Semi-Solid Micro-Dispenser With Plunger Metering for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-solid pharmaceutical compositions lack precise dispensing mechanisms, especially for small volumes, making it difficult to administer accurate doses for topical treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a chamber, an outlet, and a plunger configured to expel a precise volume of semi-solid pharmaceutical composition, allowing for multiple dispenses with a maximum number (Nm) of second volume portions, ensuring V1 > V2×Nm, where V1 is the initial volume and V2 is the dispensed volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If imprecise volumes are used for dispensing semi-solid compositions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision of dispensing volumes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plunger mechanism as an intermediary device between the user and the semi-solid composition. The plunger, when actuated, mechanically displaces a precise volume of composition through a calibrated chamber, ensuring accurate dispensing without requiring complex dosing mechanisms. The plunger acts as a mediator that translates simple user input into precise volume delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically volume displacement, to achieve precise dispensing. By calibrating the chamber volume and controlling the plunger displacement distance, the system achieves accurate volume delivery. The relationship between plunger travel distance, chamber cross-sectional area, and dispensed volume is mathematically controlled to ensure precision.
2Reliability
If precise volumes are dispensed multiple times, then the therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to repeated dispensing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dispensing system to maintain continuous availability of the semi-solid composition through multiple dispensing cycles. The chamber is calibrated to contain sufficient volume (V1) to accommodate the maximum number of dispensed portions (Nm), ensuring continuous therapeutic action without depletion. The system maintains useful action continuity by planning for repeated precise dispensing from the initial volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring the chamber volume (V1) to be greater than the total volume required for maximum dispensing (V2×Nm). This preliminary volume preparation ensures that the composition will not be depleted during the intended course of treatment, allowing for multiple precise dispensing operations without substance loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If a plunger mechanism is used to dispense precise volumes, then the manufacturing precision of dispensing volumes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing function into distinct components: a calibrated chamber, a plunger mechanism, and an outlet. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision. The chamber can be pre-calibrated as a separate step, and the plunger can be manufactured with standard tolerances, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the entire assembly.
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
Enables precise and repeated dispensing of semi-solid compositions, reducing the risk of product degradation and contamination, and ensuring therapeutic efficacy in treating eye disorders like MGD and DED.
Implementation Method 1
a device (e.g., a plunger) configured to displace a portion of a volume of V1 in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a chamber configured to contain a first volume (V1) of a (e.g., semi-solid) pharmaceutical composition
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in certain embodiments herein are systems and devices, suitable for precisely dispensing small amounts of a semi-solid composition multiple times.