Nebulizer Air Pump and Sealing for Consistent Leak-Free Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulizers face issues with undesired leakage during non-use, variation in liquid doses, formation of gas bubbles, and complexity in construction, particularly when pressurizing containers for liquid withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design incorporating a container with a collapsible bag or moveable fluid piston, integrated air pump for temporary pressurization, and a sealing device that adjusts pressure based on container movement, ensuring precise metering and minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is pressurized by gas pressure in the casing to facilitate collapsing of the bag and withdrawal of liquid, then liquid withdrawal is facilitated, but undesired leakage from the container occurs during non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pressure periodically only when liquid withdrawal is needed, rather than maintaining continuous pressure. The microprocessor controls the pressure source to activate only during the withdrawal phase, allowing the container to remain at ambient pressure during non-use, thus preventing leakage while facilitating liquid withdrawal when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter from ambient to elevated only when liquid withdrawal is required. The microprocessor monitors withdrawal needs and adjusts the gas pressure accordingly, transforming the pressure state from static to dynamic, thereby preventing leakage during storage while enabling efficient liquid withdrawal when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the container is pressurized by gas pressure in the casing to facilitate collapsing of the bag and withdrawal of liquid, then liquid withdrawal is facilitated, but significant variation of the respectively withdrawn doses of liquid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor monitors the withdrawal process and adjusts the gas pressure in real-time to maintain consistent dosing. By detecting variations in liquid withdrawal rate or pressure conditions, the system provides feedback control to the pressure source, ensuring that each withdrawn dose remains within specified tolerances despite changes in container volume or liquid level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the gas pressure parameter during the withdrawal process to compensate for volume changes in the container. As the collapsible bag shrinks and container volume decreases, the microprocessor modifies the pressure level to maintain consistent dosing, preventing the significant variation that would occur with fixed pressure systems.
3Reliability
If an additional valve is provided between the container and pressure generator or fluid pump of the nebulizer, then leakage during non-use is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the container's own movement during insertion and removal to control the valve mechanism. The container's axial displacement automatically opens or closes the valve without requiring separate actuation mechanisms, allowing the container itself to serve the dual function of holding liquid and controlling fluid flow, thereby preventing leakage without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions: it holds the liquid, collapses to facilitate withdrawal, and its movement actuates the valve mechanism. By making the container multi-functional, the system prevents leakage through the valve without adding separate complex control systems, as the container's inherent motion is harnessed to control fluid flow.
4Device complexity
If the air pump is integrated into the nebulizer housing, then construction complexity is reduced, but the air pump may affect the dispensing or nebulization process
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated air pump operates periodically only during liquid withdrawal, remaining inactive during dispensing and nebulization phases. The microprocessor controls the pump to activate solely when needed for bag collapse, allowing the integrated pump to not interfere with the dispensing process while maintaining construction simplicity. The pump's periodic operation ensures it does not affect the precision of dose delivery.
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
Facilitates controlled liquid withdrawal without gas bubble formation, maintains consistent dose volumes, and simplifies construction by integrating the air pump within the nebulizer, reducing complexity and leakage risks.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump for pressurizing the liquid in the container to help withdrawing the liquid in doses from the container
Implementation Method 2
a sealing device that adjusts pressure based on container movement, ensuring precise metering and minimizing leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
A nebulizer (1) for nebulizing a liquid (2) from a container (3) and such a container are proposed. The nebulizer comprises a fluid pump (5) for withdrawing the liquid in doses from the container and pressurizing the respective doses for nebulization. The container comprises an air pump (30)) with a piston / cylinder arrangement (31, 32) to pressurizing the liquid in the container to help withdrawing the liquid from the container. An indicator device (61) for counting and/or indicating a number of uses performed or still possible with the container is integrated into the air pump and/or actuated together with the air pump.