Inhalation Device Counting and Blocking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices with combined counting and blocking systems are inflexible and costly due to their integration with the container, leading to increased production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A novel inhalation device system featuring a separate counting unit and blocking unit that are physically distinct when the reservoir is in the resting position, allowing for independent resetting and replacement, and interact only when the reservoir is moved to the primed position, enabling flexible use and potentially reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the counting and blocking systems are integrated with the container, then the system ensures proper usage tracking and blocking functionality, but the production cost increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the counting and blocking systems into separate, independent units that can function autonomously. The counting unit tracks usage independently, while the blocking unit independently prevents further use after a predetermined number of actuations. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured separately and assembled into the container, reducing overall production complexity and cost while maintaining reliable usage tracking and blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate counting and blocking units are designed to be universally applicable across different container types and inhalation device systems. These modular units can be adapted to various container configurations without requiring custom integration for each application, thereby reducing manufacturing costs through standardized production processes while ensuring reliable functionality across different systems.
2Reliability
If the counting and blocking systems are integrated with the container, then the system provides complete usage control, but the flexibility for resetting and replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the counting and blocking systems into separate modular units, the patent enables independent manipulation of each function. Users can reset the counting unit without affecting the blocking unit, or replace individual units as needed. This segmentation maintains complete usage control through coordinated operation of both units while providing flexibility for selective resetting and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic characteristics in the counting and blocking units, allowing them to be reset or reconfigured based on usage requirements. The counting unit can be reset to track new usage cycles, while the blocking unit maintains its safety function. This dynamic capability ensures reliable usage control while adapting to different operational scenarios and user needs.
3Reliability
If the counting and blocking systems are integrated with the container, then the system ensures proper dose tracking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by segmenting the dose tracking functionality into separate, specialized counting and blocking units rather than integrating all functions into a single complex system. Each unit performs its specific function with simple, dedicated mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate dose tracking through the coordinated operation of the counting unit (which tracks each actuation) and the blocking unit (which enforces the predetermined limit).
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an inhalation device system for the inhalative administration of a medically active liquid in nebulized form, the system comprising an inhalation device (20) and an exchangeable reservoir (30) for holding a plurality of doses of the medically active liquid, wherein one dose of the medically active liquid is dispensed from the inhalation device per actuation of the inhalation device system, wherein the inhalation device (20) comprises—a housing (21) having a receiving unit (23), the receiving unit having a connection unit (24) adapted to releasably and fluidically connect to a connection port (31) of the exchangeable reservoir (30), the receiving unit (24) being adapted to receive and fluidically connect to the exchangeable reservoir (30); —a nozzle (25) for the nebulization of the medically active liquid; and—a pumping unit (40) arranged within the housing (21) and adapted to be fluidically connected to the exchangeable reservoir (30) and to the nozzle (25) and being adapted to convey the medically active liquid (in a downstream direction) from the exchangeable reservoir (30) to the nozzle (25) and being adapted to move the exchangeable reservoir from a resting position to a primed position upon priming of the pumping unit; wherein the inhalation device system comprises a combined counting and blocking assembly comprising a counting unit for counting the number of actuations of the inhalation device system (following the insertion of the exchangeable reservoir into the inhalation device) and a blocking unit for blocking the movement of the exchangeable reservoir from the resting position to the primed position when a defined number of actuations (following the insertion of the exchangeable reservoir into the inhalation device) is reached, wherein the counting unit and the blocking unit are physically separated from each other when the exchangeable reservoir is in the resting position and adapted to interact with each other upon each movement of the exchangeable reservoir from the resting position to the primed position.