Respiratory Care Flow Indicator with Exterior Electronic Inhalation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices, such as MDIs, face challenges in providing clear feedback on successful inhalation and complete medication delivery, often obscured by humidity and moisture, and may degrade over time, leading to improper use and potential waste.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery system with a valved holding chamber incorporating a mechanical flow indicator and electronic indicator that provides visual and electronic feedback on sufficient inhalation and complete treatment, compatible with MDIs, nebulizers, and respiratory exercise devices, ensuring proper usage and device longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic indicators are integrated into medicament delivery devices to provide feedback on inhalation success and treatment completion, then user confidence and proper usage are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate accessory device that acts as an intermediary between the user and the medicament delivery device. This accessory contains the electronic indicator and feedback mechanisms, while the primary medicament delivery device remains relatively simple. The accessory mediates the complex functions needed for feedback without requiring the medicament delivery device itself to be complex, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If indicators are positioned within chambers to monitor inhalation and exhalation, then measurement capability is improved, but visibility and ease of observation deteriorate due to humidity and moisture buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the electronic indicator on the exterior surface of the valved holding chamber rather than within the chamber. This dimensional relocation from interior to exterior allows the indicator to remain visible and accessible to users without being obscured by humidity or moisture buildup inside the chamber, while still accurately reflecting inhalation and exhalation measurements.
3Ease of manufacture
If valved holding chambers are designed to be reusable, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an electronic indicator that provides proactive warnings before the valved holding chamber reaches the end of its recommended service life. By detecting and signaling material degradation or expiration in advance, the system allows users to replace the chamber before reliability deteriorates, thus maintaining both cost-effectiveness through reusable design and reliability through timely replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory care system includes a user interface. A flow indicator is moveable in response to inhalation and/or exhalation, or both, by a user through the user interface. An electronic indicator is operable in response to an electronic signal transmitted in response to the movement of the flow indicator. Methods of use and assembly are also provided.