Reusable Electronic Dose Counter for Metered Inhalers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metered dose inhalers (MDIs) face challenges in providing cost-effective and reliable electronic dose counters, as they are bulky and costly, with existing reusable solutions being cumbersome and not easily interchangeable with damaged components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable and reusable electronic unit for MDIs, which can be independently attached and detached from the actuator housing, allowing for separate replacement and ensuring compatibility with identical or similar inhalers, along with a mechanical dose counter for backup functionality, and optional wireless connectivity for dose tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable electronic dose counter is attached to the metered dose inhaler using straps, then the electronic dose counter can be reused, but the metered dose inhaler becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic dose counter is segmented into a separate detachable module that can be independently attached to or removed from the actuator housing. This allows the electronic counting functionality to be reused across different inhaler units while keeping each individual inhaler compact when the module is not attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic dose counter module is designed with universal attachment compatibility to work with multiple actuator housings. The module serves multiple functions: dose counting, data storage, and wireless communication, while being adaptable to different inhaler configurations through standardized attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electronic components are integrated into the actuator housing, then the dose counting function is reliable, but the cost increases when the actuator housing is damaged and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic dose counter is segmented into a separate detachable module rather than being integrated into the actuator housing. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be preserved and reused when only the actuator housing is damaged, significantly reducing replacement costs while maintaining the reliability of the dose counting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables discarding only the damaged actuator housing while recovering and reusing the expensive electronic dose counter module. The module can be detached and attached to a replacement actuator housing, preventing the need to discard functional electronic components and reducing overall system cost.
3Ease of repair
If the electronic unit is detachable from the actuator housing, then damaged components can be replaced separately, but the triggering unit must remain integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the electronic dose counter module and the triggering unit integrated with the actuator housing. The electronic module can be independently attached or detached through standardized interfaces, simplifying repair processes while the triggering unit remains integrated for reliable mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the electronic dose counter module and the actuator housing. This interface enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining reliable signal transmission and mechanical coupling, balancing ease of repair with controlled complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A metered dose inhaler (1) for dispensing aerosol doses comprises an actuator housing (2) in which an aerosol container (6) with an activation valve (7) is inserted. The container (6) is configured to move in a longitudinal direction (A) from a rest position to an activation position in which the valve (7) is depressed against a bottom portion (9) of the actuator housing (2) such that an aerosol dose is released. A triggering unit (11) comprises at least a first trigger member (12a), which is configured to interact with the container (6) moving in the longitudinal direction (A). The first trigger member (12a) triggers a first switch (16a) of an electronic unit (14) when the container (6) reaches a first longitudinal position during its movement from the rest position to the activation position. A counting circuit (17) is configured to receive a signal from the first switch (16a) indicating at least a first time when the first switch (16a) is triggered by the first trigger member (12a). The electronic unit (14) is detachable from the actuator housing (2) independently from the triggering unit (11). The electronic unit (14) is configured to be reusable in combination with another metered dose inhaler (1).