Spiral Dial Dose Counter for Compact Blister Inhalers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler counter mechanisms are either structurally complex, prone to failure due to increased parts, or require larger dials to display multiple digits, leading to increased inhaler size and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A counter mechanism using a spiral-patterned dial and pinion gear system that integrates with the inhaler's blister opening mechanism, allowing for compact design and accurate display of multiple digits on a single dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple dials are used to display the number of remains, then the display accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional linear arrangement of multiple dials into a spiral pattern on a single dial. The spiral rack gear and spiral information arrangement allow multiple digits to be displayed in a two-dimensional spiral configuration, enabling accurate display of the number of remains while maintaining a simple single-dial structure.
2Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the dial is increased to display more digits, then the display capacity is improved, but the inhaler size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral arrangement utilizes the radial and angular dimensions of the dial simultaneously. Instead of arranging digits linearly along the circumference, the spiral pattern allows digits to be packed efficiently in a compact circular area, displaying multiple digits without increasing the dial diameter or inhaler size.
3Measurement precision
If the number of dials and gears is increased, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dial functions into a single integrated dial with a spiral information arrangement. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate dials and gears, minimizing the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining accurate counting functionality through the spiral rack gear mechanism.
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 simple and compact counter mechanism that accurately displays the number of remaining doses without increasing inhaler size, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and enhancing user understanding.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear 60 which turns in a constant direction in conjunction with an operation of the blister opening means (50, 60)
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a drug inhaler equipped with a counter mechanism having a simple and compact configuration. [Solution] In this inhaler 100, a mount is gradually peeled off one or a plurality of blister strips in coordination with the operation of a blister opening means, and an amount of a powdered drug corresponding to a single dose is sequentially fed to a space enabling inhalation through an inhalation port 41. The inhaler 100 has a counter mechanism for presenting the remaining number of the drug that is individually packaged by the blister strip in coordination with the operation of the blister opening means. The counter mechanism includes: a counter dial 50 in which a spiral-shaped rack gear 52a is formed on the reverse surface side, and information indicating the remaining number of the drug is displayed so as to be arranged in a spiral shape along the rack gear 52a on the obverse surface side; and a pinion gear 60 that fits with the rack gear 52a and that rotates in a given direction in coordination with the operation of the blister opening means.