Inhalation-Synchronized Fluid Dispenser with Breath-Actuated Trigger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath actuated inhaler devices are complex and costly to manufacture, with challenges in balancing reliable triggering with inhaling while preventing accidental actuation.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device with a movable and deformable actuator element and an inhalation-controlled trigger system, where the actuator element is blocked in a non-actuation position until deformed by inhaling, allowing synchronized dispensing with inhalation.
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 and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a breath-actuated trigger mechanism that detects inhalation and separately activates the metering valve. This segmentation allows the synchronization function to be achieved through a dedicated simple trigger system rather than a complex integrated mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable dispensing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The metered dose is pre-loaded and sealed in the cartridge before use. The breath-actuated trigger is pre-positioned to detect inhalation patterns. When the patient inhales, these pre-prepared elements work together to automatically dispense the correct dose without requiring complex real-time control systems, thereby simplifying the device while ensuring reliable synchronization.
2Reliability
If a high actuation threshold is set to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for weak users
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism uses a dynamic breath-actuated design that responds to the natural pressure changes during inhalation. The trigger threshold is calibrated to match typical inhalation pressure profiles, creating an adaptive system that is sensitive enough for legitimate use but specific enough to prevent accidental activation. This dynamic response allows weak users to activate the device through normal breathing effort without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The breath-actuated trigger serves as an intermediary between the user's inhalation action and the metering valve actuation. It translates the subtle pressure changes of inhalation into a controlled activation signal, providing a buffer that prevents direct coupling and accidental activation while remaining responsive to intentional inhalation. This intermediary mechanism ensures both reliability and ease of operation.
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, minimizes accidental actuation, and is simpler and less costly to manufacture, making it suitable for use by individuals of varying strength, including the sick and elderly.
Implementation Method 1
an inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device having a body with a mouthpiece, a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and a propellant gas mounted to slide axially in the body, a metering valve including a valve member assembled on the reservoir, an actuator element movable and/or deformable between a non-actuation position in which the metering valve cannot be actuated, and an actuation position in which the metering valve can be actuated; and an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling. The inhalation-sensitive member moves and/or deforms the actuator element from its non-actuation position towards its actuation position. The actuator element is a blocking element that, in the non-actuation position, co-operates firstly with the body and secondly with the reservoir to prevent the reservoir from moving axially in the body.