Vibration-Assisted Powder Inhaler With Puff-Based Dose Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-electronic inhalers for powder inhalation rely on user pulmonary respiration volume, restricting use for those with weak respiration and lacking individual control over powder discharge.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler with a controller that adjusts vibration intensity based on inhalation pressure, using a puff sensor to control a vibration member and sub-vibration member to ensure consistent powder delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional non-electronic inhaler relies on user pulmonary respiration volume, then the device structure remains simple, but users with weak respiration cannot smoothly inhale powder and users cannot individually control discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration member that generates mechanical vibrations to assist powder discharge from the capsule. This vibration mechanism enables users with weak respiration to smoothly inhale powder by providing the necessary mechanical energy to overcome respiratory limitations, directly resolving the ease of operation issue while accepting increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a puff sensor detects user inhalation and a controller adjusts vibration intensity accordingly. This allows users to individually control powder discharge by simply inhaling, with the system automatically adjusting parameters based on detected inhalation patterns, resolving the control issue without requiring complex manual interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of powder discharged varies according to user pulmonary respiration volume, then the device structure remains simple, but users with weak respiration have restricted use
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration member provides mechanical energy to assist powder discharge, making the system adaptable to users with weak respiration by compensating for insufficient pulmonary force through external mechanical vibration, thereby expanding usability to previously excluded user groups
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system detects user inhalation patterns via the puff sensor and automatically adjusts vibration intensity and duration, enabling the device to adapt to different respiratory capacities without requiring manual configuration or complex user input
3Ease of operation
If a vibration member is added to provide vibration to the piercing member, then users with weak respiration can smoothly inhale powder, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration member is strategically positioned to vibrate the piercing member during capsule penetration, providing mechanical assistance for powder discharge. This targeted vibration approach maximizes operational ease while minimizing the complexity increase by focusing the vibration function only where needed in the powder discharge pathway
4Manufacturing precision
If the controller adjusts vibration intensity based on inhalation pressure, then consistent powder delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives real-time inhalation pressure data from the puff sensor and dynamically adjusts vibration member intensity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control ensures consistent powder delivery across different users and inhalation patterns, achieving precision control through automatic parameter adjustment rather than manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the vibration intensity parameter based on detected inhalation pressure, allowing the same hardware to deliver consistent performance across varying user conditions. This parameter adaptation enables precise powder discharge control without requiring multiple hardware configurations
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 users with weak respiration to smoothly inhale powder and allows general users to control discharge, ensuring consistent powder delivery regardless of inhalation pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration member configured to provide a vibration to the piercing member
Implementation Method 2
a sub-vibration member configured to provide a vibration to the chamber
Implementation Method 3
a puff sensor configured to sense airflow inside the stick
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler includes a stick provided with a chamber configured to accommodate a capsule comprising powder and a piercing hole open toward the chamber, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted in a first direction, a piercing member provided in the insertion groove and configured to crush a capsule by passing through the piercing hole when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, a vibration member configured to provide a vibration to the piercing member, a puff sensor configured to sense airflow inside the stick, and a controller configured to control an operation of the inhaler.