Multistage Aerosol Pod for Dense Soft-Flow Inhalation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery systems face challenges in efficiently delivering high molecular weight and low molecular weight therapeutic aerosols across a range of viscosities, particularly for pediatric and adult patients with respiratory distress, such as ARDS and ALI, due to inadequate lung surfactant levels, and require improved functionality, ease of use, and effective aerosol concentration.
Innovation Solution
The AeroPulsR system employs a multistage pod with conical cavities and a counterflow tube to decelerate high-velocity aerosols, uses independent pneumatic circuits, and includes a cone with a lip seal for aerosol concentration, enabling easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance, and a simplified user interface for aerosol therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional aerosol delivery system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the aerosol delivery efficiency and concentration are inadequate for treating respiratory distress
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol delivery system is divided into distinct functional modules: a nozzle assembly for aerosol generation, a multistage conical cavity assembly for velocity reduction and concentration, and a counterflow tube for additional velocity control. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high delivery efficiency through coordinated action of segmented components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterflow tube is positioned within the multistage conical cavity assembly, and the conical cavities are arranged concentrically around the central aerosol flow path. This nested arrangement allows multiple velocity-reduction stages to be compactly integrated, increasing aerosol concentration and controlling flow characteristics without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint.
2Productivity
If high-velocity aerosol is generated by the nozzle, then aerosol generation rate is high, but the aerosol plume disperses too quickly to achieve effective inhalation concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The conical cavities and counterflow tube are positioned to act on the aerosol plume immediately as it exits the nozzle, creating a preliminary counteracting flow that opposes the high-velocity aerosol direction. This preliminary action reduces plume dispersion before the aerosol reaches the inhalation site, thereby increasing effective concentration without requiring reduced generation rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical cavities serve as an intermediary structure between the nozzle and the inhalation site. They modify the aerosol flow characteristics by progressively reducing velocity while maintaining concentration, acting as a mediator that translates high-generation-rate output into high-concentration inhalable plume.
3Reliability
If the aerosolizing nozzle is inserted into a cylindrical channel, then the nozzle is securely positioned, but the aerosol flow path is restricted and velocity is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static cylindrical channel to a dynamic multistage conical cavity structure that progressively modifies aerosol velocity. The conical geometry creates a dynamic flow path where the narrowing cross-section automatically reduces velocity while maintaining directional control, allowing the nozzle to remain securely positioned while the aerosol flow adapts through controlled deceleration stages.
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 delivers dense, soft-flowing aerosols suitable for inhalation, achieving consistent aerosol boluses and high efficiency across varying flow rates, with simplified operation and sterilization capabilities, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for pediatric and adult patients.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-stage conical cavities are configured to decrease the velocity of the aerosol plume by having said shape of truncated cones narrowing in a direction of flow of the aerosol
Implementation Method 2
a counterflow tube arranged within the chamber, said counterflow tube configured to eject pressured gas coaxially in the opposite direction of the nozzle to decelerate the high velocity aerosol emanating from the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
an aerosolizing nozzle having a fluid input port and being inserted into a cylindrical channel and, a nozzle gas port, and a dilution gas port configured to receive an aerosolizing nozzle; wherein the aerosolizing nozzle is configured to generate and expel aerosol through a nozzle tip
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous aerosol generation and delivery system for high dose aerosol delivery, having a multistage pod having an inner cavity comprising in series a plurality of sequentially arranged multi-stage conical cavities having the shape of truncated cones narrowing in a direction of flow of the aerosol. The rounded annulus cavity directs dilution gas towards the nozzle tip. The plurality of sequentially arranged multi-stage conical cavities are disposed between the nozzle tip and the output end within the multistage pod. The multi-stage conical cavities are configured to decrease the velocity of the aerosol plume by having said shape of truncated cones narrowing in a direction of flow of the aerosol, such that the system expels a dense column of soft-flowing aerosol suitable for inhalation by a patient, as well as for animal respiratory healthcare.