Rotary Dose Counter for MDI with Lateral Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose counters for fluid or powder dispensing devices, particularly in MDI devices, face issues such as interference with device actuation, complex assembly, increased manufacturing costs, and external modifications that affect device maneuverability and appearance, along with challenges in ensuring accurate counting across varying actuation strokes.
Innovation Solution
A dose counter design featuring two rotary counting elements and an actuating member that transforms axial displacement into rotary displacement, allowing for pre-assembly and simple mounting, independent actuation, and reduced thickness, thereby simplifying assembly and ensuring accurate counting without modifying the device's external dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the counter is fixed to the bottom of the reservoir and protrudes from the body, then the user can press the counter to dispense a dose, but the counter interferes with the operation of the dispensing device and requires the user to press the counter to activate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is extracted from the bottom of the reservoir and repositioned to the lateral external surface of the body, separating the counting function from the actuation mechanism. This allows the counter to be actuated independently by the pumping mechanism without requiring user intervention to press the counter.
Solution Approach 2:
An actuating member with a projection is introduced as an intermediary element that passes through an opening in the body to connect the internal pumping mechanism with the counter. This intermediary transmits the actuation force from the pump to the counter without requiring direct user contact with the counter itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the meter is mounted laterally on the outside of the body with a projection passing through an opening, then the meter can interact with the reservoir, but substantial modification to the body is required and the meter's thickness alters the device's appearance and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented by introducing an opening that allows the actuating member to pass through, creating a pathway for mechanical connection between the internal pump and the external counter without requiring extensive structural modifications to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter is positioned in a lateral direction on the external surface of the body, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than protruding from the bottom. This dimensional change reduces the impact on device handling while maintaining functional connectivity through the opening in the body.
3Measurement precision
If the actuation stroke of the valve or pump is very short due to tolerances, then accurate counting can be achieved, but a complex mechanism is required to provide functional and reliable counting
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is actuated at the very beginning of the valve or pump's actuation stroke through the projection of the actuating member. This preliminary action ensures that counting occurs before the main dispensing action, guaranteeing accurate counting even with short actuation strokes without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and space-efficient dose counting mechanism that operates independently of actuation stroke length, reducing manufacturing complexity and maintaining device maneuverability while ensuring accurate dose tracking.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating member (130) transforming an axial displacement of a part of the distribution device (200), generally the reservoir, into a rotary displacement of the first counting element (110)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates portion meter (100) for counting the number of portions of a fluid or powder product dispensed or remaining to be dispensed by a fluid product-dispensing device (200), said meter comprising a first rotary metering element forming the units wheel and a second rotary metering element forming the tens wheel, said first and second metering elements engaging so as to jointly define said number of portions and display the value in a viewing window (151), said first metering element engaging with an actuator member suitable for turning said first metering element every time said actuator member is actuated, said meter comprising a base body, containing the axis of rotation of said first and second metering elements, and an opening, said meter being suitable for being preassembled in said base body to form a preassembled meter unit.