Breath-Actuated Inhaler with Constant Force Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath-actuated inhaler devices face challenges in ease of assembly and use, with some requiring high air pressure for medicament release and others being difficult to assemble, especially for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A breath-actuated inhaler design featuring an elastically deformable member and a trip link mechanism that allows for simple assembly and optimal medicament release during inhalation, using a combination of annular and helical compression springs to bias the actuator member and linkages for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latching mechanisms are used to release medicament, then medicament can be released, but high air pressure is required making the device difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by using a constant force spring to provide continuous mechanical pressure on the latching mechanism, enabling medicament release at lower air pressures (below 4 psi) compared to conventional devices that require 6-10 psi
2Ease of operation
If lower release pressure mechanisms are used, then ease of use is improved, but assembly becomes difficult and slow for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including the constant force spring, latching mechanism, and breath actuation mechanism that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together, improving both manufacturability and ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The constant force spring acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the breath actuation mechanism and the latching mechanism, translating breath pressure into effective latching force while simplifying the overall assembly process
3Ease of operation
If constant force spring is added to bias actuator member, then assembly is simplified and operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant force spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it biases the actuator member toward the nominal position, provides continuous pressure on the latching mechanism for reliable release, and enables operation at low breath pressures, thereby justifying the added component through its multi-functionality
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 design enhances ease of assembly and use by reducing the required air pressure for medicament release, ensuring optimal delivery during the inhalation phase while maintaining assembly simplicity and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically and resiliently deformable member (36) arranged adjacent the actuator member (508) so as to be compressed and thereby bias the actuator member (508) towards said nominal position
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of annular and helical compression springs to bias the actuator member and linkages for efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
A device (20) is disclosed for dispensing a fluid supplied from an external fluid source. The device comprises a transducer (32) adapted to receive a fluid from the fluid source, and a collapsible linkage and trip link (502) coupling the transducer and the fluid source. The linkage has a collapsible joint inhibiting discharge of the fluid source when in a locked orientation. The device (20) further comprises a moveable member coupled to the linkage such that inhalation forces on the device cause the linkage to collapse thereby discharging the fluid from the fluid source. The device may further include a dose counter coupled to the fluid source for registering the amount of doses administered from the fluid source.