Piston Actuator Module for Controlled Aerosol Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nebulizer systems face challenges in delivering a maximum amount of medicinal substance as controlled doses, with inconsistencies due to patient operation and design limitations in multi-dose systems.

Innovation Solution

A substance delivery module comprising a piston and actuator mechanism that engages with a substance container to ensure maximum displacement of the substance, featuring cutting elements and a cam system for controlled rotation, allowing for efficient delivery of medicinal substances in aerosol form.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a multi-dose system with sealed vials is used, then dose control is improved, but delivery of maximum liquid dose to patient is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose controlVSAvoidmaximum liquid dose delivered
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The piston automatically performs the dispensing function by being forced into the vial, eliminating the need for manual patient operation. The system self-regulates to deliver the complete liquid dose through the defined flow path, ensuring maximum substance delivery while maintaining dose control through the controlled flow path design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the dispensing action from manual patient operation and transfers it to an automated piston mechanism. By removing the manual intervention element, the system eliminates inconsistencies in dispensing while maintaining the sealed vial structure for dose control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If patient operates the apparatus, then ease of use is maintained, but inconsistencies in dispensing occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient operationVSAvoidconsistency of dispensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piston mechanism automatically performs the dispensing function without requiring precise patient manipulation. The system self-regulates through the forced piston movement into the vial, ensuring consistent and reliable dispensing while requiring minimal patient intervention (simply activating the cam mechanism).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical operation by the patient with an automated cam-and-piston mechanical system. This substitution maintains ease of use (simple cam activation) while eliminating the inconsistencies of manual operation through the controlled mechanical piston movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If a through passage piston is used, then complete substance displacement is achieved, but risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete substance displacementVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a defined flow path and sealed environment before substance dispensing begins. The vial is sealed until the moment of use, and the piston creates a controlled flow path that prevents contamination during the dispensing process, allowing complete substance displacement without increasing contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a controlled flow path as an intermediary between the sealed vial and the external environment. This intermediate channel allows complete substance displacement while maintaining separation from contamination sources, as the flow path is defined and controlled throughout the dispensing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10835691B2Substance delivery module
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • US10835691B2 patent drawing
  • US10835691B2 patent drawing
  • US10835691B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substance delivery module (4) and apparatus (2) for delivering a substance in aerosol form are disclosed. The substance delivery module (4) comprises a substance container (90), a piston (62) and an actuator (100) configured to engage the substance container (90) and urge the substance container (90) onto the piston (62), so dispensing the substance into the through passage (102) of the piston. The actuator (100) and substance container (90) are mounted in the substance delivery module (4) for relative motion, such relative motion bringing the actuator (100) into engagement with the substance container (90). The substance delivery module (4) may be assembled with an aerosol generator (10) and an aerosol delivery conduit (14) to form an apparatus (2) for delivering a substance in aerosol form. The apparatus (2) may further comprise a control module (6).