Nebulizer Poka-Yoke Coupling for Easier Cleaning and Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some users, particularly elderly individuals, face difficulties in uncoupling and recoupling the sub-units of nebulizers, which are essential for cleaning and refilling, due to the complexity of the detachment process.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design featuring a top part and base part with protruding elements and inwardly projecting abutment walls that facilitate secure attachment and easy detachment, utilizing a poka-yoke system to prevent incorrect assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the top part and base part are detachably coupled together, then the nebulizer can be cleaned and refilled, but users encounter difficulties in uncoupling and recoupling the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The top part is inserted into the base part in a nested configuration, with the elongated tubular portion of the top part fitting within the tubular body of the base part. This nesting arrangement allows for easy coupling by simply pushing the parts together, while maintaining detachability for cleaning and refilling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting system employs asymmetric features including protruding elements on the top part that engage with corresponding abutment walls in the base part. This asymmetric design provides intuitive alignment and coupling direction, making the operation straightforward for users while ensuring secure attachment.
2Reliability
If the top part is inserted in the base part with protruding elements and abutment walls, then the coupling is secure, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system is segmented into distinct functional elements: protruding elements on the top part and corresponding abutment walls in the base part. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function (engagement, alignment, securing) independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture despite the enhanced security requirements.
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 design allows for straightforward coupling and uncoupling of nebulizer parts, enhancing user convenience and reducing assembly errors, particularly benefiting elderly users.
Implementation Method 1
the base part further comprises at least one abutment wall projecting radially and inwardly, said at least one abutment wall cooperating with said at least one protruding element for maintaining the top part secured to the base part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a nebulizer (1) for aerosolizing a liquid comprising a base part (10) with a liquid chamber (11) for storing a liquid to be aerosolized, and a top part (20) comprising an aerosol-generating system (21), wherein the top part (20) is axially-arranged (XX) in the base part (10) and detachably secured to the base part (10). Further, the top part (20) further comprises at least one protruding element (22) projecting radially and outwardly, arranged in a top end region (23.1) of an elongated tubular portion (23) of the top part (20). The base part (10) further comprises at least one abutment wall (12) projecting radially and inwardly, and cooperating with said at least one protruding element (22) for maintaining the top part (20) secured to the base part (10).