Nasal Spray Device Radial Tab Mechanism for Multi-Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal spray devices are difficult to manipulate, prone to user errors, and have complex designs that are costly to manufacture, with existing mechanisms requiring removal of stop means or axial rotation of components to deliver multiple doses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with radially movable tabs and ramps that control the pusher's travel, allowing easy manipulation by exerting force to deliver one dose and releasing to deliver a second dose without removing stops or rotating components, featuring a simple and inexpensive structure with 'hard points' to prevent unintentional dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stop means are removed or components are rotated to deliver multiple doses, then the device can deliver multiple doses, but the device becomes difficult to manipulate and complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to be dynamically changeable between two radial positions: a first position where it allows full travel for multiple doses, and a second position where it blocks travel after the first dose. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt its functionality based on whether it is being used for the first dose or subsequent doses, resolving the contradiction between multi-dose capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure introduces a localized control mechanism that differentiates between first-dose and second-dose operations. By creating a specific blocking region at a particular location in the travel path, the device provides different operational characteristics for different dosing scenarios without affecting the overall simplicity of the device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stop means are removed or components are rotated to deliver multiple doses, then the device can deliver multiple doses, but the design becomes complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to be dynamically changeable between two radial positions: a first position where it allows full travel for multiple doses, and a second position where it blocks travel after the first dose. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt its functionality based on whether it is being used for the first dose or subsequent doses, resolving the contradiction between multi-dose capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure introduces a localized control mechanism that differentiates between first-dose and second-dose operations. By creating a specific blocking region at a particular location in the travel path, the device provides different operational characteristics for different dosing scenarios without affecting the overall simplicity of the device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms with grooves and lugs are used to control pusher travel, then multiple doses can be delivered, but the device is prone to user errors and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to be dynamically changeable between two radial positions: a first position where it allows full travel for multiple doses, and a second position where it blocks travel after the first dose. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt its functionality based on whether it is being used for the first dose or subsequent doses, resolving the contradiction between multi-dose capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab mechanism provides tactile feedback to the user through the blocking action. When the tab engages the stop, the user immediately feels the resistance and knows that the first dose has been delivered. This feedback mechanism prevents user errors by making the dosing status clear and unambiguous, eliminating the need for complex indicator systems.
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 is easy to use, minimizes errors, and maintains a simple, cost-effective design by allowing force-based manipulation of the pusher to deliver two doses without complex mechanisms, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a tab (17) which can move radially between a first normal or unstressed radial position, in which the tab provides no obstacle to the movement of the pusher with respect to the casing, and a second, stressed and flexed, radial position, in which the tab provides an obstacle to this movement
Data Source
AI summary
A spray or injection device that includes a casing or a pusher that includes at least one tab configured to move radially between a first radial position in which the tab does not impede the movement of the pusher with respect to the casing, and a second radial position in which the tab opposes movement of the pusher. The tab includes an opening. The pusher or the casing, respectively, includes at least one ramp-shaped projection configured to bring the tab into the second radial position then to penetrate the opening thereby allowing the tab to return to the first radial position. The pusher or the casing, respectively, further includes at least one stop region against which the tab abuts when the tab is brought into the second radial position by the projection. The stop region occurring just before the projection being opposite the opening.