion. This segmentation creates numerous small turbulence zones throughout the airflow path, enabling effective powder deagglomeration. The distributed arrangement of protruding elements generates turbulence without creating a single large obstruction that would significantly decelerate the overall airflow, thus maintaining both deagglomeration efficiency and airflow velocity.
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 grid element is cost-effective to produce, allows for precise adaptation during production, and effectively generates turbulence in the airflow without decelerating it, ensuring efficient powder deagglomeration and distribution while preventing undesirable particle entry.
Implementation Method 1
it being possible for turbulence to be generated by means of the grid element in an airflow passing through the air duct
Implementation Method 2
By means of the airflow flowing past the openings, a negative pressure is generated in front of the capsule openings with respect to the inside of the capsule, so that the powder which is located in the capsule is carried away by the airflow and atomised in the process
Implementation Method 3
In addition, the capsule vibrates through the airflow predominantly along the axial longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grid element for an inhaler which can be arranged in an air duct between a mouthpiece and a capsule chamber of the inhaler, it being possible for turbulence to be generated by means of the grid element in an airflow passing through the air duct. The grid element is characterized in that it comprises a preferably planar grid-type portion having a grid front side which points towards the capsule chamber and a grid rear side, at least one protruding element being arranged on the grid front side, by means of which a capsule that can be arranged in the capsule chamber can be loosely supported.