Inhalation Device Piercing Element with Air Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry powder inhalers face issues with precision and reproducibility of dosage, risk of overdose due to incomplete dose expulsion, and inefficiency in delivering the medication to the lungs, along with challenges in opening individual reservoirs without compromising sealing or accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A dry powder inhaler with a piercing element that pierces the closure wall of each blister pack on actuation, utilizing a hollow piercing means with air channels to efficiently transport powder to the dispensing orifice, triggered by inhalation, ensuring complete dose expulsion and reduced variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing layer is perforated to open the reservoir, then the reservoir can be opened for powder delivery, but cut sections of the wall may retain part of the dose inside the reservoir, compromising dosing accuracy and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical perforation system with a laser-based opening system. The laser beam precisely ablates the sealing layer and creates a clean opening without mechanical contact, eliminating the problem of wall sections retaining powder. This substitution of mechanical action with optical/thermal action resolves the contradiction between ease of opening and dosing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the opening process by using laser energy instead of mechanical force. The laser parameters (power, duration, focal point) are controlled to create a precise opening that completely releases the powder dose without leaving residual powder on wall sections, thereby maintaining both operational ease and dosing accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the dose is loaded into the expulsion channel before inhalation, then the device is ready for use, but if the user handles the inhaler inappropriately between dose loading and inhalation, the dose can be dispersed within the device, risking overdose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by loading the dose into a protected reservoir (blister pack) before use, rather than directly into the expulsion channel. The reservoir remains sealed until the moment of use, and is opened by laser only when needed. This preliminary containment prevents premature dispersion and eliminates overdose risk from improper handling, while still allowing convenient dose loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the laser-openable reservoir/blister pack) between the dose and the expulsion channel. This intermediary protects the dose during storage and handling, and is removed or opened only at the appropriate time. The reservoir acts as a mediator that enables both convenient dose loading and safe prevention of premature dispersion.
3Volume of moving object
If a multi-dose reservoir is used to store all doses inside the device, then the device is compact, but the accuracy and reproducibility of dosage with each actuation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the multi-dose supply into individual single-dose reservoirs (blister packs) rather than using one large multi-dose reservoir. Each blister contains a precisely measured single dose, ensuring dosing accuracy and reproducibility. The blisters are arranged in a compact strip that fits within the portable device, maintaining small device volume while eliminating dosing variability.
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 provides reliable, precise, and reproducible dosing, minimizing the risk of overdose by ensuring complete powder expulsion and optimal delivery to the lungs, while maintaining device integrity and compact size.
Implementation Method 1
at least one opening means (40) adapted to open said sealed reservoir (20) with each actuation of the inhalation device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an inhalation device including an opening device for opening an individual tank (20) containing a unique dose of a fluid product, such as a powder, said tank (20) including a closing wall (21), wherein said opening device includes hollow piercing means (40) capable of piercing said closing wall (21) of the tank (20), the hollow piercing means (40) being connected to an ejection channel (69) for conveying the powder towards a dispensing opening (1) of said inhalation device, the opening device including at least one air channel (100) connected to said ejection channel (69) so that, upon an inhalation, an air flow (B) through said at least one air channel (100) is mixed in said ejection channel (69) with the flow of air and powder (A) exiting the tank (20) through said hollow piercing means (40), said at least one air channel (100) being defined by a through hole formed in a wall of said piercing means, and said at least one through hole being substantially parallel to the ejection channel (69).