Inhaler Airflow Structure for Tangential Inflow Without Capsule Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inhalers require complex manufacturing facilities to form tangential airflow holes, which complicates the manufacturing process and may affect aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

An inhaler design that includes a housing with a sliding structure and a needle, allowing for the insertion of a functional material accommodating article, which induces vortex behavior and tangential airflow without the need for pre-formed tangential airflow holes in the article.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If tangential airflow holes are formed in the functional material accommodating article, then smooth discharge of functional material is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidairflow hole formation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forming airflow holes in the functional material accommodating article (capsule), the patent inverts the approach by providing airflow holes in the holder that receives the capsule. The holder's inner wall includes airflow holes that allow air to enter the capsule, achieving the same functional material discharge without modifying the capsule itself. This resolves the manufacturing complexity issue while maintaining the smooth discharge function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the holder as an intermediary component between the power source and the functional material accommodating article. The holder contains the airflow holes and mediates the air flow to the capsule, eliminating the need to form complex tangential airflow holes directly in the capsule. This intermediary structure simplifies manufacturing while achieving the desired vortex behavior and smooth material discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex manufacturing facilities are used to form tangential airflow holes, then airflow functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing facility complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the location of airflow holes from the functional material accommodating article to the holder. By placing airflow holes in the holder's inner wall instead of in the capsule, the design achieves reliable airflow functionality using simple, standard manufacturing processes rather than complex specialized facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If tangential airflow holes are formed in the functional material accommodating article, then vortex behavior is induced, but the article requires complex pre-processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevortex behavior inductionVSAvoidarticle pre-processing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holder serves as an intermediary that provides the airflow holes necessary for vortex behavior induction. Instead of requiring complex pre-processing of the functional material accommodating article to create tangential airflow holes, the holder's simple structure with airflow holes in its inner wall achieves the same vortex induction effect during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 inhaler facilitates smooth discharge of functional materials, enhances aesthetics, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex equipment to create airflow holes.

Implementation Method 1

an inhaler that may induce vortex behavior of a functional material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex behavior: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

an inhaler that may implement tangential inflow of airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTangential inflow of airflow: Coanda Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250360277A1Inhaler and inhaling system including the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

An inhaler into which a functional material accommodating article accommodating a functional material is inserted includes a housing, a sliding structure accommodating in the housing and movable in a longitudinal direction, and a needle accommodated in the housing, wherein an air inlet communicating with the insertion space is formed in the housing, and air outside the housing moves through the air inlet, passes through the sliding structure, and reaches the functional material accommodating article.