Rotating Carrier Inhaler for Automated Capsule Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers require manual insertion and handling of capsules, which can be cumbersome and lead to inconsistent dosing and incomplete delivery of therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A portable, mechanically operated inhaler with a rotating carrier that contains multiple capsule chambers, allowing for automatic advancement and opening of capsules, ensuring accurate dosing and complete delivery without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion and handling of capsules is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and dosing precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The inhaler device is divided into distinct functional modules: a capsule magazine containing multiple capsules, a rotating carrier mechanism, a capsule ejection system, and a mouthpiece assembly. This segmentation allows automated capsule handling while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple capsules are pre-loaded into the magazine during manufacturing, and the rotating carrier is pre-configured with capsule receptacles. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual capsule insertion during patient use, improving ease of operation while the automated mechanism handles the complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual handling of capsules is required, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dosing precision and delivery reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating carrier mechanism automatically positions and presents capsules to the ejection mechanism without external intervention. The device serves itself by mechanically advancing capsules through the rotation and positioning system, ensuring consistent dosing precision while the automated system manages the operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of capsules is replaced with an automated rotating carrier mechanism driven by a ratchet-and-pawl system. This mechanical automation ensures precise capsule positioning and ejection timing, improving dosing precision while the engineered mechanism handles the complexity of automated operation.
3Productivity
If multiple capsules are stored in the inhaler, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule magazine is designed with a compact nested structure where multiple capsule receptacles are arranged concentrically or in stacked configurations within the inhaler body. This nesting approach allows storage of multiple capsules (improving productivity) while minimizing the overall device volume by efficiently utilizing internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating carrier mechanism utilizes rotational movement to present different capsules sequentially, transforming the storage problem from a linear arrangement into a three-dimensional rotating structure. This allows multiple capsules to be accessed in a compact footprint by adding the rotational dimension, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device volume.
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 inhaler provides easy handling, accurate dosing, and reliable delivery of therapeutic agents by automating the capsule insertion and opening process, reducing user interaction and ensuring consistent dosing over multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating carrier that contains multiple capsule chambers, allowing for automatic advancement and opening of capsules
Implementation Method 2
During inhalation, an air current flowing through the capsule chamber causes the capsule to move back and forth in the capsule chamber, causes the capsule to move back and forth in the capsule chamber, as a result of which the powdered medicament is expelled and dispersed in the air current
Implementation Method 3
an air current flowing through the capsule chamber causes the capsule to move back and forth in the capsule chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An inhaler (1) is proposed (see FIG. 1), for the inhalation of a formulation (2) from capsules (3) that each contain one dose of the formulation. The capsules are preferably each emptied in a capsule chamber (4) by being set in motion by a stream of air flowing through the capsule chamber. The stream of air can be generated by the inhalation of a user or patient and/or can be generated actively generated by the inhaler. For simple handling, the inhaler has a means for, in particular, automatic filling, emptying and/or cleaning of the capsule chamber, if the latter is used more than once. Alternatively, the inhaler has a large number of capsule chambers that each preferably already contain a capsule and re preferably used just once.