Nebulizer Piercing Element Axial Movement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulizers face challenges in providing a secure and compact design that allows for easy operation and handling, while enabling the replacement of containers without replacing any housing parts, and ensuring reliable construction.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer with a container and indicator device where the piercing element is initially held in a non-piercing position within the housing, secured by flexible arms or form-fit mechanisms, and is axially movable to ensure secure operation and compact construction, with the indicator device locking the nebulizer against further use when a predetermined number of uses is reached, allowing for replacement of the container to restore functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the piercing element is initially exposed to pierce the container base, then aeration is enabled, but undesired aeration may occur during transport or before use
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing element is pre-positioned within the housing but held in a non-piercing position by the support structure before first use. The preliminary action of designing this retractable positioning mechanism ensures that piercing only occurs when intended (after container insertion), preventing premature aeration during transport while maintaining reliability of the piercing function when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the piercing element is held in a non-piercing position within the housing, then undesired aeration is prevented, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure performs multiple functions: it holds the piercing element in the non-piercing position, provides a predetermined path for the piercing element, and enables the transition to the piercing position when needed. By making the support structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall construction while still preventing undesired aeration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container and housing part are replaced together, then the indicator device is reset, but the nebulizer housing remains in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into replaceable components (container with integrated indicator device) and permanent components (nebulizer housing). This segmentation allows the container and indicator device to be replaced as a single unit while the housing remains in use, simplifying the replacement process and enabling easy resetting of the indicator without replacing the entire nebulizer system.
4Reliability
If the piercing element is axially movable, then secure operation is ensured, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing element is nested within the housing and moves axially along a predetermined path defined by the support structure. This nesting arrangement allows the piercing element to be axially movable for secure operation while occupying minimal space within the housing, thereby preventing significant increase in device size.
Data Source
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AI summary
A nebulizer (1) for a fluid (2) as well as a container (3) and an indicator device (25) for such a nebulizer are proposed. The indicator device may be fixedly mounted from the bottom of the container and comprises a piercing part (48) for opening an aeration of the container. The indicator device and its piercing part are preferably actuated by axial movement of the indicator device and container within the nebulizer.