Nested Pitot Tubes for Inhalation Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inhalation devices for drug delivery, such as metered dose inhalers, face challenges in ensuring efficient inspiratory flow for effective medication distribution, as patients struggle to coordinate inhalation with the activation of the device, particularly in children, where low or excessive flow rates can compromise treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A flow measuring apparatus using a set of Pitot tubes, configured to traverse the lumen of the inhalation apparatus, measures the difference between stagnation and static pressure to calculate and display the flow rate, ensuring proper inhalation technique through a processor and visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inhalation chamber is used to improve medication distribution, then therapeutic substance distribution in bronchi is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Pitot tubes are nested within each other, with the second Pitot tube positioned inside the first Pitot tube. This nested configuration allows both tubes to traverse the lumen of the inhalation apparatus simultaneously while minimizing the overall space required, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure flow rate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures inspiratory flow rate, provides visual feedback to patients, and ensures proper coordination of inhalation technique. This multi-functionality addresses the medication distribution effectiveness while integrating seamlessly into the existing inhalation chamber structure
2Reliability
If flow rate measurement is implemented to ensure proper inhalation technique, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Pitot tubes are nested within each other, with the second Pitot tube positioned inside the first Pitot tube. This nested configuration allows both tubes to traverse the lumen of the inhalation apparatus simultaneously while minimizing the overall space required, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure flow rate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow sensors with a mechanical Pitot tube system that uses pressure differential measurement. This mechanical approach simplifies the device by eliminating the need for complex electronics while providing reliable flow rate measurement through the relationship between pressure differential and flow rate
3Measurement precision
If Pitot tubes traverse the entire lumen to measure flow accurately, then flow rate measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Pitot tubes are nested within each other, with the second Pitot tube positioned inside the first Pitot tube. This nested configuration allows both tubes to traverse the lumen of the inhalation apparatus simultaneously while minimizing the overall space required, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure flow rate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The flow measurement is divided into two components: the first Pitot tube measures stagnation pressure while the second Pitot tube measures static pressure. This segmentation allows for accurate flow rate calculation through pressure differential measurement while using simple, separate tube structures that can be easily manufactured and assembled
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 solution provides precise and reproducible flow rate measurements, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery by ensuring adequate inspiratory flow, improving treatment outcomes and user coordination with the inhalation device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one set of Pitot tubes comprising a first Pitot tube longitudinally contacting a second Pitot tube, the set of Pitot tubes being configured for traversing entirely a lumen of the section of an inhalation apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the first and second Pitot tube being respectively fluidly connected to a differential pressure sensor, for measuring a difference between a stagnation pressure and a static pressure within the flow measuring apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a flow measuring apparatus for measuring the air flow through a section of an inhalation apparatus, and for measuring the drug delivery by inhalation using an inhalation apparatus. The flow measuring apparatus comprises a set of Pitot tubes configured for traversing entirely the lumen of the section of an inhalation apparatus. The set of Pitot tubes comprises a first and second Pitot tube which are respectively fluidly connected to a differential pressure sensor, for measuring a difference between a stagnation pressure and a static pressure within the flow measuring apparatus.