Inhaler Cartridge Structure for Variable Liquid Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices are limited to using specifically adapted exchangeable cartridges, lacking flexibility for different sizes and filling volumes of medically active liquids.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device system with a housing, nozzle, and pumping unit that accommodates an exchangeable cartridge system comprising a container portion and an extension element, allowing for varying volumes of medically active liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specifically adapted exchangeable cartridge is used in the inhalation device, then the device can be operated with a defined filling volume, but the system lacks flexibility for different sizes and filling volumes of medically active liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system is divided into two segments: a container portion and an extension element. The extension element can be selectively attached to the container portion to create cartridges of different volumes. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate different filling volumes while maintaining a standardized base structure, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container portion is designed as a universal base that can work with different extension elements. The connection geometry and interface standards are made universal so that a single container portion can be paired with various extension elements to create multiple cartridge configurations. This multi-functionality enables one component to serve multiple volume requirements, improving versatility while controlling complexity through standardization.
2Quantity of substance
If the cartridge system comprises a container portion and an extension element, then different volumes of medically active liquids can be stored, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into a container portion and an extension element that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's connection interface, simplifying the overall connection structure while enabling volume variation through the optional extension element.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element is designed to attach to the container portion in a nested configuration, where the extension element fits onto or into the container portion's structure. This nesting approach creates a compact combined structure that minimizes the complexity of the connection while maximizing the volume adjustment capability.
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 the use of different volumes of medically active liquids in a single system, ensuring precise and reproducible administration of aerosolized medication for respiratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping unit arranged within the housing and adapted to be fluidically connected to the reservoir and to the nozzle and being adapted to convey the medically active liquid in a downstream direction from the reservoir to the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle for nebulization of the medically active liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an inhalation device system for the inhalative administration of a medically active liquid in nebulized form, the system comprising an inhalation device and an exchangeable reservoir for holding the medically active liquid, wherein the inhalation device comprises—a housing having a receiving unit, the receiving unit having a connection unit adapted to releasably and fluidically connect to a connection port of the exchangeable reservoir, the receiving unit being adapted to receive and fluidically connect to the exchangeable reservoir; —a nozzle for nebulization of the medically active liquid; and —a pumping unit arranged within the housing and adapted to be fluidically connected to the reservoir (via the connection unit of the receiving unit) and to the nozzle and being adapted to convey (pressurize, pump) the medically active liquid in a downstream direction from the reservoir to the nozzle.