Controllable Rate Turbulating Nozzle for Blister Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery devices for pharmaceuticals and biologics face challenges in precisely delivering a controlled amount of active agents to specific targets, such as the nasal passages, eyes, or lungs, with issues related to contamination risk and inefficient spray geometry, leading to variable dosing and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device featuring a crushable blister or ampoule with an internal piercing mechanism, such as a lancet-tip radial outlet piercer, that forces the contents through a delivery channel with structural features to control spray pattern and droplet size, minimizing rebound and ensuring precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high velocity spray stream is delivered to the target, then the delivery force is sufficient, but the spray rebounds from the target and causes user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The spray stream is segmented into multiple smaller streams or droplets through the use of multiple outlet nozzles or a specialized nozzle geometry. This segmentation reduces the velocity of individual droplets while maintaining overall spray coverage, thereby reducing rebound and user discomfort while still delivering sufficient active agent to the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray delivery is modified by changing the dimensional characteristics of the spray stream. Instead of a single high-velocity narrow stream, the device delivers a wider, more dispersed spray pattern with reduced velocity in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the spray to cover the target area effectively without the harmful rebound associated with high-velocity narrow streams.
2Device complexity
If a single large opening is used for delivery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dosing precision and spray geometry control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple outlet nozzles or spray openings instead of a single large opening. Each nozzle is precisely engineered to deliver a specific portion of the total dose with controlled geometry. This segmentation enables precise dosing control while maintaining relatively simple device construction by using standardized nozzle components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spray delivery system are given different properties. Each outlet nozzle is designed with specific local characteristics (opening size, angle, shape) optimized for its particular function in the overall spray pattern. This local quality approach allows precise control of spray geometry and dosing precision without requiring complex overall device architecture.
3Productivity
If the dosage form is crushed with high force, then the delivery speed is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary barrier or seal is introduced between the dosage form contents and the external environment. This intermediary element (such as a breakable seal or controlled rupture membrane) allows the dosage form to be crushed with high force for rapid delivery while preventing contamination by maintaining isolation until the moment of intentional activation. The intermediary breaks only when sufficient force is applied, ensuring both speed and sterility.
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 device achieves improved dosing precision, reduced contamination risk, and enhanced user comfort by regulating the velocity and direction of the spray, maintaining sterility until use and optimizing the delivery of pharmaceuticals to the intended site.
Implementation Method 1
a measured dose of a pharmaceutical, biologic or medical composition is contained in, or produced in an ampoule or blister dosage form that is crushed by a plunger with sufficient force to drive the dosage form against a piercing mechanism, piercing the dosage form and forcing the liquid or solid contents from the dosage form and through a delivery channel or channels into a spray
Implementation Method 2
A predetermined quantity of fluid or solid dose may also be a partial dose when delivery of a dose is administered in two or more spray events
Data Source
AI summary
A piercing device for use in internally pierced blister delivery devices include a base, a piercer body and an internal fluid path. The internal fluid path includes one or more inlet channels into a central cavity which is connected to one or more delivery channels and exit ports. The cavity is defined by angular walls and top to create turbulence in the fluid flow and to produce a controllable spray, mist, drops, plume or stream delivery. The piercer body also provides a pointed lancet disposed in the center of the exit ports for piercing the lidstock of a formed blister.