Inhalation-Synchronized Fluid Dispenser with Spring-Actuated Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breath actuated inhaler devices are complex and costly to manufacture, prone to jamming, and have a high trigger threshold, making them difficult for weak users to operate safely and reliably, with a risk of accidental actuation.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device with a movable blocking element and inhalation-controlled trigger system, utilizing a deformable spring and radial tabs to ensure synchronized dispensing with inhalation, preventing accidental actuation and minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breath actuated inhaler devices are used to synchronize dispensing with inhalation, then dispensing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a reservoir assembly with metering valve, a separate actuator assembly with spring mechanism, and a blocking element system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable inhalation-synchronized dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is extracted as a separate movable component that can be independently actuated. By removing the blocking element from the reservoir assembly and making it a distinct part that interacts between the reservoir and actuator, the system achieves reliable triggering without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a high trigger threshold is set to prevent accidental actuation, then accidental actuation is reduced, but the device becomes difficult for weak users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be movable between a first position (blocking the metering valve) and a second position (allowing actuation). This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain a high effective trigger threshold during normal handling while enabling easy actuation during intentional use, as the blocking element can be reliably moved during proper inhalation events.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's inhalation action and the metering valve actuation. It provides a mechanical mediation that ensures accidental movements do not trigger dispensing, while properly synchronized inhalations can reliably move the blocking element to enable actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the actuation force requirement is reduced for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of device jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism in the actuator assembly automatically provides the necessary actuation force once the blocking element is moved to the second position. The system serves itself by storing mechanical energy in the spring during the cocking phase and automatically releasing it to actuate the metering valve, eliminating the need for users to apply excessive force while preventing jamming through controlled mechanical engagement.
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 device ensures reliable actuation on each inhalation, reduces the risk of jamming, and is simpler and less expensive to produce, allowing safe and effective use by users of varying strength, including the elderly and sick, while ensuring fluid dispensing is synchronized with inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling
Implementation Method 2
a spring that is arranged between said proximal wall and a distal wall of said body, said body sliding axially past said proximal well between a rest position and a cocked position in which said spring is compressed
Implementation Method 3
such that on said inhalation-controlled trigger system being actuated, said compressed spring moves said reservoir axially in said body so as to actuate said metering valve
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device having a body, a reservoir containing a fluid and a propellant gas that slides axially in the body, a metering valve, a blocking element movable and/or deformable between a non-actuation position and an actuation position, and an inhalation-controlled trigger system that moves and/or deforms the blocking element from the non-actuation position towards the actuation position. The device includes an actuator fastened on the reservoir and having a proximal wall fastened on the end of the reservoir, a body that slides axially past the proximal wall, and a spring arranged between the proximal wall and a distal wall of the body, the body sliding axially past the proximal wall between a rest position and a cocked position in which the spring is compressed, such that on actuation of the trigger system, the compressed spring moves the reservoir so as to actuate the metering valve.