Nicotine Powder Consumable Article with Porous Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dry powder inhalers are not suitable for delivering nicotine particles to the lungs at conventional smoking inhalation or airflow rates, are complex to operate, and often require a full dose in a single breath, lacking a user-friendly and modular design.
Innovation Solution
A nicotine powder consumable article with an elongated body containing a capsule of nicotine particles, sealed by opposing plugs of material, allowing airflow only through the capsule when pierced, mimicking a conventional cigarette and enabling modular replacement, with a reusable inhaler system that delivers nicotine particles at conventional smoking airflow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dry powder inhalers are used to deliver nicotine particles, then nicotine delivery is achieved, but the device becomes complex to operate and requires high airflow rates not consistent with conventional smoking
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable article is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first porous plug for airflow entry, a capsule containing nicotine particles, and a second porous plug for airflow exit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall device operation while ensuring reliable nicotine delivery at conventional smoking airflow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable consumable article that is replaced after use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, maintenance, or calibration operations. The pre-configured capsule and plug structure ensures reliable nicotine delivery during its service life, then is discarded entirely, resolving the contradiction between delivery reliability and operational simplicity
2Quantity of substance
If dry powder inhalers deliver entire dose in single breath, then complete nicotine delivery is achieved, but the device requires high airflow rates outside conventional smoking regime
Solution Approach 1:
Both plugs are made of porous material with controlled porosity that allows air to pass through at rates consistent with conventional smoking (5-30 mL per puff). The porous structure provides sufficient flow resistance to maintain the entire dose in a single puff while allowing airflow at physiologically acceptable rates, resolving the contradiction between complete dose delivery and conventional inhalation speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the airflow path by using porous plugs with specific porosity values and capsule dimensions that optimize airflow resistance. This allows the entire nicotine dose to be delivered in a single puff at conventional smoking airflow rates (5-30 mL per puff), rather than requiring high-speed inhalation
3Reliability
If capsule is enclosed by opposing plugs of material, then capsule material containment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable article is designed as a disposable unit where the capsule and plugs are pre-assembled and sealed together. This approach prioritizes reliable containment during use, accepting that the assembly process may be somewhat complex, but eliminates the need for complex disassembly or cleaning operations, effectively resolving the contradiction through the disposable nature of the product
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is nested within the elongated body of the consumable article, with the first and second porous plugs positioned at opposite ends to contain the capsule. This nested configuration ensures reliable containment of nicotine particles while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that can be manufactured as a single assembled unit
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 a user-friendly, modular, and efficient delivery of nicotine particles to the lungs at conventional smoking airflow rates, ensuring complete depletion of the consumable article and convenient disposal, while simplifying the inhaler system and airflow path.
Implementation Method 1
A second plug of air porous material may be disposed within the elongated consumable body and between the capsule and the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A nicotine powder consumable article includes an elongated consumable body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A capsule is fixed within the elongated consumable body. The elongated consumable body contacts the capsule. The capsule contains particles comprising nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A first plug of material is disposed within the elongated consumable body and between the capsule and the proximal end. A second plug of air porous material is disposed within the elongated consumable body and between the capsule and the distal end. The second plug of air porous material is not in air-flow communication with the first plug of material.