Nasal Powder Delivery Device with Temperature Modifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasal delivery systems are inadequate for targeted delivery of powdered substances to the upper posterior region of the nasal airway, particularly the olfactory region and sinus ostia, due to issues with condensation and consistency of the delivered doses when using exhalation breath.
Innovation Solution
A nasal delivery device that utilizes an exhalation breath to deliver powdered substances, incorporating a temperature modifier to reduce absolute humidity, a Venturi unit for ambient air entrainment, and a capsule made from lightweight materials with reduced tackiness to prevent adhesion, ensuring consistent and targeted delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exhalation breath is used to deliver powdered substance, then the delivery device can utilize the subject's own breath for propulsion, but condensation forms on device surfaces reducing delivery consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature of the exhaled air flow passing through the delivery device. A temperature modifier (heating element) is used to increase the air temperature, which directly reduces condensation formation on device surfaces and maintains delivery consistency while still utilizing the exhalation breath mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If current delivery systems are used, then they can deliver substances to the nasal airway, but they cannot target the upper posterior region including olfactory region and sinus ostia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by utilizing the natural bi-directional flow pattern of exhaled breath to create dynamic targeting. The exhalation breath naturally directs the powdered substance through the nasal cavity to the upper posterior region, olfactory region, and sinus ostia, enabling precise targeting without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms
3Quantity of substance
If the capsule is made from traditional materials, then it can contain the powdered substance, but it becomes tacky in the presence of moisture affecting delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a capsule made from gelatin, which has distinct properties compared to traditional polymers. The gelatin capsule provides appropriate containment while having reduced tackiness in the presence of moisture, preventing adhesion issues during delivery while still maintaining structural integrity
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 device effectively delivers powdered substances to the nasal cavity with reduced condensation issues, maintaining consistency and targeting the upper posterior region, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of nasal delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature modifier for reducing a temperature of the exhaled air flow such as to reduce the absolute humidity thereof
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a Venturi unit to draw a powdered substance into the exhaled air flow using an air flow of the ambient atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
through which the subject in use exhales such as to entrain substance from the substance supply unit and deliver the same through the nosepiece
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal delivery device for delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a substance supply unit for supplying a dose of substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the substance supply unit including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the substance supply unit; and a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the substance supply unit and through which the subject in use exhales such as to entrain substance from the container chamber and deliver the same through the nosepiece, and at least one temperature modifier for reducing a temperature of the exhaled air flow such as to reduce the absolute humidity thereof.