Inhaler Trigger Assembly With Preloaded Release Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inhalers experience unstable triggering, leading to irregular liquid spraying processes.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly with a first component and a second component that moves to a preloaded position upon rotation, blocked by an actuator from leaving, and released to a triggered position upon triggering, ensuring stable switching between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional trigger assembly is used in the inhaler, then the device can spray atomized liquid, but the triggering is unstable resulting in irregular liquid spraying processes
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is divided into separate functional components: a first component with a guide support and a second component that can rotate relative to it. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, with the second component handling rotation to the preloaded position and the first component providing stable guidance, thereby improving trigger stability while maintaining smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide support acts as an intermediary element between the rotating second component and the actuator. It provides a stable reference frame and guidance path, mediating the rotational motion into precise linear movement of the actuator. This intermediary structure eliminates the instability that would otherwise propagate through the entire trigger mechanism, ensuring both reliable triggering and smooth spraying.
2Reliability
If the second component rotates to a preloaded position, then the trigger can be prepared for actuation, but without proper blocking the component may leave the preloaded position causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to automatically engage with the guide support when the second component reaches the preloaded position. The guide support's geometry itself provides the blocking function through its interaction with the actuator, eliminating the need for separate blocking mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains trigger stability while avoiding additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex blocking mechanism to prevent the second component from leaving the preloaded position, the design inverts the approach: the actuator is positioned and guided by the guide support structure itself, which passively provides the blocking function through its geometric constraints. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger assembly for an inhaler and an inhaler is provided. The trigger assembly includes: a first component including a guide support; a second component, the first component and the second component are configured such that the second component can move away from the first component to a preloaded position in the case where the second component rotates relative to the first component in a first direction; and a first actuator configured to block the second component from leaving the preloaded position in the case where the second component has been moved to the preloaded position, and configured to, upon being triggered, release the second component such that the second component moves to a triggered position toward the first component; the first actuator abuts against the guide support.