Disposable Mesh Atomizer Capsule for Medication Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication administration methods, such as mesh nebulizers and inhalers, face challenges in efficiency, cost, and user technique, leading to inconsistent medication delivery and potential financial burdens, particularly for respiratory disease treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for administering medication using a device with a resilient air bladder, atomizer, and capsule, allowing for controlled and measured dosing, which includes a processor for optimizing medication delivery and requiring only one rescuer for operation, with modular components for versatility in medical scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mesh nebulizers are used to deliver medication, then medication delivery efficiency is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable main body containing the motor and control electronics, and disposable capsules containing the mesh nebulizer and medication. This segmentation allows the expensive mesh nebulizer component to be disposable while the expensive electronics are reusable, resolving the contradiction between delivery efficiency and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable capsules that contain the mesh nebulizer and medication in a single integrated unit. After use, the entire capsule is discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of the mesh component. This disposable approach reduces long-term costs while maintaining high medication delivery efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If mesh nebulizers are used, then medication delivery precision is improved, but the mesh plate becomes blocked requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh nebulizer is integrated into a disposable capsule that is discarded after a single use or when the medication is depleted. This eliminates the problem of mesh blocking and replacement, as each new capsule contains a fresh, unblocked mesh plate, maintaining consistent delivery precision without maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh nebulizer is extracted from a permanent, reusable device and placed into a disposable capsule. This extraction allows the mesh component to be easily replaced with a fresh one in each new capsule, eliminating the accumulation of blockages that would occur in a reusable system.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional inhalers are used, then device cost is reduced, but user technique requirements increase leading to inconsistent medication delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automatic activation and control mechanisms that eliminate the need for users to coordinate button pressing with inhalation timing. The system automatically detects when the capsule is inserted, activates the motor, controls the medication flow rate, and monitors completion, making the device as easy to use as inserting the capsule while maintaining consistent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coordination required by traditional inhalers with an automated electromechanical system. The motor-driven pump and control electronics automatically manage medication delivery timing and flow rate, substituting the need for user technique with automated control, thereby improving consistency while keeping operation simple.
4Productivity
If MDIs with spacers are used, then medication delivery to lungs is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the medication reservoir, mesh nebulizer, and spacer/chamber functions into a single integrated capsule. The capsule design includes an internal chamber that allows medication to mix with air before delivery to the patient, eliminating the need for separate spacer devices while maintaining improved lung delivery effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable capsule serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the medication, houses the mesh nebulizer for atomization, provides a mixing chamber for air- medication integration, and delivers the aerosol to the patient. This multi-functionality in a single component achieves the benefits of MDIs with spacers without the associated complexity and cost.
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 system ensures precise and efficient medication administration, reducing costs and user errors, while being adaptable for various medical situations, including unconscious and conscious patients, and integrating with existing cardiopulmonary devices for enhanced portability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
An atomizer is disposed at least proximate to the capsule and in fluid communication with the tubular chamber. The atomizer is configured to atomize the medication that is disposed within the capsule.
Implementation Method 2
causing air within a resilient air bladder in fluid communication with the tubular chamber to be conveyed from the resilient air bladder and into the tubular chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for administering medication to conscious or unconscious patients using a device with a tubular chamber. The method involves the use of a device with a tubular chamber, wherein a liquid medication is contained within a capsule. The medication is atomized by activating an atomizer, thereby generating an atomized medication consisting of particles with a maximum diameter of four microns. The atomized medication is then dispensed into the tubular chamber. Using the device, the atomized medication is administered to the patient. In cases of unconsciousness, a resilient air bladder connected to the chamber is partially deflated, allowing air transfer into the chamber. This facilitates the administration of the atomized medication. This method enables effective medication delivery in various emergency scenarios, ensuring appropriate treatment even for unresponsive patients by providing a method of using a device with modular components.