Inhaler Guiding Element Protrusions Reduce Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers require high forces to operate due to the length of the blister strip and transmission mechanism, making them cumbersome for patients to use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a guiding element with protrusions to reduce friction between the guiding element and the blister strip, allowing for easier operation by minimizing areal contact and thus reducing the required force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a long blister strip is used to provide multiple doses, then the quantity of substance (inhalation formulation) is increased, but the force required to operate the inhaler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blister strip is divided into multiple individual blister pockets, each containing a single dose of inhalation formulation. This segmentation allows the strip to be moved in small increments rather than as a single large unit, reducing the force required at any given moment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the blister strip and the actuator mechanism. This guiding element includes protrusions that engage with the blister strip to reduce areal contact and friction, thereby reducing the force required to move the strip through the transmission mechanism.
2Productivity
If the blister strip length is increased to provide more doses, then the productivity (number of doses) is increased, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous blister strip is segmented into discrete blister pockets that can be individually pierced and emptied. This segmentation allows the mechanism to handle the strip in manageable portions, maintaining ease of operation while providing multiple doses through sequential activation of each pocket.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding element with protrusions serves as a mediator that reduces friction between the blister strip and the actuator components. By minimizing areal contact, this intermediary element maintains smooth operation even as the strip length and number of doses increase.
3Productivity
If the transmission mechanism is added to move the blister strip, then the productivity (dose delivery capability) is improved, but the force required to operate the inhaler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element is positioned within the transmission mechanism to reduce friction between moving components. The protrusions on the guiding element engage with the blister strip to minimize areal contact, thereby reducing the force transmitted through the mechanism while maintaining effective dose delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction parameter between the blister strip and actuator components is changed by introducing the guiding element with protrusions. This parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction and areal contact, thereby reducing the force required to operate the inhaler while maintaining productivity.
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
Facilitates easier operation of the inhaler by reducing the force needed to move the blister strip, enhancing user convenience and reducing fatigue during use.
Implementation Method 1
the guiding element comprises at least one protrusion protruding towards the blister strip in order to reduce the areal contact and, thus, the friction between the guiding element and the blister strip
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An inhaler (1) including a blister strip (2) is proposed. The unused blister strip is stored in a spiral (16). After use, the blister strip is conveyed into another spiral (17). Both spirals share a common space within the inhaler and may be separated by a loose guiding element (18). The spirals and the guiding element may comprise protrusions (19) to reduce sliding friction. Additionally or alternatively, a lubricant (31) may be used to reduce friction.