Microstructured Nozzle for Aerosolizer with Flow Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generators face challenges in achieving precise medication delivery due to difficulties in maintaining a proper seal and designing nozzles with complex structures, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially at the miniature scale required for aerosolization.
Innovation Solution
A microstructured passage module with a plate divided into zones featuring elongated protrusions and pillars that adjust liquid flow speed and resistance, reducing the complexity of nozzle design and improving aerosolization quality while lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple elements with different geometric shapes are used in the nozzle to achieve desired aerosolization effect, then aerosolization quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (filtering elements and guiding elements) into a single integrated nozzle structure. The nozzle includes an elongated projection serving as a filter and a cylindrical projection serving as a guiding system, both formed as integral parts of the nozzle body rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the desired aerosolization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs filtering, guiding, and aerosolization functions. The elongated projection filters liquid medicament while the cylindrical projection guides the liquid flow, and both are integrated into the same nozzle structure that also generates the aerosol spray.
2Reliability
If multiple elements with different geometric shapes are used in the nozzle to achieve desired aerosolization effect, then aerosolization quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (filtering elements and guiding elements) into a single integrated nozzle structure. The nozzle includes an elongated projection serving as a filter and a cylindrical projection serving as a guiding system, both formed as integral parts of the nozzle body rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the desired aerosolization effect.
3Measurement precision
If proper seal is maintained between components inside the aerosolizer, then dosage precision is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase due to miniature size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the nozzle directly with the pump chamber and other components, reducing the number of separate parts that require assembly. The nozzle is positioned such that the liquid flow path is continuous from the pump chamber through the nozzle, minimizing the number of joints and potential leak points in the miniature scale system.
4Ease of manufacture
If nozzle structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but aerosolization quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (filtering elements and guiding elements) into a single integrated nozzle structure. The nozzle includes an elongated projection serving as a filter and a cylindrical projection serving as a guiding system, both formed as integral parts of the nozzle body rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the desired aerosolization effect.
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 module enhances aerosolization efficiency and precision, ensuring consistent particle size and dosage delivery with reduced waste and costs, providing a cost-effective treatment solution for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pillars in the passages increase the flow resistance of the liquid travelling through the passages
Implementation Method 2
pressurized liquid medicament travels in the direction from A to A′, i.e., from a high pressure point to a low pressure point
Implementation Method 3
liquid medicament is broken down into aerosol having fine particles/droplets for easier and more efficient inhalation and absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A microstructured passage module for aerosolizer is disclosed. The module includes a plate overlaid by a cover, an entrance, an exit, a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of pillars. The protrusions and pillars project from and are integral parts of the plate. Further, the plate can be divided into a first zone proximate to the entrance and a second zone proximate to the exit. The protrusions are arranged into parallel rows in a direction from the entrance to the exit and form parallel passages therebetween in the first zone for the liquid to flow along. The protrusions in each column are spaced from one another by tunnels. The pillars are interposingly disposed in the second zone and define certain channels therebetween. Moreover, a plurality of pillars further disposed in the passages increase a flow resistance for the liquid flowing through the passages.