Multi-Conduit Inhaler Dose Collection for Flexible High-Throughput Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional systems and methods for testing drug delivery devices are inefficient, introduce variability, and require custom setups for each device, limiting flexibility and throughput.

Innovation Solution

A dose collection apparatus with multiple conduits, conduits, and a movable platform for automated testing of drug delivery devices, using dose collector modules, flow regulation valves, and a breathing simulator to simulate inhalation and exhalation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual methods are used for collecting aerosol spray particles, then the testing process is simple to set up, but the efficiency is low and significant variability is introduced compromising data integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the testing process into multiple parallel pathways using a plurality of conduits (first conduit, second conduit, etc.), each connected to separate dose collector modules. This segmentation allows simultaneous collection of multiple doses without cross-contamination, improving both efficiency and data integrity by eliminating the variability introduced by manual single-pathway collection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing apparatus is designed with universal components that can handle multiple drug delivery devices through standardized interfaces. The movable platform and standardized conduit connections allow the same system to test various inhaler types (pMDI, DPI, etc.) without requiring custom fixtures for each device, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining consistent measurement standards across different device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single or shared conduit is used for testing, then the system structure is simple, but the throughput is reduced and significant time is added to the overall process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multiple separate conduits (first conduit with first inlet port, second conduit with second inlet port, etc.) instead of a single shared conduit. Each conduit operates independently to collect doses from different inhalers simultaneously, multiplying throughput while keeping each individual conduit relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plurality of conduits and dose collector modules are integrated within a unified testing apparatus framework. The movable platform and control system nest multiple testing operations within a single system boundary, managing the complexity of multiple conduits through a coordinated hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom fixtures and modifications are made to accommodate different drug delivery devices, then each device can be tested properly, but the flexibility is limited and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal inlet ports and standardized conduit connections that can accommodate multiple types of drug delivery devices (pMDI, DPI, soft mist inhalers, etc.) without requiring custom fixtures. The movable platform provides standardized positioning for different device types, enabling quick setup while maintaining the ability to test various devices appropriately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable platform provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the system to adapt to different device types and configurations without physical reconfiguration. The platform can be repositioned and reconfigured through motion control to accommodate various inhaler sizes, shapes, and connection types, providing flexibility without permanent modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the integrity, flexibility, and accuracy of drug delivery device testing by allowing simultaneous testing of multiple devices with different parameters and setups, improving efficiency and reducing setup time.

Implementation Method 1

the first dose collector module comprises a low resistance filter configured to capture the dose provided by the inhaler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a breathing simulator configured to induce a flow from one end of the first or second conduit to the opposite end of the respective first or second conduit to simulate inhalation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow simulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12502491B2Systems and methods for inhaler testing

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 PROVERIS SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a dose collection apparatus that comprises a first conduit comprising a first inlet port and a first fluid flow path and a second conduit comprising a second inlet port and a second fluid flow path.