Rotating Ring Dose Counter with Resilient Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose counters for metered-dose inhalers face challenges in accurately tracking the release of medicament doses due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for reliable detection of small movements, leading to potential false counts and inadequate user feedback on remaining doses.
Innovation Solution
A counter mechanism comprising rotatable ring members with indicia and a coupling mechanism that includes a deflector and protrusions, allowing cooperative rotation and independent movement, to accurately count doses dispensed and remaining, with a drive mechanism translating vertical movements into incremental rotations for precise counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical counter mechanism is used to track doses, then the number of doses dispensed can be counted, but manufacturing tolerances cause inaccurate detection of small movements leading to false counts
Solution Approach 1:
The counter mechanism uses a resilient arm that can dynamically deflect and return to its original position. The arm flexes during actuation and returns via a return spring, creating a dynamic system that can distinguish between valid actuations and manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt to variations in container length and actuation force while maintaining reliable counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the counting mechanism by using a resilient arm with specific deflection characteristics. The arm's flexibility and the return spring's force create a threshold-based system where only actuations exceeding a certain parameter threshold trigger a count. This parameter-based discrimination eliminates false counts caused by manufacturing tolerances while maintaining accurate dose tracking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is made opaque for protection, then the medicament is protected from light degradation, but the user cannot gauge how many doses remain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary counting mechanism that translates the internal state of the opaque container into visible external information. The resilient arm and indicator system act as intermediaries between the medicament container and the user, providing dose remaining information without requiring the container itself to be transparent. This mediator approach preserves the protective opacity while eliminating the information loss.
3Measurement precision
If a complex electronic counter is used, then accurate dose tracking is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, inexpensive mechanical counting mechanism using a resilient arm and indicator system rather than complex electronic components. The mechanism is designed to be disposable along with the medicament container, eliminating the need for expensive, complex electronics. This approach achieves accurate dose tracking through simple mechanical means while keeping manufacturing costs low and device complexity minimal.
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 and accurate count of medicament doses, minimizing false counts and ensuring users are informed of remaining doses, while being easy to read and cost-effective for manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
said first engagement means comprise an arm (704), said second engagement means comprise a plurality of protrusions (705, 1516) and said first engagement means are movable radially outwardly and radially inwardly relative to said axis, characterised in that said arm (704) has a body (712) comprising a slot, and a contact end comprising an upwardly extending component (710) that contacts said deflector (1002, 1504)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5A~6D
AI summary
The present invention provides a counter (203) comprising: a first ring member (201) having first indicia and a second ring member (202) having second indicia, each of said first and second ring members being rotatable in increments about a common axis, one or both of said first and second indicia indicating a count; a drive mechanism (205) for rotating said first ring member; and a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling said first ring member to said second ring member, to allow said first and second ring members to rotate cooperatively when coupled and to allow independent rotating of said first ring member when not coupled; wherein said coupling mechanism comprises first and second engagement means, wherein said first engagement means comprise an arm having a slot and a contact end, and said first engagement means are movable radially outwardly and radially inwardly relative to said axis.