Spacer Valve Assembly for Reduced Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacers for asthma and COPD patients face issues with increased flow resistance due to complex designs and assembly complexities, such as the need for ultrasonic welding, which can reduce efficiency and usability.
Innovation Solution
A spacer design featuring a chamber with first and second reservoirs, an inlet, outlet, and a valve with a dome-like structure that opens during inspiration and closes during expiration, and an air flap member that opens during exhalation to reduce backflow and allow air expulsion, minimizing assembly complexity and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two valves are used in the spacer, then flow control during inspiration and expiration is improved, but flow resistance increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve functions (inspiratory valve and expiratory valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The first flow control portion handles inspiratory flow while the second flow control portion handles expiratory flow, both within one unified structure retained by a single retaining portion, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual-flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: the first flow control portion provides inspiratory flow control, the second flow control portion provides expiratory flow control, and both are integrated into one structure that is retained by a single retaining portion. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If two valves are used in the spacer, then flow control during inspiration and expiration is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses dynamic, flexible flow control portions that can open and close in response to pressure differentials during breathing cycles. The first flow control portion opens during inspiration and closes during expiration, while the second flow control portion does the opposite, creating adaptive flow paths that minimize resistance during each phase of breathing
3Manufacturing precision
If ultrasonic welding is used to assemble chamber components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as a segmented, modular component with a retaining portion that can be independently inserted into the chamber. This segmentation allows the valve to be assembled separately from the chamber using simple snap-fit or friction-fit mechanisms, eliminating the need for ultrasonic welding and simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion acts as an intermediary element that facilitates easy assembly between the valve and chamber. This intermediate component enables straightforward mechanical retention without requiring complex welding processes, improving both assembly speed and manufacturing efficiency
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 enhances the delivery of medicinal substances by reducing flow resistance and simplifying assembly, improving the efficiency and usability of the spacer for patients.
Implementation Method 1
the first flow control portion being adapted to open during user inspiration, thereby allowing forward-flow of the medicinal substance from the first reservoir to the second reservoir
Implementation Method 2
adapted to close during user expiration, thereby substantially limiting backflow of the medicinal substance from the second reservoir to the first reservoir
Implementation Method 3
the second flow control portion being adapted to close during user inspiration, thereby substantially limiting inflow of air through the vent into the second reservoir
Implementation Method 4
adapted to flap open during expiration, thereby allowing expulsion of air from the second reservoir through the vent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
A spacer (2) comprising a polycarbonate chamber (8) and a flow valve (18) located within the chamber (8). The chamber (8) comprises: a first reservoir (10) and a second reservoir (12); an inlet for admission of aerosolised medication into the first reservoir (10); an outlet (16) for withdrawal of medication from the second reservoir (12); and a vent (20) for expulsion of air from the second reservoir (12). The flow valve (18) is adapted to: allow forward-flow of medication from the first reservoir (10) to the second reservoir (12) during user inspiration; substantially limit inflow of air through the vent (20) into the second reservoir (12) during user inspiration, substantially limit backflow of air or medication (4) from the second reservoir (12) to the first reservoir (10) during user expiration; and allow expulsion of air from the second reservoir (12) through the vent (20) during user expiration.