Electronically Actuated Microvalve for MDI Dosing Accuracy

The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a canister valve assembly for flow regulation and an electronically controlled microvalve for precise dosing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the microvalve providing accurate dosing control while the canister valve manages overall flow, thereby resolving the contradiction between dosing accuracy and structural simplicity.

An electronically controlled microvalve is introduced as an intermediary component between the canister valve assembly and the metering chamber. This microvalve acts as a mediator that receives control signals from a processor and precisely regulates aerosol flow, enabling accurate dosing without requiring the entire valve assembly to be overly complex. The intermediary microvalve bridges the gap between simple mechanical valuation and precise electronic control.

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors aerosol flow conditions and adjusts microvalve actuation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that despite variations in canister pressure or user actuation force, the system maintains consistent and reliable dosing by dynamically adjusting the microvalve position based on actual flow conditions, thereby improving dosing reliability without requiring excessive system complexity.

The patent replaces purely mechanical flow control mechanisms with an electronically controlled microvalve system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical valve positioning that may suffer from wear and inconsistency, the microvalve uses electronic actuation with precise control signals from the processor. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control enhances dosing reliability while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through integrated circuit control.

The microvalve system employs dynamic control where the actuation force is adjusted in real-time based on dosing requirements. Rather than requiring high static actuation force, the system uses dynamic electronic control signals that activate the microvalve only when needed and for precisely controlled durations. This dynamic approach allows precise dosage control with minimal actuation force, as the microvalve responds quickly to electronic signals rather than requiring sustained mechanical force.

The microvalve operation utilizes periodic actuation patterns controlled by the processor, where brief electronic pulses open and close the valve in precise sequences. This periodic action replaces the need for continuous high force application, as the microvalve is actuated in short, controlled intervals that accumulate to deliver the precise dosage. The periodic electronic actuation reduces peak force requirements while maintaining dosing precision through timing-controlled delivery.