Inhalation Device Collapsible Container Radial Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices struggle to deliver a high fine particle count, which is crucial for effective lung deposition, particularly for unskilled users and children, as the coordination of nebulization and inhalation can be difficult, leading to suboptimal aerosol inhalation.
Innovation Solution
The design of an inhalation device with a collapsible container that maintains its length and tapers towards the free end, connected to a funnel-shaped connecting device, ensuring favorable flow conditions and easy collapse, thereby increasing the fine particle count during inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional cylindrical bellows container is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fine particle count during inhalation is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple longitudinal sections or compartments that can collapse independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows the container to maintain its length while collapsing radially, creating favorable flow conditions that preserve fine particle count without requiring complex external mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The container collapses in a radial direction rather than axially, maintaining its length dimension while reducing volume. This dimensional change in collapse behavior creates optimal flow conditions for preserving fine particle count during inhalation
2Ease of operation
If the container collapses axially like a conventional bellows, then the structure is straightforward, but flow conditions during inhalation are not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to collapse partially radially while maintaining its full length, rather than collapsing completely in one direction. This partial collapse action creates optimal flow conditions without requiring complete structural transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The container geometry parameters are specifically designed with a tapered profile and reinforced longitudinal structure that enables radial collapse while maintaining length. These parameter changes create favorable flow conditions for inhalation
3Ease of operation
If a self-expanding container is used, then the container can expand to hold aerosol, but it cannot collapse easily during inhalation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a self-expanding container that resists collapse, the invention uses a container designed to collapse in the opposite direction of conventional bellows (radially rather than axially). This inverted collapse mechanism allows easy collapse during inhalation without complex construction
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs flexible longitudinal walls that can collapse radially while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible shell structures enable easy collapse during inhalation without requiring complex mechanical components
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
This configuration results in a higher fine particle count, ensuring more defined inhalation of the active substance and improved treatment efficacy, especially for children, by maintaining the aerosol's length and facilitating easier collapse during use.
Implementation Method 1
a container (8) which is capable of collapsing during inhalation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inhalation device (FIG. 1) having a connection device (4) and a container (8) connected or connectable thereto and collapsing upon inhaling, for intermediately storing an aerosol. In order to increase the fine particle count of the dispensed aerosol, the container (8) at least substantially retains the length thereof when collapsing, and/or tapers down toward the free end thereof.