Inhaler Blocking Mechanism for Safe Aerosol Release Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices lack effective blocking mechanisms to prevent incorrect or undesirable manipulations by users, such as sequential loading without aerosol release, premature actuation of the release button, and unintended emission of liquid or aerosol, which can lead to device malfunction and potential harm to bystanders.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device with a dual blocking mechanism that prevents rotation of the rotatable part and activation of the release means at inappropriate times, ensuring that the device is used correctly by allowing rotation only at predefined angles and releasing stored energy uniformly, thereby preventing undesired emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent incorrect manipulations, then device safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is integrated into the existing housing structure and combines multiple blocking functions (preventing rotation during aerosol release, preventing premature release, preventing sequential loading) within a single mechanical component system, rather than adding separate blocking mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device automatically activates and deactivates based on the operational state of the inhalation device. The blocking members engage with the rotatable part and release means through mechanical interactions that occur naturally during correct and incorrect operations, without requiring external control systems or additional sensors
2Reliability
If the blocking device prevents all incorrect manipulations, then device malfunction is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device provides targeted blocking only at specific critical moments in the operation sequence - during aerosol release and at the transition between loading and release - while allowing free operation at all other times. The blocking members are positioned to interfere only with incorrect manipulations, not with the normal loading and release cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device dynamically adjusts its blocking state based on the operational phase. Blocking members can engage with or disengage from the rotatable part and release means depending on the position and state of other components, allowing the device to be easily operated when used correctly while automatically blocking incorrect sequences
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 dual blocking mechanism ensures safe and reliable use of the inhalation device, preventing incorrect manipulations and ensuring consistent aerosol production, prolonging the device's lifespan and avoiding accidental liquid spillage.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking device (9) which is adapted to block the activation of the release means and/or release of the means for the storage of potential energy (7) during rotation of the rotatable part (1A) and/or during loading of the means for the storage of potential energy (7)
Implementation Method 2
a means for the storage of potential energy (7) which is chargeable by means of said relative rotation, and wherein said energy is releasable to said pumping device when released by activation of a release means
Implementation Method 3
said relative rotation is converted into said linear relative motion by means of a gear mechanism
Implementation Method 4
a pumping device with a pumping chamber (3) for generation of a pressure inside said pumping chamber (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The inhalation device for medically active liquids (F) for generation of an aerosol comprises a housing (1), a reservoir (2), a pumping device with a pumping chamber (3), and a nozzle (6), wherein the interior volume of the pumping chamber (3) is changeable by means of linear relative motion of the pumping chamber to the riser pipe (5). Said linear relative motion can be effected by a relative rotation of a rotatable part (1A) which is part of, or connected to, the housing (1) with respect to a second part (1B) of said housing (1), in that said relative rotation can be transferred by means of a gear mechanism into said relative translational motion. A means for the storage of potential energy (7) is provided which is chargeable by means of said relative rotation, and wherein said energy is releasable to said pumping device when released by activation of a release means. A blocking device is provided which is adapted to block activation of the release means and/or release of the means for the storage of potential energy (7) during rotation of the rotatable part (1A) and/or during loading of the means for the storage of potential energy (7). Also, a method for the prevention of undesired emission of medically active liquid or aerosol from an inhalation device is disclosed.