Nebulizer Manual Control Interface for Droplet Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nebulizers lack convenient and versatile control over aerosol output, particularly in terms of droplet size and velocity, which limits their effectiveness in delivering medication and moisture to patients efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A manually adjustable control device with a slider, rotatable knob, or thumb-wheel interface that varies the power supply to the aerosol generator, allowing clinicians to adjust droplet size and velocity within a specific range, and can be linked with detection devices for automatic adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a manually adjustable user interface is added to control aerosol generator power, then droplet size and velocity can be customized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol output controlVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A separate control device is introduced as an intermediary between the main controller and aerosol generator. This control device includes a manually adjustable user interface (slider, rotatable knob, or thumb-wheel) that generates control signals to adjust the power supply to the aerosol generator, enabling customization of droplet size and velocity without complicating the main controller structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the main controller, the separate control device with user interface, and the aerosol generator. This segmentation allows the user interface and control logic to be independently adjusted and maintained without affecting the core aerosol generation system, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the power supply to the aerosol generator is varied to adjust droplet characteristics, then drug delivery efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug delivery efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply to the aerosol generator is made dynamically adjustable through the manually controllable interface, allowing the system to operate at optimal power levels for each specific treatment scenario. This dynamic control enables the system to consume only the necessary energy required to achieve the desired droplet characteristics and drug delivery efficiency, rather than operating at fixed high power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device allows adjustment of power supply parameters (voltage, current, or duty cycle) to the aerosol generator, enabling optimization of energy consumption. By varying these parameters according to patient needs and treatment requirements, the system achieves efficient drug delivery while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the control range is limited to 80% of maximum aerosol generator range, then safety and precision are improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet control precisionVSAvoidaerosol output range

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the aerosol generator's operation and droplet characteristics. This feedback enables precise control within the 80% range, allowing clinicians to achieve optimal droplet size and velocity for each patient without needing the full maximum range, thereby maintaining precision while ensuring safety.

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

Enables tailored aerosol delivery, reducing aerosol losses and improving patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to customize nebulizer performance according to patient needs, increasing drug delivery efficiency and reducing nebulization time.

Implementation Method 1

a vibratable member is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies to produce liquid droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the controller is adapted to vary the power supply to the aerosol generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower supply variation:

Data Source

PatentEP4007627B1Nebulizer comprising a manually adjustable user interface

Publication Date: 2024.02.14 STAMFORD DEVICES LTD

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AI summary

A nebuliser control device (1, 10) has a manually adjustable user interface (2, 12) and a cable (4) extending from the interface to a power source, and a cable (5) extending from the interface (2, 12) to an aerosol generator. The interface is manually adjustable by physical movement of an actuator such a slider (2) or a rotating knob (12) to locally control the operation of the aerosol generator.