Inhaler Piercing Member with Inclined Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler designs do not achieve optimized discharge characteristics and are often complex to produce, with known piercer designs failing to provide efficient and simple solutions for powder-form inhalation formulations from blister strips.
Innovation Solution
A metal piercing member with two parallel, inclined piercing elements is used, supported by an insert associated with the mouthpiece, to simplify the design and enhance discharge characteristics by creating optimized airflow pathways for aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete piercing members with central and subsidiary piercing blades are used, then the piercing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the central piercing blade and subsidiary piercing blades into a single integrated piercing member structure. This unified design maintains the functional capabilities of multiple piercing elements while reducing the complexity of assembling and positioning discrete components, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable piercing function and device complexity.
2Reliability
If complex piercer designs with multiple piercing elements are used, then piercing capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple piercing elements into a single integrated member, the manufacturing process is simplified. The unified structure can be produced as one component through standard manufacturing techniques, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations required for discrete piercing members, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining piercing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member is designed with segmented functional zones (central and subsidiary piercing areas) that can be manufactured as a single piece. This segmentation of function within a unified structure allows for simplified production while maintaining the differentiated piercing capabilities needed for optimal performance.
3Reliability
If existing piercer designs are used, then the basic piercing function is achieved, but discharge characteristics are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member incorporates local quality variations with distinct central and subsidiary piercing blades positioned at specific locations. The central blade creates the primary airflow path while subsidiary blades create secondary paths, optimizing the discharge characteristics by locally adapting the piercing geometry to match the required airflow patterns for enhanced powder delivery.
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 achieves optimized discharge characteristics and a simple design, allowing for efficient aerosol formation with improved deagglomeration of the powder formulation, even at low flow rates, and is easier to produce compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure drop occurs within the inhaler when the air stream flows through the inhaler. This pressure drop depends on the flow per time and flow velocity.
Implementation Method 2
The flow resistance represents a quantity relating to the square root of the pressure drop at a certain flow rate.
Implementation Method 3
When a patient breathes in an air stream passes through the previously pierced blister pocket, with the result that the inhalation formulation in the blister pocket mixes with the air and is discharged to the patient.
Data Source
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AI summary
A passive inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister pockets (3) is proposed. The inhaler comprises a metallic piercing member (7) with two piercing elements (25) extending parallel to each other and inclined to a lid (27) of a blister pocket to be punctured.