Motor-Driven Rotary Drum Micronizer for Carrier-Free Salt Inhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micronization devices for solid active agents, such as salt, are either overly complex or prone to particle agglomeration in moist air, and lack effective dosage control, with methods using pre-micronized agents and carrier materials being limited for continuous dispensing and indirect inhalation applications.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven rotary drum micronizer with filtering walls made of rigid mesh-like or microperforated material, capable of producing particles of desired size by rubbing and colliding active agent grains, which are then filtered and released into the air or respiratory tract, with optional heating to prevent agglomeration and integrated control for accurate dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing micronization devices are used to produce inhalable particles, then particle size reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases and particle agglomeration occurs in moist air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous drum filter as the core component, where the drum surface contains numerous pores that allow micronized particles to pass through while preventing agglomeration. The porous structure achieves particle size control and maintains particle dispersion without requiring complex additional components, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum filter is segmented into multiple sections with different pore sizes, allowing different stages of micronization to occur simultaneously. This segmentation enables precise control over final particle size while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple, as the segmentation is integrated into the drum itself rather than requiring separate processing stages.
2Measurement precision
If pre-micronized agents with carrier materials are used, then dosage control is improved, but continuous dispensing and indirect inhalation applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The porous drum filter device is designed to be universally applicable to both direct inhalation and indirect air treatment scenarios. By generating carrier-free micronized particles that can be dispersed in air, the device serves multiple functions: it can be used for personal inhalers, room air purifiers, and various dosing configurations, thus achieving both dosage control and application versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses air flow as an intermediary medium to transport and disperse the micronized particles. This approach eliminates the need for carrier materials while maintaining controlled delivery through adjustable air flow rates, enabling the same device to work for both direct inhalation (where particles go straight to user) and indirect inhalation (where particles mix with room air).
3Manufacturing precision
If particle size is reduced to optimal inhalation range, then inhalation effectiveness is improved, but particle agglomeration in moist air increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous drum filter operates continuously to generate fresh micronized particles, preventing the particles from sitting and agglomerating. The continuous rotation of the drum and constant air flow through the pores ensure that particles are immediately carried away after formation, maintaining their dispersed state and preventing agglomeration even in moist air environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating drum filter introduces mechanical motion and vibration to the particle generation process, which helps keep particles separated during and after micronization. The rotational movement creates dynamic conditions that prevent particles from settling and clumping together, thereby maintaining reliable particle dispersion while achieving optimal size reduction.
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
Provides a continuous supply of carrier-free, micronized active agent particles of optimal size for effective inhalation, reducing agglomeration and enabling uninterrupted dispensing, suitable for both direct and indirect inhalation therapies.
Implementation Method 1
produces micronized active agent by means of rubbing and colliding against one another and against the wall of the device solid active agent grains
Implementation Method 2
produces micronized active agent by means of rubbing and colliding against one another and against the wall of the device solid active agent grains
Implementation Method 3
with the walls of the rotary drum being at least in part made of a material having a filtering capacity of 0.1-1000 μm
Implementation Method 4
with optional heating to prevent agglomeration
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a unit for the micronization of a solid active agent, such as a salt, preferably table salt (NaCI), for inhalation, comprising a micronizer driven by a motor. The unit according to the invention is characterized in that the micronizer consists of a rotary block (23) made of the active agent, a friction block (24) adapted to be in frictioning relation with the rotary block, and a clamping mechanism (25) adapted for holding the friction block (24) in position and for clamping the friction block (24) to the rotary block (23), the micronizer being disposed in a closed housing (11), and the wall surfaces of the housing (11) being at least in part made of a material having a filtering capacity of 0.1-1000µm.