Modular Pharmaceutical Inhaler with Detachable Sensor Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmaceutical dispensers with electronic recording means for recording discharges are costly and suffer from measurement accuracy issues due to indirect recording of discharge variables, which can lead to variable measurement results and cleaning difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a main module without electronic components and an evaluation module with integrated evaluation electronics, sensors, and a detachable liquid channel section, allowing for improved measurement accuracy and easy cleaning, while maintaining a cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic recording means are integrated into the dispenser, then discharge recording capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separate modules: a main module containing the liquid reservoir and outlet, and an evaluation module containing the electronic recording means. This segmentation allows the expensive electronic components to be separated from the basic dispenser structure, enabling cost-effective production of the main module while maintaining advanced recording capabilities in the evaluation module.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation module is designed as a universal component that can be coupled with different main modules. The evaluation module includes reusable electronic recording means that can serve multiple dispenser units, reducing overall system cost through component sharing and reuse across different applications.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in the liquid channel area, then discharge detection accuracy is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid channel is divided into two parts: a first part in the main module and a second part in the evaluation module. The second part containing the sensor can be detached with the evaluation module, allowing easy removal and cleaning of the sensor area without disassembling the entire dispenser or the main module.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection between the main module and evaluation module acts as an intermediary that facilitates access to the sensor area. By coupling and decoupling the evaluation module, users can easily clean the sensor and liquid channel second part without complex disassembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If modules are designed for detachable coupling, then ease of cleaning and maintenance is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices are designed to be integrated into the housing structures of both modules, extracting the connection function from separate components. This integration ensures that the coupling devices are permanently secured in their respective housings, providing reliable and consistent electrical and mechanical connections while maintaining ease of detachment for cleaning purposes.
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 modular design enhances measurement accuracy and simplifies cleaning, reducing production costs and operational complexities while ensuring precise data recording and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least one liquid sensor for detecting a variable influenced by the flow of liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
Pharmaceutical dispensers (10) for dispensing a pharmaceutical liquid are known, comprising a liquid reservoir (42) and/or a receiving chamber (22) for receiving a replaceable liquid reservoir (42), as well as an outlet (24) through which the liquid can be dispensed from the liquid reservoir (42) into an environment or through which it can be inhaled by a user. Such a dispenser (10) has a liquid channel (14) connecting the liquid reservoir (42) to the outlet (24) and further comprises evaluation electronics (80) for electronically detecting and processing dispensing processes, wherein the evaluation electronics (80) includes a liquid sensor (82) configured to detect a quantity that is influenced by the flow of liquid from the liquid reservoir (42) to the outlet (24).It is proposed that the dispenser (10) has a main module (20) and an evaluation module (50) which are detachably coupled to each other, wherein the main module (20) comprises the liquid reservoir or the receiving chamber (22) provided for its reception and the outlet (24), and wherein the evaluation module (50) comprises the evaluation electronics (80) and at least a subsection (52) of the liquid channel (14) and the liquid sensor (82) provided on this subsection (52).