Replaceable-Canister Inhaler With Mechanical Fill Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers do not effectively notify the remaining amount of composition in a canister and the appropriate time to replace it, lacking a mechanism to count the number of fillings.
Innovation Solution
An inhaler design featuring a rotatable counter mechanism that tracks the number of fillings by vertical movement of the canister, using a lever to rotate a counter member and display the remaining amount through color or numbers, with a fastening portion to restrict rotation direction and an elastic member to reset the counter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a counter mechanism is added to track filling次数, then the ability to notify remaining composition and replacement timing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic counting systems with a simple mechanical counter that utilizes the existing vertical movement of the canister during filling. The counter member rotates passively with each canister insertion, eliminating the need for sensors, batteries, or electronic circuits while still providing accurate filling count tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter mechanism is designed to automatically track fillings through the natural vertical movement of the canister during the filling process. The user's normal operation of inserting the canister directly drives the counter without requiring separate actions or inputs, making the system self-activating and eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the counter is always rotatable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of accurate counting deteriorates due to potential overrun
Solution Approach 1:
The counter employs a dynamic braking mechanism that selectively engages based on the direction of rotation. During normal counting (forward rotation with canister insertion), the brake remains disengaged allowing smooth operation. When overrun occurs (reverse rotation or excessive rotation), the brake automatically engages to prevent inaccurate counting, providing adaptive control that maintains both ease of operation and counting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake element provides immediate feedback when the counter attempts to rotate beyond the correct position. This feedback mechanism prevents overrun by engaging the brake when reverse rotation is detected, ensuring that the counter accurately reflects the actual number of fillings without requiring complex electronic sensors or correction algorithms.
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 inhaler accurately notifies the user about the remaining composition in the canister and the need for replacement by counting fillings, ensuring timely refills and preventing overuse.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to reset the counter
Data Source
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AI summary
An inhaler includes: a housing having one surface, the other surface opposite to the one surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the one surface and the other surface; a canister which is mounted on the housing to be replaceable and accommodates an inhalable composition; a reservoir which is connected to the canister so that the canister is able to be opened or closed, and stores the inhalable composition; a lever which controls an opening and closing operation of the canister; and a counter which is rotatably disposed between the canister and the lever, and the counter is rotated at a predetermined angle according to the operation of the lever to notify a remaining amount of the inhalable composition in the canister.