Reusable Actuation Adapter for Nasal Spray Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable dosing devices are material-intensive, leading to significant waste and are not user-friendly for untrained personnel, as they often require complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A disposable dosing device designed as two separable parts – an ampoule and an actuation adapter – with a bayonet lock connection, a semicircular guide element, and a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for reusable actuation adapters, enabling easy detachment and reattachment, and a removable product protection for efficient dispensing of nasal sprays or drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a disposable dosing device is designed as a single integrated unit, then it is simple to manufacture and use, but it generates significant material waste and increases disposal costs
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is divided into two separate components: a reusable actuation adapter and a disposable ampoule. The actuation adapter contains the mechanical actuation mechanism, spring element, and bayonet lock, while the ampoule contains only the liquid active substance. This segmentation allows the complex actuation mechanism to be reused multiple times while only the simple ampoule is discarded, significantly reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation adapter is designed as a universal component that can be repeatedly coupled with different ampoules through the bayonet lock connection. The adapter's multi-functional design includes product protection removal, piston actuation, and secure coupling, allowing it to serve multiple purposes across many dosing cycles without being discarded.
2Ease of operation
If a disposable dosing device uses a complex actuation mechanism, then it can provide precise dosing control, but it becomes difficult for untrained personnel to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation adapter is pre-assembled with the spring element, piston, and bayonet lock mechanism before reaching the user. The product protection is designed to be removed in advance, exposing the actuation interface. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user operates the device, they only need to perform the simple action of coupling the ampoule and pressing the actuation element, while the complex dosing mechanism has already been prepared to ensure precise delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ampoule and actuation adapter are permanently connected, then the device is simpler to use, but the actuation adapter cannot be reused and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet lock connection provides a dynamic coupling system that allows the ampoule to be easily attached to and detached from the actuation adapter. The cam mechanism enables secure locking during use while allowing rapid release when needed. This dynamic connection balances the need for secure coupling during dosing with the need for easy separation to enable adapter reuse.
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 solution significantly reduces waste by allowing the actuation adapter to be reused, simplifies the dispensing process for untrained users, and ensures accurate and efficient application of nasal sprays or drops through a spring-loaded mechanism and bayonet lock system.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation adapter is designed in such a way that the guide element is in operative connection with a spring element via an actuating element
Implementation Method 2
the ampoule can be connected to the actuation adapter via a bayonet lock
Implementation Method 3
the ampoule has a cam for detachable connection to the bayonet lock of the actuation adapter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a single-use dosing device for nasal spray or drops applications, which comprises a bearing element and an applicator element, the ampoule being detachably connected to the actuation adapter.