Inhaler Cap Strap Sliding Pivot Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inhalers face challenges in securely attaching a nozzle cap to prevent dust and dirt entry, as separate rubber straps complicate manufacturing and may not follow the inhaler's contours, leading to potential misplacement and inaccurate dosing.

Innovation Solution

A sliding strap attachment mechanism that allows the cap to slide and pivot, ensuring it covers the nozzle while allowing the strap to lie flat against the inhaler's contours, with the option to detach in case of damage, and the possibility of co-moulding the strap and body from the same material for aesthetic and functional consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate rubber strap is used to attach the cap, then the cap can be securely retained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cap and strap into a single integrated component made from the same plastic material as the inhaler body. The strap is formed as an integral part of the cap during the same molding process, eliminating the need for separate rubber straps and multiple assembly steps. This integration maintains cap retention functionality while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the same plastic material for both the cap/strap assembly and the inhaler body, creating visual uniformity and eliminating material incompatibility issues. The homogeneous material composition allows for single-process manufacturing and ensures the strap follows the contours of the inhaler base aesthetically and functionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

2Reliability

If a rubber strap is used to attach the cap, then the cap can be retained, but the visual appearance is compromised due to color mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap retentionVSAvoidvisual appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Reliability

If the strap follows the contours of the inhaler base, then the inhaler can stand upright for accurate dosing, but the strap design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidstrap design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the integrated plastic strap to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to conform to the contours of the inhaler base through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical structures. The strap's flexibility enables it to follow the base shape and provide upright stability without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8387615B2Inhaler cap strap

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 ASTRAZENECA AB

AI summary

An inhaler (1) for dispensing doses of medicament from a container under user activation said inhaling which comprises a body (7) which includes a mouthpiece (5) through which the medicament is dispensed and a cap (2) which can be place in a position to substantially occlude the mouthpiece (5). The cap (2) is attached to said body (7) by a strap (3) which pivots from said body (7), said cap (2) being arranged to slide on the strap (3) such that the cap (2) must translate away from the mouthpiece (5) prior to the pivoting of the strap (3).