Puck-Shaped Inhaler with Passive Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhaler devices for halogenated volatile liquids, such as methoxyflurane, are complex and costly due to the need for pressurized or moving parts, and they often require multiple steps for administration, which can be challenging in emergency or self-administration settings.
Innovation Solution
A puck-shaped inhaler device with a receptacle containing passive evaporation support material pre-loaded with the inhalable liquid, a rotatable lid with integrated air and vapor inhalation openings, forming a vapor chamber for direct administration, reducing the number of components and steps required for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized means or moving parts are used to deliver active agent to lungs, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex pressurized delivery system and moving parts from the inhaler device. Instead, it uses a simple plunger mechanism that manually pushes liquid through a fixed needle into a chamber where volatilization occurs naturally, eliminating the need for complex pressurization systems while maintaining delivery effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressurization systems with a simple manual plunger mechanism. The liquid delivery is achieved through direct manual pushing rather than complex pneumatic or mechanical pressurization, and volatilization occurs through natural evaporation in a heated chamber rather than forced aerosolization
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple steps are required for administration, then precise dosing control is improved, but ease of self-administration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the liquid reservoir, plunger mechanism, needle delivery system, volatilization chamber, and inhalation pathway are all combined in one unit. This allows precise dosing control and volatilization to occur automatically once the liquid is introduced, reducing the number of manual steps required
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with all necessary components in place: the needle is positioned, the chamber is ready, and the system is primed for use. The user simply needs to push the plunger to introduce liquid, and the rest of the process (volatilization, dosing control) occurs automatically through pre-designed mechanisms
3Volume of moving object
If volatile liquid is stored in container, then portability is improved, but vapour pressure build-up and container integrity become problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two separate components: a liquid reservoir for storing the volatile liquid and a separate volatilization chamber where the liquid is converted to vapor. This segmentation prevents vapor pressure buildup in the storage container because the liquid is delivered through a needle rather than stored under pressure, maintaining container integrity while preserving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a needle as an intermediary delivery mechanism between the liquid reservoir and the volatilization chamber. This allows the liquid to be transferred without requiring the storage container to withstand high vapor pressures, as the liquid is pushed through the needle rather than vaporizing in the storage container
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 device provides a simple, portable, and cost-effective means for self-administration of halogenated volatile liquids like methoxyflurane, maintaining a steady concentration of vapor for longer durations, improving ease of use and reducing handling difficulties in emergency settings.
Implementation Method 1
as the inhalable liquid forms a vapour upon storage, the puck-shaped body forms a vapour chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inhaler device for the storage and delivery of an inhalable liquid to a patient, said device comprising a puck-shaped body wherein the puck-shaped body comprises: a receptacle comprising a passive evaporation support material pre-loaded with the inhalable liquid (9); a receptacle lid; at least one air inlet opening; and at least one vapour inhalation opening; wherein the air inlet and vapour inhalation openings are in a closed position when the receptacle lid is closed for storing the inhalable liquid and further wherein as the inhalable liquid forms a vapour upon storage, the puck-shaped body forms a vapour chamber such that the stored vapour is available for direct administration to a patient when the lid is opened to provide an air/vapour pathway through the vapour chamber via the air inlet and vapour inhalation openings.