Pharmaceutical Spray Head Strioscopy for Rapid Non-Destructive Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray device testing methods destroy devices, are not suitable for complete automation, and require human verification, with cycle times that prevent 100% inspection on an assembly line.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive, automated method using strioscopy to analyze the spray cone angle of pharmaceutical fluid devices, employing a setup with a camera, light source, and generator to display and analyze the test-fluid flow within a cycle time of less than 1.5 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spray device testing is performed on assembled devices, then spray properties can be verified, but the devices are destroyed and cannot be delivered to customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spray head that is a copy or replica of the actual spray device, allowing testing to be performed on the copy while the original device remains intact for customer delivery. This resolves the contradiction by separating the testing function from the product function.
2Measurement precision
If human verification is used for tested devices, then assessment can be performed, but complete automation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human verification with an automated optical measurement system using a camera and image processing software. The system automatically captures images of the spray pattern and analyzes them to determine compliance with specifications, eliminating the need for human operators and achieving complete automation.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then spray analysis can be performed, but cycle time is too long for 100% inspection on assembly line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pulsed airflow generator that delivers periodic bursts of air through the spray head during the imaging process. This periodic action allows for rapid capture of spray patterns at specific moments, enabling fast automated inspection with cycle times suitable for 100% inspection on assembly lines.
4Measurement precision
If complex testing equipment is used, then accurate spray analysis can be achieved, but manufacturing and operation become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as a standard camera and simple airflow generator instead of complex specialized equipment. The system uses basic image processing techniques and straightforward optical setups that are easy to manufacture, assemble, and operate, significantly reducing equipment complexity and cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for spray cone angle.
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
Enables rapid, automated, and non-destructive inspection of spray devices, ensuring 100% inspection on an assembly line with high discrimination between compliant and non-compliant sprays using standard, inexpensive components.
Implementation Method 1
displaying, by strioscopy, the flow of test fluid leaving said spray orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a spray generated by a spray device for spraying pharmaceutical fluid, including providing a spray head of a spray device for spraying pharmaceutical fluid, the spray head including a spray orifice; causing a test fluid to pass through the spray head towards the spray orifice, the test fluid being air at a temperature that is different from ambient temperature; displaying, by strioscopy, the flow of test fluid leaving the spray orifice; and analyzing the display of the test-fluid flow so as to determine whether or not the test-fluid spray coming from the spray head complies with predetermined specifications. The cycle time for analyzing one spray head is less than 1.5 seconds, advantageously less than 1 second.