Breath-Actuated Inhaler Trigger Mechanism for Accidental Dosing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breath-actuated inhaler devices are complex and costly to manufacture, with difficulties in balancing reliable triggering and preventing accidental actuation, and often suffer from valve malfunction due to improper filling.
Innovation Solution
A synchronized fluid dispenser device with a movable and deformable blocking element and trigger system, utilizing an inhalation-sensitive member to control the actuation of the metering valve, which is actuated only during inhalation, reducing the force required for operation and preventing accidental dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breath actuated inhaler device uses a latch mechanism to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch mechanism and blocking element into a single integrated component that performs both functions. The blocking element is positioned such that it simultaneously prevents accidental actuation and works with the latch to control valve operation, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves multiple functions: it prevents accidental actuation, controls the valve opening, and works in conjunction with the latch mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the required reliability for breath-actuated operation.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation threshold is lowered to make the device easier to use for weak patients, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to breath forces. During normal inhalation, the blocking element moves to allow valve actuation. The dynamic positioning enables the system to distinguish between intentional breath actuation and accidental touches, maintaining reliability while ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the breath actuation force and the valve mechanism. It mediates the interaction by requiring sufficient breath force to overcome the blocking element's position, thereby preventing accidental actuation while still allowing easy operation for intended use.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve chamber is not filled properly after actuation, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to valve malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The device design incorporates preliminary actions to ensure proper valve chamber filling before actuation. The valve mechanism is positioned and configured in advance to guarantee proper filling, eliminating the need for complex post-actuation adjustments while maintaining reliability.
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 device ensures reliable actuation on each inhalation, minimizes accidental actuations, and is simpler and less expensive to produce, while avoiding valve malfunctions by ensuring proper filling and synchronized dispensing with inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling, said inhalation-sensitive member co-operating with said trigger element, so that when said inhalation-sensitive member is deformed and/or moved, it moves and/or deforms said trigger element towards its release position
Implementation Method 2
a blocking element that is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position in which said metering valve cannot be actuated, and an actuation position in which said metering valve can be actuated
Implementation Method 3
said device comprising a ring that includes an axial projection that co-operates with said blocking element, such that in the blocking position of said blocking element, said axial projection of said ring co-operates with an axial blocking extension of said blocking element, thereby preventing said reservoir from moving axially
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device having a body; a mouthpiece; a reservoir; a valve; a blocking element; a trigger element; and an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member deformable or movable so that when the inhalation-sensitive member is deformed and/or moved, it moves and/or deforms the trigger element towards its release position, thereby making it possible to move and/or deform the blocking element towards its actuation position. The device has a ring that co-operates with the blocking element, such that in the blocking position, an axial projection of the ring co-operates with an axial blocking extension so as to block the reservoir, and in the actuation position, the axial projection co-operates with an axial recess, thereby enabling the reservoir to move axially.