Resilient Valve Member Positioning for Inhalation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inhalation therapy devices with valves are difficult to clean, especially in areas that are inaccessible, and pose a risk of the valve member being detached and inhaled by the patient, which can be life-threatening.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a valve with a resilient valve member and a positioning means that allows the valve member to be spaced apart from the valve seat, enabling easy cleaning and secure attachment to prevent detachment during use, utilizing materials like silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer for the valve member and a more rigid material for the valve seat, with a sealing lip for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve member is securely connected within a complex assembly, then the valve is reliable and prevents detachment, but the valve becomes difficult or impossible to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The inhalation therapy device is divided into separable components: a first component containing the valve member and a second component containing the valve seat. This segmentation allows the valve components to be detached for thorough cleaning while maintaining secure connection during use through positive engagement features such as bayonet mounts or screw connections.
2Reliability
If the valve member is made resilient and securely attached, then it maintains sealing and prevents detachment, but it becomes difficult to clean inaccessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into a removable first component containing the resilient valve member and a second component containing the valve seat. This allows the complex resilient valve member to be detached for cleaning while maintaining the sealing function through precise engagement features between the two components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is made from a resilient material such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, forming a flexible sealing element that can be detached as part of a removable component. This flexible material maintains reliable sealing when connected but allows the entire assembly to be separated for cleaning of previously inaccessible areas.
3Ease of operation
If the valve is designed for easy attachment to simplify handling, then patient handling is easier, but the valve member may become detached and be inhaled
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a removable first component with the valve member and a second component with the valve seat. This segmentation enables easy attachment and detachment of the entire valve assembly for cleaning, while positive engagement features ensure the valve member remains securely connected during normal operation, preventing accidental inhalation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed so that the resilient valve member automatically maintains sealing contact with the valve seat through its elasticity, requiring no additional active components or complex control mechanisms. This self-regulating feature simplifies operation while ensuring reliable retention.
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 solution allows for easy cleaning of the valve and prevents accidental inhalation of the valve member, ensuring hygiene and safety by maintaining the valve in a closed position during use while allowing for simple and reliable handling, particularly beneficial for patients with respiratory constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the valve comprising a valve seat, a resilient valve member and a valve member positioning means
Data Source
AI summary
The inhalation therapy device according to the invention comprises a nebulizer chamber which accommodates an aerosol generator that emits aerosol into the nebulizer chamber. A valve that has a valve seat, a resilient valve member and a valve member positioning means is arranged at an opening of the nebulizer chamber. The valve member positioning means can be moved out of a first position and into a second position so as to position the valve member on the valve seat in such a manner that in the first position, the valve member, in a flow-free state, is positioned on the valve seat in a pre-tensioned manner and in a second position, is spaced apart from the valve seat.