Polyflux Collider Dry Powder Inhaler Deagglomeration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dry powder inhalers are inefficient in delivering a high fine particle fraction and total dose of active pharmaceutical agents to the lung, leading to undesired deposition in the digestive tract and limited medication delivery.

Innovation Solution

A polyflux collider arrangement that utilizes colliding streams of dry powder to de-agglomerate the powder, increasing the fine particle fraction and total dose delivered to the lung by colliding streams of dry powder within the inhaler, enhancing de-agglomeration efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If current dry powder inhaler designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the fine particle fraction and fine particle dose delivered to the lung are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine particle fractionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single powder stream is segmented into multiple streams that are directed to collide with each other. The inlet is divided into multiple channels that separate the powder flow into distinct streams, which then collide in the collision chamber to enhance deagglomeration and increase fine particle fraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple powder streams are merged through collision to form a single collective stream that delivers enhanced fine particle dose. The separate streams combine their deagglomeration effects and merge into one unified output stream that targets the lung more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If current dry powder inhaler designs are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the total dose of APA delivered to the lung is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal dose of APAVSAvoidinhalation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The powder dose is segmented into multiple streams that collide to enhance deagglomeration efficiency. This allows a larger total dose to be processed effectively through the collision mechanism, delivering more APA to the lung without requiring the user to perform additional actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The colliding streams mechanism performs deagglomeration automatically through the patient's own inhalation flow. The inhalation process itself drives the streams to collide and deagglomerate, requiring no additional user actions or device complexity while increasing the delivered dose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If de-agglomeration is achieved by introducing changes in direction in flow channels, then the device structure is simple, but the de-agglomeration efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-agglomeration efficiencyVSAvoidflow channel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple powder streams are merged through direct collision in a dedicated collision chamber, combining their kinetic energy and deagglomeration effects. This merging of streams provides superior deagglomeration efficiency compared to single-stream directional changes, as the collision between streams creates more effective particle breakdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The powder flow is segmented into multiple distinct streams that are directed to collide. This segmentation allows each stream to maintain its momentum and directionality, creating more effective collision points and enhancing overall deagglomeration efficiency compared to a single undivided stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 polyflux collider arrangement significantly increases the fine particle fraction and total dose delivered to the lung, improving the efficiency of dry powder inhalers by effectively de-agglomerating the powder, resulting in a higher percentage of fine particles reaching the targeted area.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second streams of dry powder collide in the encompassed volume to form a collective stream passing through the exit opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy:

Implementation Method 2

The first and second streams of dry powder collide in the encompassed volume to form a collective stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 3

Upon inhalation of a dose, negative pressure is applied to the exit opening which causes a first stream of dry powder to be entrained from the first inlet opening into the encompassed volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

negative pressure is applied to the exit opening which causes a first stream of dry powder to be entrained from the first inlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntrainment: Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS9174012B2Drug products, dry powder inhalers and polyflux collider arrangements

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 MERCK SHARP & DOHME LLC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to dry powder inhalers and drug products and, more particularly to polyflux colliders useful for de-agglomerating dry powder in dry powder dispensers. Various embodiments provide drug products, dry powder inhalers and polyflux collider arrangement. With various embodiments of the present invention, a polyflux collider is provided which utilizes colliding streams of dry powder to provide desirable de-agglomerating capability for dry powder dispensers.