Inhalation Device Two-Pump Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jet nebulizers require complex systems of valves and Venturi nozzles to deliver aerosol boluses while maintaining a constant flow rate, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A two-pump system comprising a nebulizer air flow pump and a separate support air flow pump, controlled by a pressure sensor and controller, allows independent variation of aerosol and support flow rates, eliminating the need for valves and Venturi nozzles, and enabling adjustable flow rates for different patient populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single compressor with valves and Venturi nozzle is used to deliver aerosol boluses, then aerosol delivery can be achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching valves and Venturi nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor is divided into two separate pumps: a first pump dedicated to generating aerosol flow and a second pump dedicated to providing support flow. This segmentation eliminates the need for switching valves and Venturi nozzles, as each pump independently controls its respective flow path to the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller integrates the control functions previously distributed across multiple valves into a single centralized control unit. The controller manages both pumps to achieve aerosol bolus delivery, constant flow rate maintenance, and various delivery modes without requiring mechanical switching components.
2Device complexity
If a single compressor is used to provide both aerosol and support flow, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to independently vary flow rates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow generation function is segmented into two independent pumps, allowing each pump to be optimized for its specific function and controlled independently. The first pump controls aerosol flow rate while the second pump controls support flow rate, enabling precise independent adjustment of both flows to suit different patient populations and treatment requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valves are used to switch aerosol flow on and off, then aerosol bolus delivery is achieved, but device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching valve mechanism is completely extracted from the system. Instead of using valves to switch aerosol flow on and off, the first pump is directly controlled by the controller to start and stop aerosol generation. This eliminates mechanical switching components and their associated reliability issues while maintaining the aerosol bolus delivery capability.
4Productivity
If a Venturi nozzle is used to increase air flow, then sufficient flow volume is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Venturi nozzle is completely extracted from the system. The second pump is specifically selected and sized to directly provide the required support flow volume without needing flow amplification through a Venturi nozzle. This eliminates the Venturi component and its associated complexity while maintaining sufficient air flow volume for effective aerosol delivery.
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 a simplified and efficient delivery of aerosol boluses with adjustable flow rates, suitable for various patient groups, reducing wear and energy consumption, and enhancing aerosol deposition in lungs while minimizing deposition in the throat.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump for providing a nebulizer air flow... a nebulizing nozzle for generating an aerosol flow from the nebulizer air flow and the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a second pump for providing a support air flow... so that the aerosol flow and the support air flow are combined in the mixing chamber to provide a total flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an inhalation device which has two pumps, one providing a nebulizer flow and the other providing a support flow. The nebulizer flow passes through a nebulizing nozzle to generate an aerosol flow from a liquid. The aerosol flow and the support flow are combined to provide a total flow through a mouthpiece to a patient. The device can be configured specifically for pediatric use by removing the support flow pump. The invention also provides a method of providing a flow of aerosol and / or air to a patient using the device, in particular a device which provides a defined volume of air and aerosol as a bolus at a defined flow rate on each inhalation.