Inhaler Jacket Cap Attachment via Elastomeric Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler cap attachment methods are prone to breakage, difficult for visually impaired individuals to use, and can be accidentally dislodged, leading to inconvenience and potential pulmonary irritation.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler accessory comprising a jacket that attaches to the inhaler housing via elastomeric straps, which connect the jacket to a cap for the mouthpiece, providing secure attachment and easy cap alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is attached to the inhaler housing by rigid straps or mechanical fasteners, then the cap security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for visually impaired individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the strap from rigid to elastic, allowing the strap to stretch and return to its original length. This enables visually impaired users to easily attach and detach the cap by simply pulling and releasing, without requiring precise alignment or complex manipulation, while still maintaining secure attachment when the cap is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic strap that can stretch and flex to connect the cap to the housing. This flexible connection allows the cap to be easily manipulated by users with visual impairments, as the elastic nature provides tactile feedback and requires minimal dexterity for attachment and detachment, while still providing secure retention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cap is used to protect the mouthpiece, then the protection from dirt and dust is improved, but the risk of loss and accidental swallowing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic strap as an intermediary element that connects the cap to the housing. This intermediary maintains the protective function of the cap while eliminating the risk of loss, as the strap ensures the cap remains attached to the inhaler device at all times, preventing accidental detachment and potential swallowing.
3Device complexity
If the cap is directly attached to the housing without a strap, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a rigid direct connection to an elastic strap connection. This allows the cap to be attached without precise alignment, as the elastic strap can stretch and accommodate misalignment, making the device easier to operate especially for visually impaired users who cannot visually guide the alignment process.
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 solution enhances cap security, simplifies cap re-attachment for visually impaired users, and reduces the risk of accidental dislodgment, while being inexpensive and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastomeric straps which connect the jacket to the cap
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an accessory for an inhalation device having a canister and a housing including a mouthpiece from which the medicament is dispensed. The accessory includes a jacket, which attaches to the housing; a cap for the mouthpiece and a plurality of elastomeric straps which secure the jacket to the cap. An inhalation device is also provided with the accessory attached.