Nasal Applicator Actuation Button Coupling Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal applicators for self-administered analgesics face challenges with precise and reproducible dosing due to power-consuming electronic components and mechanical actuation mechanisms that are prone to variations in actuation force and speed, leading to inconsistent spray patterns and potential overdose risks.
Innovation Solution
A nasal applicator design featuring a couplable and decouplable transmitter mechanism between the actuation button and dispensing meter, utilizing a motion sensor and coupling switch to enable precise metering with minimal battery consumption, and incorporating a preload mechanism for consistent spray pattern generation, along with optional RFID and fingerprint authentication for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic components and mechanical actuation mechanisms are used for dosing, then automated dispensing is achieved, but power consumption increases and dosing precision decreases due to variations in actuation force and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuation mechanism with an electronic motor-driven pump system. The motor (29) actuates the dispensing meter (40) through a drive mechanism, eliminating the need for manual mechanical actuation. This substitution provides automated, consistent dosing without variations caused by human actuation force and speed, while consuming minimal power through efficient motor control.
2Extent of automation
If electronic components and mechanical actuation mechanisms are used for dosing, then automated dispensing is achieved, but device weight and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a motion sensor (19) that detects only when the actuation button (9) is actually pressed, triggering the motor (29) to operate only at these discrete moments. The system remains in a low-power state between actuations, with the transmitter (4) decoupled from the button. This periodic operation dramatically reduces battery consumption compared to continuously powered systems while maintaining automated dispensing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a couplable and decouplable transmitter mechanism is used, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling switch (22) as an intermediary component between the actuation button (9) and the transmitter (4). This switch acts as a gatekeeper that connects or disconnects the electrical circuit based on the state of the button. When the button is not pressed, the switch decouples the transmitter, preventing power consumption. When pressed, the switch couples the transmitter to enable signal transmission. This simple intermediary mechanism achieves energy efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
4Device complexity
If mechanical actuation mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dosing consistency deteriorates due to variations in actuation force and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical actuation mechanism with an electronic motor-driven system. The motor (29) provides consistent, controlled actuation of the dispensing meter (40) through a drive mechanism, eliminating the variability inherent in manual mechanical actuation. This substitution maintains relatively simple device architecture while dramatically improving spray pattern consistency and dosing precision by removing human factor variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal applicator for nasally applying medicinal active ingredients, comprising a dispensing pin which is introduced into a nostril, a active ingredient store arranged in an applicator housing, and a dispensing metering device. A transmitting device is designed so as to be engageable and disengageable between an actuation button and the dispensing metering device such that when the transmitting device is disengaged, the actuation button is moved in the open passage without a transmission to the dispensing metering device. A movement sensor is provided for detecting movements of the operating button, and a coupling switch is provided for engaging the transmitting device depending on a signal of the movement sensor. To generate a consistent spray pattern, the dispensing metering device comprises a pretensioning mechanism which can be tensioned or released to actuate a metering conveyor with a defined pretensioning force, wherein the engaged transmitting device can tension or release the pretensioning mechanism.