Disposable Halotherapy Inhaler with Sliding Telescopic Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalers for halotherapy are costly, complex, and cumbersome, making them unsuitable for widespread use and commercialization in the consumer market, particularly for discreet and easy administration of salt aerosol treatments in public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact, user-friendly inhaler design with a slidable proximal part that transitions between 'OPEN' and 'CLOSED' positions, allowing for easy deployment and retraction with a thumb, featuring a reservoir with a release orifice that delivers a dispersible substance, such as micronized salt, into an air passage for aerosol formation, while protecting the device from contamination during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a precise dosing inhaler is designed for pharmaceutical administration, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable inhaler unit that is pre-filled with a specific amount of dispersible substance. Each unit is designed for single-use, eliminating the need for complex dosing mechanisms, cleaning systems, or refilling components. The entire inhaler including reservoir is discarded after one use, significantly simplifying the device structure while ensuring accurate dosing through factory pre-measurement.
2Ease of operation
If an inhaler is designed for discreet use in public spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler features a compact telescopic design where the proximal part containing the reservoir nests within the distal part housing. When not in use, the entire inhaler collapses to a small size that can be easily concealed in a pocket or bag. During operation, the proximal part extends outward, providing full functionality. This nesting mechanism enables discreet carrying and use while maintaining simple operation through a single extension motion.
3Ease of operation
If the inhaler remains open during transport, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination from environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler employs a dynamic state-changing mechanism where the proximal part can transition between retracted (closed/protected) and extended (open/operational) positions. During transport, the proximal part remains retracted into the distal part, sealing the reservoir and air passage to prevent contamination. When ready for use, the proximal part extends outward, opening the air passage and allowing operation. This dynamic positioning system provides both protection during storage and accessibility during use without requiring separate sealing mechanisms.
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 inhaler provides a low-cost, discreet, and user-friendly method for administering halotherapy, ensuring effective aerosol formation and protection from environmental contaminants, enhancing usability and market accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the dispersible substance is dispersed in the air stream to form an inhalable aerosol
Implementation Method 2
The proximal part is provided with friction means for providing frictional engagement with the thumb of a user
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inhaler for halotherapy having in an axial direction a proximal end for insertion into the mouth of a user, and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, wherein the inhaler comprises an inlet, an outlet arranged at the proximal end, an air passage extending from the inlet to the outlet, and a reservoir communicating with the air passage through a release orifice, the reservoir containing a dispersible substance.