Inhalation Device Air Pump Control for Precise Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation devices for administering pharmaceuticals via the lung lack control over respiratory volume and flow, leading to unpredictable aerosol deposition in the lungs, as they rely on high pressures that require additional valves and do not account for individual patient parameters, resulting in inefficient drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device with a control system that regulates an air pump to provide a predetermined inhalation flow and volume, using voltage or pulse-width modulation to ensure optimal aerosol deposition, eliminating the need for additional valves and allowing for patient-specific treatment by storing individual lung function parameters on a storage medium for personalized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high pressure is used to atomize the drug, then atomization is achieved, but additional valves and complex control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure system with an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that create acoustic pressure waves to atomize the liquid medicine, eliminating the need for mechanical valves and high-pressure compressors. This is achieved by converting electrical energy to mechanical vibration energy through the ultrasonic transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of liquid to aerosol through ultrasonic cavitation. The ultrasonic vibrations create intense local pressure changes that cause liquid to break up into fine droplets, transitioning from liquid phase to aerosol phase without requiring mechanical compression or valves.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional inhalation devices are used, then aerosol is delivered, but respiratory volume and flow are not controlled leading to unpredictable deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow sensors and control systems that monitor the patient's inhalation flow in real-time. The system adjusts the ultrasonic atomization and aerosol generation based on detected respiratory parameters, ensuring controlled and reproducible delivery. The microprocessor processes sensor signals and adjusts operating parameters to maintain optimal inhalation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to the patient's breathing patterns by continuously monitoring respiratory flow and adjusting aerosol generation accordingly. The ultrasonic atomization parameters are modulated in real-time to match the patient's inhalation rate and depth, ensuring optimal drug delivery regardless of breathing variability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patient-specific parameters are incorporated, then treatment is optimized for individual patients, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact device: ultrasonic atomization, flow sensing, data storage, and microprocessor control are all combined in one unit. The device can store multiple patient profiles with different respiratory parameters and automatically selects and adjusts settings based on the current patient, providing personalized treatment without requiring separate devices for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts to each patient by reading stored respiratory parameters and self-adjusting the ultrasonic atomization and aerosol generation settings. The microprocessor automatically processes patient-specific data and optimizes delivery parameters without requiring manual configuration by healthcare professionals, reducing the complexity burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation device may include a control and an air pump that is connected to the control. The air pump is controlled by the control such that the air pump supplies an inhalation flow, or inhalation volume or both according to a predetermined time course to a nebulizer connected to the air pump. The inhalation flow, inhalation volume or both is controlled by controlling the air pump, rather than by using valves.