Nasal Delivery Device With Adjustable Metered Dose and Universal Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal medication delivery devices lack adjustability and universality in metered dose delivery, are specific to single medications and containers, and often pose a needle-stick risk with limited nozzle options and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A nasal delivery device with a connection adapter, movable chambers, and interchangeable nozzle tips, allowing for adjustable metered doses, universal container adaptation, and multiple user orientations, featuring a positive displacement mechanism and anti-backflow prevention to reduce contamination and needle-stick risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-volume nasal spray device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks adaptability for different doses and medications
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a universal connection adapter that can interface with multiple types of medication containers (vials, pre-filled syringes, nasal spray bottles) through standardized coupling mechanisms. The adapter includes a receptacle that accepts various container types and a puncturing member that can penetrate different container seals, enabling one device to serve multiple medication delivery functions across different doses and medication types
Solution Approach 2:
The device features movable chambers that can be adjusted relative to each other to change the metered dose volume. The first chamber (medication reservoir) and second chamber (delivery reservoir) can be positioned at different volumes through movable connections, allowing dynamic adjustment of the delivered dose amount while maintaining the same basic device structure
2Reliability
If a syringe is used to extract medication from a vial, then the metered dose can be set, but the needle-stick risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the puncturing function from manual syringe operation and integrates it into the connection adapter structure. The puncturing member is automatically activated when the adapter is coupled to the medication container, eliminating the need for manual needle insertion and syringe manipulation while maintaining precise metered dose extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter serves as an intermediary between the user and the medication container. It includes a puncturing member that penetrates the container seal and a receptacle that captures the medication, eliminating direct needle-stick exposure. The adapter transfers the extraction force from the user's manual operation to the medication flow through a safe, enclosed pathway
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single nozzle is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different user orientations and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed with movable and interchangeable components that can be adjusted based on user needs. The second chamber containing the atomizing tip can be positioned at different volumes and orientations relative to the first chamber, and the nozzle can be rotated or repositioned to accommodate different user orientations during administration
4Adaptability or versatility
If pre-inserted medication is used in the device, then the device is ready-to-use, but the device cannot be adapted to different medications or containers
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separate functional modules: a connection adapter for container interface, movable chambers for volume control, and a nozzle assembly for delivery. This modular design allows the device to be manufactured as a general-purpose platform that can be adapted to different medications and containers without requiring pre-insertion of specific medication types, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility
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
Enables user-adjustable metered dose delivery, universal compatibility with different medications and containers, and safe operation with multiple nozzle options and orientations, enhancing user safety and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a positive displacement mechanism for moving liquid from at least a first external reservoir to at least one of the first and second chambers
Implementation Method 2
Nasal spray bottles currently available are able to deliver multiple doses of one pre-set fixed volume through the expulsion and atomization of liquids
Implementation Method 3
The connection adapter has a receiving portion with a puncturing member and one or more sealing members presented on the connection adapter
Data Source
AI summary
Nasal medication or drug delivery devices and methods for delivering adjustable or variable metered volumetric doses of medication or drugs to a nasal passageway of a user or patient. Relative movement between portions of a reservoir allows for selection between pre-set volume doses of medication for delivery. The delivery device may include a nosepiece for fitting into the nostril of the user or patient, a medication or drug reservoir or dosing chamber, and an external reservoir adapter for providing the medication from an external reservoir.