Inhaler Pocket Cavity Segmentation for Powder Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior dry powder inhalers (DPIs) face issues with insufficient airflow due to small powder-containing pocket volumes, leading to inadequate powder dispensing, as the single air flow path and solid interior geometry hinder proper powder release.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional air flow entry point into each pocket cavity, combined with modified flap configurations, allows for sufficient airflow to lift the aluminum foil flap, enabling effective powder dispensing into the air duct and ensuring a metered dose delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air flow path is used in prior art DPIs, then the device structure is simple, but the airflow volume is insufficient to lift the aluminum foil flap and dispense powder effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The single air flow path is segmented into multiple paths: a first air flow path through the air duct and a second air flow path through the pocket cavity. This segmentation increases total airflow volume while maintaining structural simplicity, enabling reliable powder dispensing by providing sufficient pressure differential to lift the aluminum foil flap.
2Device complexity
If the pocket cavity has only a single opening covered by aluminum foil, then the sealing is simple, but the airflow is insufficient to create adequate pressure differential for powder release
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket cavity transitions from a single-opening configuration to a multi-opening configuration with at least a first opening and a second opening. This dimensional change in the opening architecture enables dual air flow paths that increase total airflow volume while maintaining simple sealing through the aluminum foil flap covering.
3Device complexity
If the interior wall geometry is solid and non-permeable, then the powder containment is effective, but the air flow permeation is insufficient to enable proper powder dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The solid interior wall geometry is segmented to include multiple openings (first opening and second opening) that allow air flow permeation. This segmentation maintains effective powder containment through the aluminum foil flap while enabling sufficient air flow velocity through the pocket cavity to create the pressure differential needed for powder dispensing.
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 ensures reliable and efficient dispensing of dry powder medicaments by creating a sufficient pressure differential and airflow volume, overcoming the limitations of prior DPI designs and improving user inhalation of medicaments.
Implementation Method 1
the Venturi air flow pattern velocity across the top of the pre-cut aluminum foil flap, combined with the air flow entry point in or adjacent each pocket, provides sufficient air flow volume to allow the aluminum foil flap to lift
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler for facilitating inhalation of dry powder includes a body defining an interior space and a mouth piece. At least one annular member is positioned within the interior space and is rotatable with respect to the mouth piece. The at least one annular member includes a plurality of compartments. Each compartment defines a cavity configured to hold dry powder. Each compartment includes at least one flap and an opening configured to release the dry powder when the at least one flap is reconfigured from a closed position to an open position. The at least one flap covers the opening and inhibits the dry powder from being released from the cavity in the closed position.