Inhaler Trigger Mechanism Reducing Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers with breath-actuated pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) have complex trigger mechanisms requiring multiple components, which can be less robust and more sensitive to manufacturing tolerances, affecting reliability and consistency across batches and the device's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A simplified trigger mechanism with fewer components, including a latch and blocker, where the blocker is rotatable in response to user force or pressure drop, and a biasing spring for resetting, integrated into a robust and easy-to-assemble design, along with alignment guides for precise canister positioning and a damping system for controlled dosing and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex trigger mechanism with multiple components is used, then the inhaler can achieve breath-actuated dosing functionality, but the device becomes less robust and more sensitive to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch element with a head and body, and a separate blocker element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall complexity compared to fully integrated designs. The latch element engages and disengages from the canister drive, while the blocker prevents unintended activation, creating a robust yet simple system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker element is extracted as a separate component from the latch mechanism. By taking out the blocking function as an independent element, the design simplifies the trigger mechanism while improving reliability. The blocker can be independently optimized and manufactured, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances in the overall assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are used in the trigger mechanism, then the inhaler can achieve precise control over canister actuation, but manufacturing and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch head and latch body are merged into a single integrated latch element, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging maintains precise control over canister actuation while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing assembly complexity. The integrated latch element can be manufactured as a single piece with consistent tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element serves multiple functions: it engages with the canister drive to prevent premature actuation, disengages to allow controlled actuation, and provides a interface for the blocker element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining precise actuation control, improving ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If tight tolerances are required for trigger mechanism components, then the inhaler can achieve consistent dosing, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Tight tolerances are applied only to the critical engagement surfaces between the latch element and canister drive, and between the blocker and latch. Non-critical dimensions can have looser tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining dosing consistency. This localized application of precision requirements optimizes the balance between reliability and manufacturability.
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 simplified trigger mechanism improves manufacturing ease, reduces the risk of component failure, enhances reliability, and ensures consistent dosing and refilling, while the alignment guides and damping system ensure precise alignment and efficient dose delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means, and a trigger mechanism; wherein: the trigger mechanism comprises: a latch having: a locked position in which it contacts the canister drive to prevent linear movement of the canister drive and holds the biasing means in a loaded configuration; and an unlocked position in which the latch is disengaged from the canister drive and releases the biasing means from the loaded configuration to drive the canister drive from a rest position to an actuated position
Implementation Method 2
a blocker having: a blocking position in which it contacts the latch to block movement thereof from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a rotated position in which the blocker is disengaged from the latch and allows movement of the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; and the blocker is rotatable in response to a force applied to the blocker
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
There is disclosed an inhaler (10) for delivery of a medicament by inhalation. The inhaler (10) comprises a drive mechanism comprising a canister drive (22) for receiving a canister (50) of medicament, a biasing means (20), and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism comprises a latch (35). The latch (35) has a locked position in which it contacts the canister drive (22) to prevent linear movement of the canister drive (22) and holds the biasing means (20) in a loaded configuration; and an unlocked position in which the latch (35) is disengaged from the canister drive (22) and releases the biasing means (20) from the loaded configuration to drive the canister drive (22) from a rest position to an actuated position. The trigger mechanism comprises a blocker (32). The blocker (32) has a blocking position in which it contacts the latch (35) to block movement thereof from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a rotated position in which the blocker (32) is disengaged from the latch (35) and allows movement of the latch (35) from the locked position to the unlocked position. The blocker (32) is rotatable in response to a force applied to the blocker (32). A method of operation of an inhaler (10) is also disclosed.