Inhaler Training Device Circuit Triggering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compliance with respiratory medication therapy using pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) is suboptimal due to incorrect inhalation technique and medication delivery, with existing training methods relying on propellant-driven devices that are environmentally harmful and costly.
Innovation Solution
A training device for inhalers that includes a body configured to connect to the inhaler's canister interface, an electrical circuit with a circuit triggering mechanism, and sensors to provide feedback on proper technique, allowing users to practice inhalation without propellants and offering remote monitoring and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If propellant driven inhalers are used for training, then proper inhalation technique can be practiced, but environmental harm increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a training inhaler with a dummy canister that copies the external appearance and operational interface of a real pMDI inhaler, allowing patients to practice inhalation technique without using harmful propellants. The training inhaler replicates the mechanical components and user interface while containing no active propellant, thus eliminating environmental harm while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The training inhaler employs a disposable dummy canister that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for expensive propellant-filled canisters. The dummy canister is designed to be inexpensive and single-use, allowing multiple training sessions without the cost and environmental harm associated with propellant-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If propellant filled canisters are used for training, then inhalation practice is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The training inhaler creates a copy of the actual pMDI system that functions identically for training purposes but without the expensive propellant component. The dummy canister replicates the mechanical structure and interface while eliminating the costly propellant supply, making the training system more economical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful and costly propellant component from the inhaler system, retaining only the mechanical structure and interface components needed for training. By removing the propellant dependency, the system becomes significantly cheaper while maintaining its training functionality.
3Ease of operation
If placebo training canisters with propellant are provided, then training function is achieved, but supply is limited and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The training inhaler uses a dummy canister that copies all the functional aspects of a real pMDI without requiring actual propellant. This copying approach allows for unlimited supply production since no propellant manufacturing or inventory management is needed, greatly improving supply availability and eliminating the cost constraints of propellant-based systems.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a training device for use in an inhaler, the training device comprising a body that is configured to be received at a first position in a housing of an inhaler, wherein the body comprises an interface arranged to connect to a canister interface in the housing of the inhaler; an electrical circuit configured to perform one or more functions; and a circuit triggering mechanism that comprises a switch for enabling the electrical circuit to perform the one or more functions when the switch is closed, wherein the circuit triggering mechanism is configured such that the switch is closed when the body is pressed from the first position towards the canister interface and into a second position in the housing of the inhaler.