Nebulizer Container Counter With Automatic End-of-Use Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nebulizers lack a compact, secure, and intuitive mechanism for indicating and preventing further use of a container once a predetermined number of uses has been reached, often requiring replacement of housing parts and lacking secure operation.

Innovation Solution

An indicator device integrated with the container that locks the nebulizer against further use when a predetermined number of uses is exceeded, allowing for secure operation and compact design without needing to replace any housing parts, and can be replaced with the container, minimizing components and facilitating easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an indicator device is integrated into the housing part that is replaceable together with the container, then the nebulizer can be used further with a new container after replacement, but the device complexity increases and more components need to be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use new container after replacementVSAvoidnumber of components to be replaced

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator device is segmented from the housing part and integrated directly into the container. This allows the indicator device to be replaced automatically when the container is replaced, eliminating the need to replace separate housing parts with integrated counters. The container becomes a self-contained module with its own usage tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the fluid to be nebulized, provides structural support, and houses the indicator device for counting uses. By integrating the indicator device into the container, the container becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate counting mechanisms in the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the indicator device blocks further use by locking the nebulizer when a predetermined number of uses is reached, then secure operation is ensured, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure operationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the indicator device that is already integrated into the container. The same mechanism that counts the uses also performs the locking action when the predetermined number is reached. This eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism and reduces the complexity of operational steps required to secure the nebulizer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator device automatically performs the locking function without requiring separate user actions. When the predetermined number of uses is reached, the device self-activates the locking mechanism, providing secure operation automatically. The system serves itself by using its own counting mechanism to trigger the security lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the indicator device is replaceable together with the container, then the number of parts is reduced and handling is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidintegration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator device is nested within the container structure, with the counter housing integrated into the container body. This nesting arrangement reduces the total number of external parts and simplifies the replacement process, as both components are replaced as a single integrated unit. The counter mechanism is housed within the container's existing structural boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4052747B1Indicator device, arrangement and nebulizer

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INT GMBH

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AI summary

Indicator device (25) configured to be fixed to a container (3) containing a fluid (2) to be nebulized by a nebulizer (1), the indicator device (25) being adapted to count or indicate a number of uses performed or still possible with the container (3) or nebulizer (1), the indicator device (25) comprising a housing (31) with an insertion opening (54) for a driving part (52) for driving, actuating or triggering the counting or indicating of the indicator device (25), wherein the indicator device (25) is adapted to block or close the insertion opening (54) in a locked state when the predetermined number of uses has been reached or exceeded.