Dry Powder Inhaler With Clockwork Lid Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers for powdered pharmaceutical compositions face challenges in user-friendly handling, particularly for patients with mobility issues or arthritis, due to the need for high forces to open the lid and the lack of intuitive grip mechanisms for the mouthpiece.
Innovation Solution
A double-function actuating member that separates the lid from the lower part using a clockwork mechanism and a gripping aid on the mouthpiece, allowing for quick and reliable opening without direct force application on the lid and ensuring secure grip and hygiene, with additional spring elements for assisted opening and return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct force application on the lid is used to open it, then the lid can be opened, but high forces are required which are difficult for patients with mobility issues or arthritis to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clockwork mechanism as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the lid opening action. When the user turns the clockwork mechanism, it gradually releases stored energy to push the lid open, converting small rotational forces into the necessary linear force for opening without requiring the user to directly apply high force on the lid
Solution Approach 2:
The clockwork mechanism is pre-loaded with energy before use. By winding the clockwork mechanism in advance, the energy is stored and then automatically released during the opening operation, eliminating the need for the user to apply force during the critical opening moment
2Ease of operation
If the mouthpiece contact area is used for gripping, then the mouthpiece can be opened, but hygiene is compromised as the patient's mouth contacts the same area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mouthpiece into functionally separate zones: a gripping zone with textured surface for finger contact and opening action, and a clean zone that contacts the patient's mouth. This segmentation ensures that forces and contaminants from gripping do not transfer to the mouth contact area, maintaining hygiene while providing secure grip
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece is designed with different surface qualities in different regions: the gripping area has a textured or patterned surface for enhanced friction and grip security, while the mouth contact area maintains a smooth, clean surface that does not harbor contaminants from finger contact
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 solution enables easier and more secure operation of the inhaler, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility restrictions, by reducing the forces required to open the lid and providing a hygienic and intuitive grip, facilitating effective use during asthma attacks.
Implementation Method 1
between the double function actuating member and the capsule holder for assisting the return of the double function actuating member, at least one other spring element may be provided between the plate and lower part, to assist the opening movement
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler for inhaling powdered pharmaceutical compositions from capsules includes: a lower part; a plate which can be latched to the lower part and with which the lower part can be closed off; a capsule holder for receiving the capsules, this holder being adapted to be lowered into the lower part; a mouthpiece latchable to the plate; a lid which covers the mouthpiece in a closed position and latches it by means of a closure element, the lower part, the plate, the mouthpiece and the lid being hinged together by means of a single joint; and an actuating member which can be moved out a resting position and thereby interacts with at least one pin which can be made to pierce the capsule holder.