Nebulizer Detecting Structure Stops Atomization During Exhalation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nebulizers fail to account for a patient's respiratory rate during atomization and continue administering medicine during exhalation, leading to inefficiency and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A nebulizer with a detecting structure in the nozzle tube that includes a sensor and shutter mechanism to detect exhalation, stopping atomization when the user exhales to prevent medicine wastage and enhance treatment efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the nebulizer continuously atomizes liquid medicine without detecting user respiration, then the device structure remains simple, but medicine is wasted during exhalation and treatment effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedicine wasteVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects user exhalation and sends signals to the control module, which then stops atomization during exhalation phases. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes medicine delivery by coordinating atomization with user inhalation, eliminating medicine waste during exhalation while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The nebulizer system serves itself by automatically detecting user respiration patterns and adjusting atomization accordingly without external intervention. The sensor and control module work autonomously to synchronize medicine delivery with user inhalation cycles, eliminating the need for manual control while reducing medicine waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the nebulizer continuously administers atomized medicine during both inhalation and exhalation, then the administration duration is extended, but treatment effectiveness decreases and user discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidadministration duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by pulsing the atomization process to coincide with user inhalation cycles. The control module activates atomization only during inhalation phases and pauses during exhalation, creating a rhythmic delivery pattern that maximizes treatment effectiveness during productive inhalation periods while avoiding unnecessary administration during exhalation, thus optimizing both effectiveness and duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Through real-time feedback from the sensor detecting user respiration, the system dynamically adjusts administration timing to deliver medicine only when the user is inhaling, ensuring that the duration of medicine administration is optimized for effectiveness rather than simply extended over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the nebulizer operates without detecting user exhalation, then the control system remains simple, but medicine is wasted and treatment efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback-based control system where a sensor detects user exhalation and provides real-time information to the control module. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust atomization timing, stopping during exhalation phases to prevent medicine waste. The integrated sensor and control circuitry achieve improved treatment efficiency while maintaining reasonable control system complexity through efficient signal processing and actuation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 nebulizer effectively stops atomization during exhalation, conserving medicine and improving treatment effectiveness by detecting user exhalation through a sensor-activated shutter mechanism in the nozzle tube.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor electrically connected with the control module... The shutter is disposed corresponding to the position of the sensor... the air blown from the nozzle flows into the tube and blows the swinging member to drive the shutter to activate the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption/detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230372640A1Nebulizer with detecting structure

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 GALEMED

AI summary

A nebulizer (1) includes a host (10) and a nozzle tube (20). The host includes a main body (11), a control module (12) and a sensor (13). The nozzle tube (20) includes a tube (21), a nozzle (22) and a detecting structure (23). The tube (21) includes a chamber (210). The nozzle (22) is arranged on one side of the tube (21) and communicates with the chamber (210). The detecting structure (23) includes a shutter (231) and a swinging member (232) connected with the shutter (231). The shutter (231) is disposed corresponding to the position of the sensor (13). The air blown from the nozzle (22) flows into the tube (21) and blows the swinging member (232) to drive the shutter (231) to activate the sensor (13).