Inhaler Accessory Pressure Port for Air Flow Rate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical inhalers lack a reusable and non-obstructive method to determine air flow rates, which is crucial for effective drug delivery, as current solutions either prolong or disrupt the aerosol flow or require integration into the inhaler, making them impractical for reuse and additional testing.
Innovation Solution
An accessory with a fastening structure and electronic sensor is designed to attach to the inhaler upstream of the mixing zone, using a pressure port with multiple openings to measure air flow rates without disturbing the aerosol flow, allowing for reusable and recyclable flow rate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an adapter is attached to the mouthpiece to measure air flow rate, then air flow rate can be indicated, but the flow path is prolonged between drug injection and user mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pressure sensor as an intermediary device that measures air flow rate indirectly through pressure differential, avoiding the need to physically extend the flow path with a long adapter tube. The pressure sensor captures flow information at a specific point without becoming part of the aerosol transport path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adapter tube approach with an electronic pressure sensing system. Instead of using a physical extension that prolongs the flow path, the system uses electronic sensors to detect pressure changes and calculate air flow rate, substituting mechanical measurement with electronic detection.
2Measurement precision
If an electronic flow rate sensor is integrated inside the inhaler body, then air flow rate can be measured, but the sensor cannot be reused when the inhaler is discarded and necessarily modifies the air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the measurement function from the inhaler body by using a removable accessory that can be detached and reused with different inhalers. The pressure sensor is housed in a separate module that interfaces with the inhaler without becoming permanently integrated, allowing the sensor to be segmented and reused independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure sensor that measures air flow without becoming part of the permanent inhaler structure. This intermediary device can be attached and removed, enabling reusability while maintaining measurement capability across different inhaler units.
3Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is integrated into the inhaler, then air flow rate can be determined, but the device complexity increases and requires additional testing and approval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a separate accessory module, reducing the complexity of the core inhaler device. This modular approach allows the pressure sensor functionality to be added without redesigning the entire inhaler system, thereby reducing regulatory testing requirements for the base device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or easily replaceable accessory containing the pressure sensor, rather than integrating a permanent complex sensing system into the inhaler. This approach reduces device complexity and regulatory burden while maintaining measurement capability during the product lifecycle.
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
Enables accurate feedback on inhalation techniques without altering the inhaler's operation, allowing for direct measurement of air flow rates without prolonging or obstructing the aerosol flow, facilitating reuse and reducing the need for additional testing or approval.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic sensor is in communication with the pressure port and is sensitive to a pressure change at the pressure port caused by the inhalation air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An accessory (40) for an inhaler (10) comprises a fastening structure (42) for fastening the accessory to the inhaler. The accessory has a pressure port (43). When the accessory is fastened to the inhaler, the pressure port is arranged upstream from a mixing zone (33) of the inhaler with respect to an air flow (Fl) caused by inhalation by a patient through the inhaler. An electronic sensor (45) is in communication with the pressure port. The electronic sensor is sensitive to a pressure change at the pressure port caused by the air flow.