Nebulizer Container Securing Mechanism and Transportation Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulizers face challenges in providing optimized handling and simple assembly, especially with pre-installed containers, and lack a cost-effective and efficient mechanism to securely connect the container with the housing while allowing movement during fluid conveyance and nebulization.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design featuring a securing means, such as a metal stamping part or cage, that holds the container inseparably within the housing, allowing it to move back and forth during operation while preventing separation, and forms a transportation lock to keep the container unmovable in the delivery state, thereby simplifying construction and preventing undesired opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is pre-installed in the nebulizer in the delivery state, then the handling is simplified and operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for securing means and transportation lock
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means and transportation lock are integrated into the housing structure, merging multiple functions (securing container, preventing removal, transportation locking) into a single unified component that does not add separate parts
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-installed in the nebulizer during manufacturing, so that upon delivery the device is ready for use without requiring additional assembly steps by the user, making the system self-configuring
2Reliability
If the container is held unmovable by a transportation lock in the delivery state, then operational safety is improved and incorrect handling is prevented, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation lock function is merged with the securing means already required for container retention, so that a single structure provides both transportation locking and operational securing without requiring separate manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means serves multiple functions: it secures the container during normal operation, locks the container in place during transportation, and prevents container removal, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Productivity
If the container is made moveable back and forth within the housing during fluid conveyance and nebulization, then the fluid delivery function is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for both securing and movement freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing the container to move freely in the axial direction for fluid conveyance while preventing movement in radial directions that would cause detachment, providing conditional freedom of movement through a single structure
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means provides differential constraint in different spatial directions: it restricts radial movement to prevent detachment while allowing axial movement for fluid delivery, segmenting the constraint function by direction rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom
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 enables easy operation by pre-installing the container, preventing incorrect handling and misuse, ensuring operational safety and simplifying the construction process with a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for securing the container within the nebulizer.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generator with a drive spring for delivering and atomizing the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the container may be pierced through its base by a piercing element in the lower housing part to allow venting of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A nebulizer (1) is proposed which comprises an insertable container (3) and a securing means (35) for holding the container (3) in the nebulizer (1) such that the container (3) can move back and forth but can not be separated. The securing means (35) is formed by a metal unitary part. The securing means (35) forms a transportation lock for holding the container (3) unmovable in the housing in a delivery state of the nebulizer (1). The securing means (3) forms a cage which encompasses the container (3).