Thermal Modulation of Inhalable Medicament for Targeted Respiratory Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalable medicament delivery systems lack precision in targeting specific locations within the respiratory tract, leading to inefficient distribution and potential toxicity due to dispersed drug loads.
Innovation Solution
The development of a handheld device that thermally modulates inhalable medicaments to control droplet size, allowing for predictable delivery to specific sites within the respiratory tract by heating the medicament to optimize droplet size and extend travel distance, combined with a cartridge system using a penetrable seal and compressed propellant for controlled aerosolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the droplet size of inhalable medicament is reduced by heating, then the delivery distance within the respiratory tract is improved, but the device complexity increases due to thermal modulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the inhalable medicament to modify the temperature parameter, which directly affects droplet size. By controlling the temperature parameter within a specific range, the system achieves optimal droplet sizes for extended delivery distance without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element performs preliminary thermal modulation of the medicament before it is delivered to the subject. This preliminary action of heating reduces droplet size in advance, ensuring that the medicament is already optimized for long-distance travel through the respiratory tract when delivered.
2Manufacturing precision
If thermal modulation is applied to control droplet size, then manufacturing precision of droplet size is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls droplet size precision by adjusting the temperature parameter through the heating element. By maintaining the temperature within an optimized range, the system achieves consistent and precise droplet sizes while minimizing energy consumption through efficient thermal management.
3Reliability
If the medicament is delivered to targeted locations, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to targeting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific droplet size distributions tailored for different regions of the respiratory tract. By controlling the heating parameters, the system produces droplets with sizes optimized for specific target locations, enabling precise delivery to desired areas without requiring complex mechanical targeting mechanisms.
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 targeted delivery of medicaments to precise locations within the respiratory tract, reducing toxicity and improving treatment efficacy by ensuring concentrated doses reach the intended area, while also allowing for systemic delivery into the circulatory system.
Implementation Method 1
heating the medicament to optimize droplet size and extend travel distance
Implementation Method 2
the pressure difference between the pressurized cartridge and the hollow interior of the penetrating reservoir tap causes the propellant to expand and thereby eject the inhalable medicament into the reservoir tap forming an aerosol
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermally modulating inhalable medicament delivery device may deliver an inhalable medicament as an aerosol, vapor, or partial aerosol and partial vapor mixture. The inhalable medicament may be delivered to a target in a subject. Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for delivering an inhalable medicament to a subject.