Dry Powder Inhaler Mesh Network for Drug Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry powder inhalers face challenges in maximizing the effective delivery of drugs to the lungs, as only a fraction of the active ingredient reaches the target site, while the rest may cause side effects by reaching non-target organs, and the delivery amount can vary due to inhaler structure.
Innovation Solution
A dry powder inhaler design featuring a mesh network on the drug inlet path, with at least two mesh networks alternately arranged to collide with the powder, separating active ingredients from carriers and enhancing delivery efficiency by increasing collision forces and air suction speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional inhaler structure is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the effective delivery of active ingredient to lungs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler is divided into distinct functional zones: a first inhalation zone with a first mesh network for initial drug aerosolization, and a second inhalation zone with a second mesh network for further processing. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific function, improving overall drug delivery efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple mesh networks arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations within the inhaler. The mesh networks are positioned at different locations and angles to create multiple collision paths for the powder particles, effectively adding dimensional complexity to enhance drug delivery without significantly increasing manufacturing difficulty.
2Productivity
If mesh networks are added to increase collision forces, then drug delivery efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple mesh networks that provide excessive collision opportunities for the powder particles. While a single mesh network might provide sufficient collision, the patent uses multiple networks to ensure that a high proportion of particles undergo multiple collisions, thereby maximizing drug delivery efficiency. This partial redundancy ensures robust performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies key parameters of the mesh networks including mesh size, mesh density, and spatial arrangement to optimize collision forces. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves enhanced drug delivery efficiency without requiring an excessive number of mesh networks, thus balancing productivity improvement with device complexity management.
3Measurement precision
If multiple mesh networks are installed, then active ingredient separation from carrier improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation function is segmented across multiple mesh networks positioned at different locations within the inhaler. Each mesh network contributes to the separation process, with earlier networks performing initial separation and later networks refining the separation. This distributed approach improves active ingredient separation while allowing each individual mesh network to remain relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh networks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, create turbulence for particle separation, and act as flow distributors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving separation precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
This design significantly increases the effective delivery of active ingredients to the lungs, maximizing the therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects by ensuring more precise targeting and improved stability of the drug formulation.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh network configured to be installed on a path of the drug inlet and have a mesh part for collision with the dry powder drug formed therein
Implementation Method 2
a gap for air inflow is formed between the outer housing and the inner housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dry powder inhaler. The dry powder inhaler includes an inhaler housing, a drug container configured to be provided in the inhaler housing and accommodate the dry powder drug, a drug inlet configured to be disposed above the drug container and through which the dry powder drug is inhaled, and a mesh network configured to be installed on a path of the drug inlet and have a mesh part for collision with the dry powder drug formed therein.