Nebulizer Locking Mechanism for Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulizers require replacement of housing parts when changing containers, which is inconvenient and increases packaging size, and they often lack secure locking mechanisms to prevent further use after a predetermined number of doses is reached.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design that allows container replacement without replacing any housing parts, featuring a locking device that blocks rotation before complete tensioning, ensuring secure operation and easy handling by preventing further fluid dispensing when the locked state is entered, and a compact indicator device inseparably connected with the container for counting uses and triggering the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If housing parts are replaced when changing containers, then secure locking and dose control are achieved, but device complexity and packaging size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: an indicator device attached to the container, a locking device with movable locking element, and a spring mechanism. These segmented parts work together to provide secure locking without requiring replacement of entire housing parts, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device is nested within or attached to the container, which is itself nested within the housing. The locking element is positioned within the housing to engage with the indicator device. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated without adding external complexity or requiring housing replacement
2Reliability
If housing parts are replaced when changing containers, then dose counting and locking are ensured, but packaging size and operation convenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is pre-attached to the container with a predetermined number of uses marked on it. The locking element is pre-positioned in the housing to engage with the indicator device. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the container is inserted, the dose counting and locking functions are automatically activated without requiring housing replacement or complex operational steps
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device on the container self-activates the locking mechanism by its own presence and position. As the container is inserted and the drive spring is tensioned, the indicator device automatically engages the locking element to prevent further use after the predetermined number of doses, eliminating the need for manual housing replacement or intervention
3Reliability
If locking blocks rotation before complete tensioning, then further use is prevented, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned to block rotation before complete tensioning is achieved. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to exert blocking force. When the indicator device reaches the locked position, the locking element automatically engages to prevent further rotation and tensioning, implementing preliminary anti-action to ensure use prevention without requiring complex control systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A nebulizer (1) is proposed which receives a container (3) with a fluid (2) and an indicator device (25). The indicator device stops further use of the container in a locked state when a predetermined number of uses has been reached or exceeded. In the locked state, a locking device (26) locks the nebulizer against rotation in a partially tensioned state and, thus, against further use. After replacement of the container including the indicator device, the nebulizer can be used again.