Segmented Tubular Pumping Chamber for Flexible Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of manufacturing precision metal tubes for inhalation devices, along with the difficulty in adjusting dosing volumes and fluidic parameters, pose challenges in producing efficient and adaptable aerosol generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A pumping unit design comprising a tubular member divided into two mechanically distinct parts, with a check valve and counter piece, allowing for variable pumping chamber volume and easier assembly, manufacturing, and adjustment of fluidic parameters by exchanging only the high-precision part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a precision metal tube is used for the pumping chamber, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is divided into two distinct parts: a first part providing the valve chamber and a second part that is insertable into the counter piece. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured with appropriate precision levels, reducing overall complexity while maintaining sealing reliability at critical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve chamber function is extracted from the high-precision metal tube and relocated to the first part of the segmented tubular member. This allows the critical sealing functions to be performed at the interface between the first and second parts, rather than requiring the entire tube to be high-precision metal.
2Reliability
If a precision metal tube with fixed dimensions is used, then sealing is ensured, but adaptability for adjusting dosing volume and fluidic parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is designed with two insertable parts that can be exchanged to adjust the pumping chamber volume and fluidic parameters. The second part can be replaced with different dimensions or materials to adapt to varying liquid properties, while the first part remains stationary and provides the valve chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing physical parameters of the tubular member by exchanging the second part. Different outer diameters, lengths, or materials can be used to adjust dosing volume and fluidic resistance, enabling adaptation to different liquid viscosities and dosing requirements while maintaining sealing through the standardized interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire tubular member is made with high precision, then sealing and flow control are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only the interface regions of the first and second parts require high manufacturing precision to ensure proper sealing and alignment. The bulk of the tubular member components can be manufactured with standard tolerances, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional performance.
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and facilitates flexible adjustment of fluidic parameters, enabling efficient aerosol generation with reduced precision requirements and adaptability to varying liquid properties.
Implementation Method 1
the pumping unit comprises a pumping chamber with a pumping chamber volume, wherein the pumping chamber volume is changeable by means of linear relative motion of the tubular member to the counter piece
Implementation Method 2
a check valve which is positioned between an upstream section and a downstream section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of inhalation devices for liquids. In particular, the invention relates to a pumping chamber for such an inhalation device. A pumping unit for an inhalation device for medically active liquids for generation of an aerosol comprises a tubular member (1), a check valve (2), and a counter piece, said counter piece being configured to receive at least a downstream segment of said tubular member (1) and having an interior volume, wherein upstream of said tubular member (1), a reservoir (4) can be fluidically connected with said tubular member (1), and downstream of said counter piece, a nozzle unit (6) can be fluidically connected with said counter piece, and wherein the tubular member (1) comprises an upstream section, a downstream section, and the check valve (2) which is positioned between the upstream section and the downstream section, such that a pumping chamber with a pumping chamber volume is defined which comprises the volume of the downstream section of the tubular member (1) and said interior volume of the counter piece, and wherein tubular member (1) and the counter piece can move relatively to one another, such that the pumping chamber volume is variable. The tubular member (1) comprises at least two mechanically distinct parts (1A, 1B), wherein a first part (1A) provides said upstream section, and a second part (1B) provides said downstream section, and the first part (1A) and the second part (1B) are connected to each other such as to form an interface section (1C) serving as a valve chamber (2B) for the valve (2).