Powder Inhaler Container Feed for Multi-Substance Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices for powder-type substances are limited in their ability to accommodate and efficiently dispense multiple substances, particularly those requiring mixing during inhalation, and their filling process is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The device features a guide mechanism with loose, non-connected substance containers that can be moved into defined emptying positions by contact pressure, allowing for separate sub-regions in each container and a method of filling where containers are inserted into a guide mechanism before assembly, enabling independent operation and mixing of substances during inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If substance containers are connected in a chain-like manner (blister pack design), then they can be moved continuously through the device, but the device cannot accommodate multiple different substances requiring separate handling and mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the substance delivery system into separate, independent containers for different substances instead of using connected blister packs. Each substance container operates independently, allowing the device to handle multiple different substances while maintaining simple individual container designs that can be managed separately in the guide mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism is designed to accommodate universal container types that can hold different substances. The same container design and guide mechanism structure can handle various substances by simply replacing the container contents, providing multi-functionality without increasing structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If substance containers are moved by contact pressure propagating among containers, then simple drive mechanisms are needed, but loose non-connected containers may not move reliably in sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the contact pressure propagation method with a guide mechanism that provides physical guidance and positioning for each container. The guide mechanism ensures proper alignment and spacing between loose containers, allowing contact pressure from the drive wheel to reliably move containers in sequence through the inhalation path.
3Ease of manufacture
If containers are filled before assembly into the device, then the filling process is simple, but the device cannot be assembled without removing the cover perpendicular to the displacement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows substance containers to be filled with different substances before assembly into the device. The guide mechanism is designed to receive pre-filled containers and guide them into position during assembly, eliminating the need to remove the cover perpendicular to the displacement direction and simplifying both the filling and assembly processes.
4Device complexity
If multiple substances are stored in separate sub-regions of the same container, then the container design is efficient, but the substances cannot be mixed during inhalation
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses separate container segments for different substances rather than sub-regions within a single container. Each substance has its own dedicated container that can be independently positioned and emptied. The guide mechanism ensures proper sequencing and positioning of these segmented containers, enabling substance mixing during inhalation while maintaining efficient container designs.
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 design allows for efficient, defined dispensing of multiple substances with optional mixing, facilitating easy assembly and operation, and ensures reliable substance delivery without requiring additional handling steps.
Implementation Method 1
the substance containers, which are not connected to one another, are accommodated for direct contact with one another in a guide mechanism attached to the device, and can be moved by contact pressure propagating among the substance containers
Implementation Method 2
The substance stored in the container in portions is dispelled via the opening resulting thereby and is transported to the mouthpiece via the discharge channel
Data Source
AI summary
A device for inhaling powder-type substances includes a plurality of substance containers that can be moved successively into an emptying position, wherein the substance containers—which are not connected to one another—are accommodated in direct contact with one another in a guide unit attached to the device and can be moved by contact pressure propagating among the substance containers. The guide unit has a drive wheel with accommodating forms separated by drive teeth. The substance container in the emptying position is located in an accommodating form of the drive wheel. A substance container for a device for inhaling powder-type substances has two sub-regions, each separately having an amount of the substance, and both sub-regions have an openable, pierceable cover. A method for filling a device for inhaling powder-type substances uses a plurality of substance containers that can be moved successively into an emptying position.