Breath-Actuated Inhaler Trigger Mechanism for Synchronized Dispensing
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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, leading to unsynchronized dispensing of fluid with inhalation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser device with an inhalation-controlled trigger system, including a deformable actuator element and electronic dose counter, ensures synchronized dispensing with inhalation, minimizing accidental actuation and featuring a simple, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breath actuated inhaler devices are used to synchronize dispensing with inhalation, then dispensing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a movable reservoir assembly containing the metering valve, a separate actuator element for manual activation, and a deformable membrane for breath detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane serves multiple functions: it detects breath actuation, transmits mechanical movement to the reservoir assembly, and acts as a seal. The reservoir assembly can be manually moved by the actuator element or automatically moved by breath detection, providing universal actuation capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the device.
2Reliability
If breath actuated inhaler devices are used to synchronize dispensing with inhalation, then dispensing synchronization is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane assembly integrates the breath-detecting deformable membrane with the movable reservoir assembly in a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate breath detection mechanisms and reduces the number of assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable dispensing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane automatically detects breath actuation and transmits the movement to the reservoir assembly without requiring external sensors or electronic controls. This self-service mechanism reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for expensive electronic components, while still achieving reliable synchronization between inhalation and dispensing.
3Reliability
If the latch is made robust to prevent accidental actuation, then reliability is improved, but actuation threshold becomes too high making it difficult for weak users
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator element is designed with a dynamic latch mechanism that requires a specific movement pattern for activation. The latch engages during normal handling but releases when the actuator element is pressed in a specific direction. This dynamic design prevents accidental actuation during casual handling while allowing intentional actuation by users with limited strength through a controlled pressing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device requires a deliberate, periodic pressing action of the actuator element to overcome the latch and activate dispensing. This periodic action distinguishes intentional use from accidental contact, as accidental contact does not produce the sustained, directional pressure needed to release the latch. The mechanism thus prevents accidental actuation while remaining accessible to users with varying strength levels.
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 reliably dispenses fluid only during inhalation, reducing accidental actuations and making it accessible to weaker users, while being simpler and less expensive to produce and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
said inhalation-controlled trigger system includes a deformable membrane that defines a deformable air chamber, said deformable membrane being fastened to said trigger element, said deformable membrane being deformed during inhaling, so that it moves said trigger element from its blocking position towards its release position
Implementation Method 2
an actuator member is assembled on the reservoir on the end that is axially remote from said metering valve, said actuator member comprising a hollow sleeve that is axially movable relative to said reservoir between a rest position and a primed position, a spring being arranged between the bottom of the reservoir and the closed top edge of said hollow sleeve, such that when the user presses manually on said actuator member so as to move it towards its primed position, said spring is compressed, so as to transmit an axial force F to said reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device having a body (10; 10′) provided with a mouthpiece (400), a fluid reservoir (100) containing a fluid and a propellant gas being mounted to slide axially in the body (10; 10′), a metering valve (200) including a valve member (210) assembled on the reservoir (100) for selectively dispensing the fluid. The device includes an actuator element (500, 500′, 500″; 550) movable and/or deformable between a non-actuation position and an actuation position; an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member (60, 61; 65, 66) deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling and when deformed and/or moved, moving and/or deforming the actuator element (500, 500′, 500″; 550) from its non-actuation position towards its actuation position; an electronic dose counter (1000); and a signal-transmitter (1100) for communicating, in particular communicating remotely, information relating to the actuations of the device.