Integrated Hinge Mechanism for Dry Powder Inhaler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule-based dry powder inhalers have complex designs with numerous parts, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, and require additional components like hinge bolts and elastic springs for proper function.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design for a dry powder inhaler featuring a cover with hinge members, a mouthpiece with a beveled shaft, and a container with corresponding hinge members, forming a pivotable hinge to securely attach and detach components without separate hinge bolts or springs, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge mechanism with separate hinge bolts and elastic springs is used to connect cover and mouthpiece, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hinge bolt and elastic spring into a single integrated hinge member that combines both the connecting function and the elastic restoring force function. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the reliable connection and pivoting functionality previously requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hinge member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical connector, provides elastic restoring force, enables pivoting motion, and maintains sealing pressure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hinge bolts and springs, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for hinge mechanism, then functional requirements are met, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the hinge bolt and elastic spring into one integrated component, the manufacturing process is simplified from assembling multiple precision parts to producing a single molded or machined piece, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining all required hinge functions.
3Ease of operation
If separate hinge bolts and elastic springs are used, then proper pivoting function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hinge member performs both the mechanical connection and the elastic spring function within a single component, enabling smooth pivoting operation without requiring separate hinge bolts and springs, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dry powder inhaler (40) comprising a cover (10), a mouthpiece (12), and a container (14) is disclosed. The cover (10) has at least one cover hinge member (18), while the mouthpiece (12) has a shaft (22) receivable by the cover hinge member (18). The container (14) is for the dry powder and has a container hinge member (24) for receiving the shaft (22). The cover hinge member (18), shaft (22), and container hinge member (24) form a hinge about which the cover (10) and the mouthpiece (12) are pivotable.