Inhalation Device Locking Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-dose inhalation devices for powdered pharmaceuticals are complex and costly due to the number of moving parts and gear-driven mechanisms, which complicates production and accuracy in dosing count until lockout.
Innovation Solution
A simplified inhalation device design with a reduced number of moving parts, utilizing a locking lever with integrally formed signaling means that engages a mechanical index to block the dosage key after a predetermined number of cycles, and a ratchet mechanism for the counter ring, eliminating the need for a gear train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gear-driven mechanism is used to advance the counter ring, then the counter can be advanced through multiple positions, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear train from the mechanism, extracting only the essential function of advancing the counter ring. Instead of using a complex gear-driven system, the invention employs a direct ratchet mechanism that engages the counter ring teeth directly, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining the ability to advance through multiple dosage positions accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a gear mechanism to drive the counter ring forward, the invention inverts the approach by using the ratchet mechanism to allow单向 engagement with the counter ring teeth. The counter ring is advanced by the dosage key movement directly engaging the ratchet, which then increments the counter position without requiring a traditional gear train.
2Reliability
If multiple moving parts are used in the locking mechanism, then the blocking function can be achieved, but the production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking lever and signaling means into a single integrated component. The locking lever itself carries the signaling feature (such as a visual indicator or mechanical signal) that shows when the device is blocked, eliminating the need for separate signaling components and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical blocking action to prevent further dosing, it engages with the counter ring to detect the blocked position, and it provides visual or mechanical signaling to the user. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If a ratchet mechanism is used for the counter ring, then the number of moving parts is reduced, but the complexity of ensuring accurate engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the ratchet teeth and engagement surfaces with specific geometric characteristics at the critical engagement points. The ratchet teeth are shaped to provide controlled engagement that prevents backward movement while allowing forward advancement, and the engagement surfaces are designed with appropriate tolerances and surface qualities to ensure accurate positioning without requiring excessive complexity in the overall mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inhalation device for powdered drugs to be received by a patient by an inhalation-caused air stream, comprising at least one powder reservoir, metering means for repeatedly metering a powder dose from the reservoir, a transportation mechanism for moving said metering means from a filling position for receiving a powder dose into an emptying position for releasing said powder dose into a powder channel, at least one activating device for manual operation by the patient, said activating device being operatively connected to said transportation mechanism such that upon operation a single powder dose is being metered, said activating device comprising a dosage key (5) acting on said transportation mechanism when pressed by the patient. The inhalation device further comprises an advancing mechanism for advancing a counter means each time the inhalation device has been activated by the patient so that a powder dose has been released into the powder channel. The counter means comprises a mechanical index coupled to a locking mechanism blocking the dosage key (5) and/or the activating device and/or the transportation mechanism after a predetermined number of metering cycles after detection of the index. Moreover, the locking mechanism includes a locking lever (7) for positive engagement with the dosage key (5) and/or the activating device and/or the transportation mechanism in the blocked condition. The inhalation device (1) is characterized in that the locking lever includes signaling means integrally formed therewith engaging the index after said predetermined number of metering cycles.