Inhalation Device Key Lock Assembly for Airtight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation devices face challenges with correct and easy assembly, air tightness, and reduced pressure losses due to complex component arrangements and leak-prone connections, which can lead to irreproducible dosing and increased risk of infections, especially for patients with respiratory issues.
Innovation Solution
The design of an inhalation device with a base unit, mouthpiece, and aerosol head featuring key lock members for secure assembly, reduced components, and a feedback system to ensure correct alignment and airtight connections, minimizing the number of connections required for assembly and enhancing user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertically arranged nebulizer membranes are used, then aerosol can be introduced horizontally into the air flow channel, but liquid supply becomes variable and residual volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical membrane arrangement by positioning the nebulizer membrane horizontally. This inversion allows gravity to drive consistent liquid supply from the reservoir while maintaining the ability to introduce aerosol horizontally into the air flow channel, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and liquid supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from vertical to horizontal membrane orientation, utilizing the gravity dimension to improve liquid supply consistency. This dimensional change allows the liquid reservoir to be positioned above the membrane, enabling reliable gravity-driven flow while maintaining horizontal aerosol introduction capability.
2Reliability
If horizontally arranged nebulizer membranes are used, then liquid supply is easier and more consistent, but mixing chambers become required and device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aerosol generation function with the air flow channel by eliminating the need for separate mixing chambers. The horizontal membrane configuration allows aerosol to be generated and introduced directly into the air flow path, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mixing chamber component from the traditional horizontal membrane configuration. By optimizing the air flow channel design and aerosol introduction geometry, the patent achieves adequate mixing without requiring a separate mixing chamber, thereby simplifying the device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If vertically stacked arrangement of reservoir, aerosol generator and mixing chamber is used, then device function is achieved, but device becomes high and prone to falling on its side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the vertical stacking arrangement into a horizontal layout where the reservoir, aerosol generator, and air flow channel are arranged side-by-side. This dimensional change shifts the device's center of gravity and improves stability, preventing the device from falling on its side while maintaining all necessary functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections are required for assembly, then device functionality is complete, but assembly becomes complex and leak-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connections into a single integrated assembly interface. The aerosol generator and air flow channel are designed to connect directly as one unit, reducing the number of separate connections required and simplifying assembly while maintaining complete device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into modular components (reservoir, aerosol generator, mouthpiece) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation with optimized connection interfaces reduces assembly complexity and minimizes leak-prone connections while preserving full functionality.
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 solution facilitates easy and correct assembly, reduces the risk of leakage and pressure loss, and ensures consistent dosing, improving user safety and adherence to therapy while allowing for customization tailored to specific therapies.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid formulation in the inhalation device is atomised by nebulisers, such as ultrasonic nebulizers
Implementation Method 2
Horizontally arranged nebulizer membranes allow for an easier, gravity-driven and thus less variable supply of the liquid from a reservoir above said membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
The inhalation device comprises a base unit (100), a mouthpiece (200) and an aerosol head (300). The base unit comprises an air inlet (101), an air outlet (102), a groove (103) for receiving the mouthpiece, and key lock members (104). The mouthpiece comprises a first segment (200a) comprising an air inlet (201) and a lateral opening (202) for receiving an aerosol generator, the first segment being insertable into the groove of the base unit, and a second segment (200b) comprising an aerosol outlet (203). The aerosol head comprises an aerosol generator (301), a liquid reservoir (302), and key lock members (303) complementary to the key lock members of the base unit. The base unit, mouthpiece and aerosol head are connectible with one another such that when engaging the members of the key lock with the complementary members, the aerosol generator is inserted into the lateral opening of the mouthpiece.