Multi-unit dose dry powder inhaler with automatic capsule indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler devices are cumbersome and require multiple steps for administering a single dose, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit dose dry powder inhaler device that is pre-loaded with multiple capsules, allowing for automatic capsule loading and perforation, reducing the number of steps required for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single dose inhaler devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the number of steps required for administration increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler device is pre-loaded with multiple capsules during manufacturing, eliminating the need for users to manually load capsules for each dose. The device includes a carousel mechanism with multiple capsule positions that are automatically advanced during operation, performing the loading action in advance before the user needs to administer the medication.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhaler device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both the inhalation device and the capsule storage/loading mechanism. The carousel assembly combines capsule storage, automatic positioning, and perforation functions, allowing one device to perform what would traditionally require separate components or manual steps.
2Productivity
If multiple steps are required for dose administration, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel mechanism enables continuous availability of capsules in the inhalation chamber without interruption. After one capsule is used, the carousel automatically advances to bring the next capsule into position, ensuring continuous readiness for dosing and eliminating idle time between administrations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple capsules are pre-positioned on the carousel during device preparation, so that when dosing is needed, the next capsule is already in place and ready for immediate administration, eliminating the time required for on-demand capsule loading.
3Ease of operation
If manual capsule loading is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and user effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically advancing the carousel to position the next capsule without requiring user intervention. The mechanism uses the inhalation action itself to drive the carousel rotation, allowing the device to service its own capsule loading needs without additional user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple capsules on the carousel during manufacturing and device setup, eliminating the need for users to perform manual capsule loading operations during actual use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If single dose capsules are used, then capsule storage requirements are minimized, but the frequency of device handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the dose supply into multiple discrete capsule positions on the carousel, allowing multiple doses to be stored and administered sequentially. Each capsule occupies a separate position on the rotating carousel, enabling the device to hold and deliver multiple individual doses without requiring separate capsule containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhaler device integrates multiple dose delivery functions into a single device, serving as both the inhalation mechanism and the multi-dose storage system. This unified design eliminates the need for separate capsule containers and reduces the frequency of device handling by consolidating storage and administration functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary multi-unit dose dry powder inhaler devices may be provided with a housing body having a swirl chamber therein, at least one air inlet, a mouthpiece, a rotatable downfall wheel having at least two capsule spaces that are each configured to hold a capsule, a drive mechanism configured to repeatably index the downfall wheel in a predefined angular increment such that one of the capsule spaces moves adjacent to the swirl chamber each time the downfall wheel is indexed, and a pair of side ramps adjacent to the swirl chamber and the downfall wheel. The side ramps may be configured to cooperate with center ramps located in the capsule spaces to drive a capsule radially outward from a capsule space and into the swirl chamber, thereby enabling the device to automatically load multiple capsules one at a time sequentially into the swirl chamber. Methods of use are also provided.