Spray Applicator Jet Testing Using Photoelectric Light Obscuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler assembly testing methods fail to accurately assess the spray pattern and reproducibility, leading to potential malfunctions and inconsistent medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a photoelectric sensor to measure the obscuration of a light band by the spray jet, analyzing the start and end times, duration, and integral of the spray jet to evaluate the assembly's quality, ensuring compliance with predefined reference ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used to test inhaler assemblies, then the testing process is simple, but the measurement precision of spray pattern and reproducibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual inspection methods with a photoelectric measurement system. A light source projects a light band through the spray jet, and a photoelectric sensor detects the light absorption to quantify spray characteristics. This substitution of mechanical/visual methods with optical measurement significantly improves measurement precision while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light band as an intermediary element between the spray jet and the measurement system. The light band serves as a reference that interacts with the spray jet, allowing the photoelectric sensor to measure spray properties indirectly through light absorption variations. This intermediary approach enables precise non-contact measurement of spray pattern and reproducibility.
2Reliability
If comprehensive quality checks are performed on all inhaler assemblies, then the reliability of medication delivery is improved, but the productivity of the testing process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric measurement system enables rapid, automated testing of spray characteristics without manual intervention. The system automatically projects the light band, detects absorption variations, and evaluates spray quality metrics, significantly increasing testing speed and productivity while maintaining high reliability through objective, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing method enables continuous quality assessment of inhaler assemblies through automated photoelectric measurement. The system can continuously project light bands and measure spray characteristics without interruption, allowing comprehensive quality checks to be performed efficiently on all units produced, thereby maintaining high productivity alongside improved reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the spray jet is tested without a standardized light band reference, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reproducibility assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized light band serves as a reference intermediary that provides a consistent measurement baseline. By projecting a known light pattern through the spray jet and measuring absorption against this standard reference, the system achieves precise and reproducible spray characterization. The light band standardization enables objective comparison across different tests and assemblies.
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
Ensures precise quality control of inhaler assemblies by identifying deviations in spray pattern and reproducibility, reducing the risk of malfunctions and ensuring consistent medication delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A band of light or the beam of light can preferably be a laser beam or a fanned laser beam. The obscuration of the light band is measured by a sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
The capillary tube is partially submerged in the fluid, allowing capillary action to draw the fluid upwards within the tube
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing the spray jet (10, 12) of a spray applicator assembly, comprising the following steps: - the assembly to be tested is positioned in a receiving unit of a test device and connected to a liquid reservoir, - the assembly to be tested is clamped and thereby draws a specific volume of the test fluid from the liquid reservoir, - the assembly to be tested is actuated so that a spray jet (10, 12) is produced, - the spray jet (10, 12) obscures a light band or a light beam of a photoelectric sensor, - the obscuration of the light band or the light beam is measured by means of a sensor unit and the measured values (14) are recorded and evaluated as a function of time, - based on the determined measured values (14), the start (t3) of the spray jet (10) and/or the end (t4) of the spray jet (12) and/or the duration (24) of the spray jet is determined. (10, 12) calculated.