Inhaler Cover Retaining Member with Rotatable Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) with unattached mouthpiece covers are easily lost or pose choking hazards, while captive covers restrict movement and do not accommodate user preferences such as handedness or ergonomic needs.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable and slidable retaining member with a strap is used to securely attach a cover to the inhaler, allowing flexible positioning without obstructing the user's hand or face, and enabling easy detachment for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unattached mouthpiece covers are used, then the covers can be easily removed and cleaned, but they are easily lost or pose choking hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A tether serves as an intermediary element connecting the mouthpiece cover to the inhaler body. This mediator allows the cover to be easily removed for cleaning while preventing complete separation that would cause loss or choking hazards. The tether acts as a safety intermediary between full attachment and complete detachment.
2Reliability
If captive mouthpiece covers are used, then the covers are retained on the inhaler, but they restrict movement and obstruct users' hands or face
Solution Approach 1:
The tether transitions from a static constraint to a dynamic element that allows controlled movement. The cover can move freely within tether length limits, adapting to different user positions and preferences. This dynamic connection maintains retention while enabling the cover to clear the user's hand and face during operation.
3Reliability
If strap-like tethers are used to retain covers, then the covers are secured to the inhaler, but they restrict movement and do not accommodate user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system adds a spatial dimension to cover positioning. Instead of fixed planar attachment, the cover gains freedom to position itself in three-dimensional space around the inhaler body. Users can adjust the cover to various heights and angles, accommodating different hand spans, grip styles, and ergonomic preferences.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An actuator (100) for an inhaler includes a sleeve (106) having a first end (102) and a second end (104). The sleeve is substantially hollow and defines a longitudinal axis (110) along its length. A base (108) is formed at the first end of the sleeve. A mouthpiece (112) is joined to the sleeve and the base. The mouthpiece is substantially hollow and defines a delivery opening (114). The actuator includes a cover (116) removably attached to the mouthpiece for covering the delivery opening. The actuator further includes a retaining member for retaining the cover to the sleeve upon removal of the cover from the mouthpiece. The retaining member includes a ring (120) disposed around the sleeve. The ring is at least selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and slidable along the longitudinal axis relative to the sleeve. The retaining member further includes a strap (122) extending from the ring and attached to the cover.