Inhaler Device Passive Evaporation Capillary Wick
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhaler devices for delivering halogenated volatile liquids, such as methoxyflurane, are complex and require pressurized means for vaporization, making them costly and difficult to use, especially in emergency settings, and do not effectively utilize passive evaporation support materials due to design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A new inhaler device design featuring an elongated body with a mouthpiece end, an air intake chamber with a passive evaporation support material, a liquid inlet hole, and an air exit chamber with an air filtering means, allowing for passive vaporization and controlled airflow, simplifying the administration process and improving vapor delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized means are used to deliver active agent to lungs, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurization function from the device by using the patient's own inhalation effort to create negative pressure, which draws the liquid formulation through a simple capillary wick into the inhalation chamber. This eliminates the need for mechanical pressurization components while maintaining effective delivery to the lungs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurization system with a passive capillary action system. The liquid formulation is delivered through capillary wick material that relies on surface tension and capillary forces rather than mechanical pressure, significantly simplifying the device architecture.
2Reliability
If liquid is transformed into inhalable form through nebulization or aerosolization, then respiratory delivery is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical nebulization or aerosolization systems with a simple evaporation-based delivery system. The liquid formulation evaporates passively in the inhalation chamber during patient inhalation, creating a breathable vapor without requiring mechanical atomization devices, heating elements, or complex fluid dynamics components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the active agent from liquid to vapor through controlled evaporation in the inhalation chamber. This phase change occurs passively at ambient or body temperature, eliminating the need for mechanical nebulization systems while ensuring respiratory-compatible delivery.
3Reliability
If moving, mechanical, heating and electrical means are included for liquid transformation, then inhalable form is achieved, but manufacturing and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving mechanical parts, heating elements, and electrical components with a static chamber design that relies on passive evaporation. The inhalation of breathable vapor is achieved through simple thermal equilibrium and phase change without requiring any active mechanical or electrical systems, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If air filtering means is included in the device, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air filtering function with the inhalation pathway by positioning the filter between the inhalation chamber and the patient's mouth. This integration ensures that all inhaled vapor passes through the filter, providing safety without requiring separate filtering systems or additional complex components.
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 device enables efficient and controlled delivery of halogenated volatile liquids as vapors, improving patient administration by reducing complexity and handling difficulties, while maintaining a compact size that accommodates an air filtering means within the device.
Implementation Method 1
An air intake chamber which comprises a passive evaporation support material for receiving the inhalable liquid
Implementation Method 2
An air exit chamber adapted to internally receive an air filtering means within the elongated body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a new inhaler device for the storage and/or administration of inhalable liquids to a patient offering one or more advantages or improvements over known inhalers, particularly inhalers for the delivery of halogenated volatile liquids such as methoxyflurane for use as an analgesic.