Dry-Powder Inhaler Reservoir Opening Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry-powder inhalers face issues with accuracy and reproducibility in dose dispensing, risk of overdosing due to incomplete dose expulsion, and difficulty in opening individual reservoirs without compromising sealing or metering accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A dry-powder inhaler with a reservoir opening device featuring perforator and/or cutter means that cut the closure wall of individual reservoirs to ensure complete opening without obstructing the opening, allowing for efficient airflow and powder expulsion, activated by inhalation, and incorporating a dispenser chamber with a movable bead for improved dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure wall is perforated to open the reservoir, then the reservoir can be opened, but the cut wall-portions retain a fraction of the dose inside the reservoir, compromising metering accuracy and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The closure wall is divided into multiple separate cut portions rather than a single continuous piece. Each cut portion is independently removed through perforation, ensuring complete clearance of the opening without retaining any wall material that could obstruct powder flow or retain dose fractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut wall portions are completely extracted or removed from the reservoir structure through the perforation process. This extraction ensures that no portion of the closure wall remains to obstruct the opening or retain medication, thereby maintaining metering accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the closure wall is peeled off or unstuck to open the reservoir, then the reservoir can be opened, but it is difficult to control the forces applied, risking opening the next reservoir and compromising sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The closure wall is pre-perforated with cut portions that create predetermined weak points. This preliminary action allows the closure to be opened by applying minimal force at specific locations, preventing uncontrolled force application that could damage the sealing of adjacent reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation creates localized cut portions at specific positions on the closure wall rather than requiring uniform force distribution. This local quality approach enables precise control over where and how the closure opens, protecting the integrity of neighboring sealed reservoirs.
3Volume of moving object
If the dose is loaded into the expulsion duct before inhalation, then the device is compact, but the user risks losing the dose through dropping, shaking, or manipulation, causing spread about inside the appliance and potential overdosing
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is pre-prepared and sealed with the dose inside, maintaining compact storage. The opening action is triggered only at the moment of use through inhalation, preventing premature exposure to manipulation risks while maintaining device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated closure wall acts as an intermediary barrier that maintains the sealed state during storage and transport. It allows controlled opening only when activated by inhalation, preventing dose loss from manipulation while keeping the device compact during non-use periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An opening device (40) for opening an individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, said reservoir (21) including a closure wall (23), said opening device (40) comprising perforator and/or cutter means (41) that are adapted to cut said closure wall (23) of the reservoir (21) in such a manner that the cut portion(s) (24) does/do not obstruct the opening(s) (25) that is/are formed.