Curved Inlet Spin Chamber for Stable Dry Powder Inhaler Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry powder inhalers face issues with powder migration and airflow disruption in spin chambers, leading to incomplete medication delivery due to powder build-up and inadequate airflow.

Innovation Solution

A spin chamber design with a primary recess and secondary recess, featuring curved inlet channels and a tangential-funnel configuration to enhance airflow and capsule rotation, ensuring efficient mixing and release of medicament.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing spin chamber designs are used, then the structure is simple, but powder migration occurs and airflow is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication delivery completenessVSAvoidspin chamber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spin chamber is divided into two distinct recesses: a primary recess for capsule rotation and medication release, and a secondary recess for capsule positioning. This segmentation prevents powder migration by isolating the capsule containment area from the airflow path, while ensuring complete medication delivery through dedicated functional zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet channel is designed with curved geometry including a tangential section and a curved section that follows the contour of the primary recess. This curvature optimizes airflow patterns to generate stable cyclone motion, enhancing medication release while preventing powder buildup through smooth flow transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the inlet channel is straight, then the structure is simple, but airflow is disrupted and powder builds up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow stabilityVSAvoidinlet channel geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet channel incorporates curved geometry with a tangential section that enters the primary recess at a tangent, followed by a curved section that contours to the recess shape. This design stabilizes airflow patterns and prevents powder buildup by maintaining smooth flow transitions throughout the inhalation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the capsule is held in the primary recess, then mixing is efficient, but the capsule cannot be properly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedicament mixing efficiencyVSAvoidcapsule positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 promotes stable cyclone generation, efficient capsule perforation, and complete medication delivery by minimizing powder migration and optimizing airflow, resulting in a higher likelihood of successful medication delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a primary recess for allowing air to mix with contents of a capsule, the primary recess having a curved wall for encouraging rotation of the capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

the curved wall of the primary recess... encouraging rotation of the capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

at least a portion of the tangential section is substantially tangential to the curved wall of the primary recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTangential flow:

Implementation Method 4

The design promotes stable cyclone generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone generation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 5

the funnel section curves in towards the primary recess and is connected at a second end to an entry point through which air may enter the primary recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFunnel flow: Funnel

Data Source

PatentUS20250352743A1Spin chamber for an inhaler

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 ASTRAZENECA AB

AI summary

A spin chamber for use in an inhaler includes a primary recess to receive air to mix with contents of a capsule. The primary recess has a curved wall. The spin chamber includes a secondary recess to hold a capsule. The secondary recess is located within a bottom surface of the primary recess. The spin chamber includes at least one curved inlet channel to allow air to travel therethrough. The curved inlet channel includes a tangential section and a funnel section. At least a portion of the tangential section is substantially tangential to the curved wall of the primary recess and is connected to an air inlet on an exterior surface of the spin chamber. The funnel section curves toward the primary recess and is connected to an entry point to allow air to enter therethrough into the primary recess.