Inhaler Chimney Shuttle Mechanism for Capsule Clearance and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry powder inhalers face issues such as capsule clashing when the inhaler is opened, preventing the capsule from being removed, and compromises in sealing and component clearance, which can lead to damage and hinder medicament delivery.
Innovation Solution
A chimney shuttling mechanism in the inhaler allows the inhalation chimney to move relative to the mouthpiece as a drawer opens and closes, preventing capsule clashing and ensuring a secure seal during use, with guide posts and ribs guiding the chimney's movement to maintain alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inhalation chimney is fixed relative to the mouthpiece, then the structure is simple and stable, but capsule clashing occurs when the drawer opens, preventing capsule removal
Solution Approach 1:
The inhalation chimney is made movable relative to the mouthpiece through a shuttle mechanism coupled to the drawer. When the drawer opens, the chimney moves upward; when the drawer closes, the chimney moves downward. This dynamic adjustment prevents capsule clashing during opening while maintaining proper alignment during closing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the inhalation chimney is sealed tightly to the drawer, then sealing is improved, but clearance between moving components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The chimney's vertical movement allows it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the drawer. During closing, the chimney moves downward to seal tightly with the drawer top surface. During opening, the chimney moves upward to create clearance and prevent contact with the capsule. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable sealing and preserving necessary component clearance.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer opens fully, then capsule access is improved, but the inhalation chimney may clash with the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The chimney is coupled to the drawer through the shuttle mechanism, so when the drawer opens, the chimney automatically moves upward, creating vertical clearance between the chimney bottom surface and the capsule. This dynamic separation prevents capsule clashing while allowing full drawer opening for capsule access, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of harmful factors.
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler includes a main body having an inhalation chimney and a mouthpiece. The inhalation chimney includes a bottom surface. The inhaler includes a drawer for receiving a capsule. The drawer includes a top surface. The drawer opens out of and closes into the main body. The drawer moves into the main body from an open position to a closed position or out of the main body from the closed position to the open position, such that the movement of the drawer causes the inhalation chimney to move with respect to the mouthpiece. When the drawer is in the closed position, the top surface of the drawer and the bottom surface of the inhalation chimney are held together.