Rotating Capsule Inhaler for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry powder inhalers face issues with precision and reproducibility of dosage, efficiency of delivery to the lungs, complexity and cost of multidose devices, and risks of contamination due to design flaws in existing inhaler types.

Innovation Solution

A dry powder inhaler design featuring a simple, inexpensive structure with a rotatable wheel and cap system that aligns with the capsule loading opening, air inlets for enhanced airflow, and a mouthpiece grid to prevent capsule part expulsion, allowing for easy capsule handling and efficient powder dispersion without direct contact with the mouthpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multidose inhalers with strip of blisters are used, then multiple doses can be stored, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of doses storedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the multidose storage into multiple individual capsules rather than a single strip of blisters. Each capsule is a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently loaded into the inhaler, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining multidose capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses disposable capsules instead of reusable strips with complex opening mechanisms. Each capsule is inexpensive to manufacture and is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex strip advancement mechanisms and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Volume of moving object

If capsule inhalers requiring manual loading are used, then device size is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inhaler device automatically performs the capsule opening function through a simple rotational motion of the cap, eliminating the need for manual capsule manipulation by the user. The user simply loads the capsule and rotates the cap to open it, making the operation intuitive and easy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If capsule opening mechanism is actuated by inhalation, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to difficult force control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidopening reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the inhalation-actuated opening mechanism with a manual rotation mechanism. The cap rotates to open the capsule, providing direct mechanical control over the opening force and ensuring reliable operation independent of inhalation flow characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If fingers contact mouthpiece during capsule handling, then ease of operation improves, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows the user to open the capsule without direct finger contact with the mouthpiece. The user manipulates the cap, which in turn opens the capsule, preventing contamination of the mouthpiece area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design ensures reliable, contamination-reduced operation with improved powder dispersion and deagglomeration, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring user safety and effective delivery of the medication.

Implementation Method 1

said wheel is rotatable in both directions relative to said body to open said capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

said dispersion chamber comprises air inlets making it possible to create additional airflows during inhalation in order to further swirl the powder in the dispersion chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow and vortex formation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

said mouthpiece is provided with a grid to prevent the expulsion of capsule parts through said dispensing orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2729207B1Dry powder inhaler

Publication Date: 2015.08.26 APTAR FRANCE SAS

Figure 1~4b
Figure 5a~5f
Figure 6a~6d

AI summary

Inhaler for dry powder, having a substantially cylindrical body (310) that defines a dispersion chamber (311), said body (310) having on its cylindrical wall a mouthpiece (330) that defines a dispensing orifice (331), said body (310) being provided, at its first axial end part, with a knurled wheel (370) mounted rotatably on said body (310), said knurled wheel (370) having a loading aperture (371) for receiving a capsule (10) containing a dose of dry powder, said body (310) being provided, at its second axial end part, with a stopper (360) mounted removably on said body (310), said body (310) having at least one opening profile (312, 313) designed to open a capsule (10), which has been inserted into said loading aperture (371), when said knurled wheel (370) is moved in rotation with respect to said body (310).