Inhalation-Synchronized Fluid Dispenser with Dynamic Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inhaler devices are complex and costly to manufacture, prone to accidental actuation, leaks, and malfunctions, with high trigger thresholds that hinder use by weaker individuals and lack precision in dosage delivery.

Innovation Solution

A synchronized fluid product dispenser device with a movable blocking element and inhalation-controlled trigger system, featuring a deformable inhalation-sensitive member that moves the trigger element to actuate the valve only during inhalation, minimizing accidental actuations and leaks, and incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing inhaler devices use a complex valve mechanism with latch and trigger systems, then the device can achieve breath-actuated functionality, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreath actuation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking element and trigger element into a single integrated component that performs both functions. The trigger element has a blocking portion that directly interfaces with the valve member while also being blocked by the cap, merging what were previously separate mechanisms into one unified structure that reduces part count while maintaining breath-actuated reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap serves multiple functions: it protects the mouthpiece, blocks the trigger element to prevent accidental actuation during storage, and acts as a release mechanism when removed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective and triggering components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the trigger threshold is set high to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability improves, but the device becomes difficult to use for weak individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental actuation preventionVSAvoidtrigger activation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element dynamically changes its blocking force based on cap position. When the cap is on, it provides strong blocking to prevent accidental actuation. When the cap is removed, the blocking force is reduced, allowing easier activation by users with weaker inhalation strength. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between high trigger threshold for reliability and low threshold for ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the valve remains under stress during storage to maintain readiness, then actuation speed improves, but the risk of leaks and malfunctions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation speedVSAvoidvalve malfunction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap applies a preliminary blocking action on the trigger element during storage, preventing the valve from being under stress. This preliminary protective action eliminates the risk of leaks and malfunctions that would occur if the valve remained under tension during storage, while still allowing rapid actuation when the cap is removed and the user inhales

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 and precise actuation synchronized with inhalation, reduces the risk of leaks and accidental dosing, and is simpler and less expensive to produce, making it safer and more accessible for users of all strengths.

Implementation Method 1

an inhalation-controlled trigger system comprising an inhalation-sensitive member (60) that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a spring (850) disposed between a cover (11) and said push member (810), wherein, before inhalation, said push member (810) is out of contact with said reservoir (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12178958B2Device for the inhalation-synchronized dispensing of a fluid product

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 APTAR FRANCE SAS

AI summary

A device having a body (10), a reservoir (100) mounted to slide axially relative to the body, a metering valve (200) on the reservoir (100), a blocking element (500), a trigger element (600), an inhalation-controlled trigger system (60) cooperating with the trigger element, an actuating member (800) cooperating with the blocking element, a cover (11) fixed on the body, a push member (810) fastened tot actuating member (800) and mounted to slide axially in the cover, and a spring (850) between the cover and the push member. Before inhalation, the push member is out of contact with the reservoir, such that the force exerted on the push member by the spring is not transmitted to the reservoir, and during inhalation, the push member moves axially with the actuating member so as to come into contact with the reservoir and move it axially in the body to actuate said valve.