Dry Powder Inhalator With Segmented Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalators for treating respiratory diseases often require patients to use multiple devices, leading to poor compliance due to the need for frequent administration of bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and there are concerns about the stability of medicaments when combined on carriers like lactose.
Innovation Solution
A dry powder inhalation system where each medicament is stored in separate container elements within a single device, allowing for simultaneous or sequential delivery of multiple medicaments without mixing until inhalation, thereby maintaining stability and improving compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple medicaments are administered using separate inhalators, then each medicament can be delivered effectively, but patient compliance deteriorates due to the need to remember and use multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate inhalator devices into a single integrated inhalator that can deliver multiple different medicaments. The device includes multiple reservoirs for different medicaments with a common actuation mechanism, allowing patients to use one device instead of multiple separate devices, thereby improving compliance while maintaining effective medicament delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The inhalator is designed with multi-functionality to deliver various types of medicaments (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, etc.) through a single device. The universal design allows the same device to handle different medicament formulations and delivery requirements, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices
2Reliability
If bronchodilator is administered frequently (4-6 times per day), then acute asthma symptoms are controlled, but patient compliance deteriorates due to the frequent administration requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple medicaments with different durations of action (short-acting bronchodilators and long-acting bronchodilators, or rescue and maintenance medications) into a single inhalator. This allows patients to receive both frequent-acting and sustained-acting medications through one device, potentially reducing the number of separate administrations needed while maintaining effective symptom control
Solution Approach 2:
The inhalator provides continuous therapeutic coverage by combining medications with different pharmacokinetic profiles. The device ensures that both immediate relief and sustained protection are available through a single system, eliminating gaps in therapy and reducing the need for multiple separate dosing events
3Ease of operation
If multiple medicaments are combined on a common carrier, then a single inhalator can deliver multiple drugs, but medicament stability deteriorates due to interactions between medicaments and carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The inhalator divides the medicament storage into separate, isolated reservoirs or compartments. Each reservoir contains a different medicament and is sealed until actuation. This segmentation prevents premature contact between medicaments and carriers, maintaining stability while allowing combined delivery through the common inhalation path when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an intermediary mechanism (separated reservoirs with common delivery path) that allows medicaments to remain isolated during storage but be delivered together through a shared airflow path. The intermediary structure maintains physical separation to prevent degradation while enabling simultaneous or sequential co-administration through the same inhalator
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
This system enhances patient compliance by simplifying treatment regimens and maintains medicament stability, allowing for a broader range of combinations to be administered effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a dry powder inhalator, with or without a 'breath triggering' feature for providing control of medicament introduction into a patient's inspired air stream
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of medication includes providing first and second medicament on a medicament pack in separate containers for preventing either medicament from interfering with the stability of the other. In accordance with the method, the medicaments are preferably delivered in a single inhalation.