Inhaler Atomizer Filter for Preservative-Free Fluid Sterility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizers face challenges with the multiple use of preservatives to prevent fluid degradation, as increasing allergies and intolerances necessitate the avoidance of preservatives.
Innovation Solution
The atomizer design incorporates a sealed container with a built-in filter that prevents germination, using oligodynamic substances or sterile filters to maintain the sterility of the fluid, eliminating the need for preservatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preservatives are used to prevent fluid contamination, then the reliability of the atomizer is improved, but the harmful effects on users increase due to allergies and intolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes preservatives from the atomizer system entirely. Instead of using chemical preservatives in the fluid, the invention extracts the contamination prevention function to a separate component - a filter element that physically blocks contaminants without requiring harmful chemical additives in the medicated fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter element as an intermediary component between the external environment and the atomizer fluid. This filter mediator prevents contamination by trapping particles and microbes, thereby maintaining fluid reliability without requiring preservatives that cause allergic reactions.
2Productivity
If the atomizer is designed for multiple uses, then the productivity is improved, but the fluid contamination risk increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection by sealing the container with a seal element before use. This preliminary sealing action maintains fluid sterility during storage and transport, enabling multiple uses while preventing contamination. The seal is designed to be broken only when the container is first opened for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element serves as a continuous intermediary protection mechanism throughout the multiple-use period. While the seal provides initial protection, the filter maintains fluid sterility during repeated atomization cycles by blocking contaminants that might enter through the atomization pathway.
3Reliability
If a seal element is added to prevent contamination, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seal element with the container structure, integrating the sealing function into the existing container design rather than adding a completely separate component. The filter element is similarly integrated into the atomization pathway, combining contamination prevention with the fluid delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters contaminants from the fluid pathway, structurally supports the container opening, and may provide a interface for the seal element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
4Reliability
If a filter element is added to maintain sterility, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is integrated into the container or atomization pathway structure, combining the filtration function with existing components. This merging approach maintains fluid sterility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed to perform multiple functions: filtering contaminants, providing structural support at the container opening, and potentially serving as a mounting surface for the seal element. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing multiple benefits from a single addition.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of fluid germination and allergic reactions, ensuring the atomizer can be used multiple times without preservatives, thereby enhancing user safety and product longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a) with a filter element (42) having only such fine passages (43) that it is at least essentially germ-tight
Implementation Method 2
b) with a contact section (35) that has an antibacterial or oligodynamic effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are an atomizer (1) for a fluid (2), especially for medical aerosol therapy, and a filter (42) for said atomizer in order to prevent germs from spreading. The atomizer comprises a protective device (32) for preventing germs from infesting the preferably preservative-free fluid. Particularly the filter can be used as a protective device. This prevents germs from infesting the fluid during the service life of the atomizer even when the atomizer is used several times.