Perforate Membrane Aperture Arrays for Dual-Size Aerosol Droplets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery systems struggle to simultaneously optimize droplet size distribution for efficient bio-absorption and flavor delivery, often resulting in harsh throat sensations or incomplete delivery to taste receptors due to uniform aperture configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a perforate membrane with distinct arrays of apertures of different configurations in discrete regions, tuned for specific vibration characteristics and size distributions to generate droplets of varying sizes, allowing independent control over lung uptake and mouth feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform aperture configuration is used in the perforate membrane, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the droplet size distribution cannot be optimized simultaneously for both bio-absorption and flavor delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The perforate membrane is segmented into multiple discrete regions, each containing arrays of apertures with different configurations (sizes, shapes, spacing). This segmentation allows different regions to generate droplets of different size ranges, enabling simultaneous optimization for lung uptake (smaller droplets) and flavor delivery (larger droplets) without requiring a single complex aperture design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the perforate membrane are assigned different local qualities through varying aperture configurations. Specifically, some regions have smaller apertures optimized for generating fine droplets suitable for lung bio-absorption, while other regions have larger apertures optimized for generating droplets that deliver flavor to taste receptors in the mouth. Each region's aperture configuration is locally optimized for its specific function
2Productivity
If smaller droplets are generated for efficient lung bio-absorption, then medicament uptake is improved, but evaporation may occur in the throat causing harsh sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments droplet generation into different size categories through separate membrane regions. Smaller droplets (optimized for lung bio-absorption) and larger droplets (optimized for mouth delivery) are generated simultaneously by different aperture arrays. The larger droplets act as carriers that can transport smaller droplets through the throat without premature evaporation, reducing throat discomfort while maintaining lung uptake efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Larger droplets generated by certain aperture regions serve as intermediaries or carriers for smaller droplets. These larger droplets have lower surface area to volume ratios and are less prone to evaporation in the throat, allowing them to transport the medicament-containing smaller droplets safely through the throat to the lungs without causing harsh sensations
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger droplets are generated for flavor delivery to mouth, then taste receptor delivery is improved, but droplets may not reach the lungs efficiently for bio-absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The perforate membrane is divided into regions that generate different droplet size distributions. One region generates larger droplets optimized for flavor delivery to mouth taste receptors, while another region generates smaller droplets optimized for lung bio-absorption. Both droplet types are produced simultaneously and delivered together, ensuring both flavor and medicament delivery functions are fulfilled
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of flavor delivery and medicament delivery by combining droplets of different sizes in a single aerosol stream. Larger droplets carrying flavor constituents and smaller droplets carrying medicament are generated together and delivered simultaneously to the user, achieving both flavor satisfaction and therapeutic effect in one delivery event
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
This approach enhances droplet generation efficiency, reducing throat discomfort and improving flavor delivery by ensuring smaller droplets reach the lungs while larger droplets impact the mouth, thereby optimizing both bio-absorption and taste experience.
Implementation Method 1
actuation means configured to vibrate the perforate membrane to cause liquid droplets to be ejected from the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol delivery system includes a perforate membrane including a plurality of apertures, as well as a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first side of the perforate membrane and actuation means configured to vibrate the perforate membrane to cause a liquid in the fluid reservoir during use to be ejected as liquid droplets from a second side of the perforate membrane. The plurality of apertures includes first and second arrays of apertures of first and second configurations which are grouped together in first and second discrete regions of the perforate membrane. The fluid reservoir includes first and second reservoir portions and a liquid barrier by which the first and second reservoir portions are separated. A removable cartridge for an aerosol delivery system.