Disposable Valve Balloon for Inhalers Using Slotted Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detachable valve balloons for hot air extraction inhalers are expensive, heavy, difficult to disassemble and clean, and require inflation, making them unsuitable for medical use due to hygiene concerns and user accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, inexpensive valve balloon with a mouthpiece and a slotted membrane that automatically closes and seals using a resilient O-ring and clamping ring, eliminating the need for inflation and complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable valve balloon with complex valve mechanism is used, then the inhalation function is achieved, but the production cost increases and the device becomes heavy and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex valve mechanism from the balloon system and replaces it with a simple membrane-based closure. The membrane (3) with slot acts as a simple valve that opens when the filling tube (4) is inserted and closes automatically when removed, eliminating the need for complex valve housing (2), clamping rings (8), and O-rings (9) while maintaining the inhalation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable balloon concept where the entire balloon (1) with its simple membrane closure is discarded after single use. This eliminates cleaning requirements and reduces the need for durable, complex components. The balloon can be easily disposed of after use, making it hygienic and cost-effective for medical applications.
2Reliability
If a complex valve mechanism with multiple parts is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the assembly difficulty increases and disassembly becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multi-part valve mechanism including valve housing (2), clamping ring (8), and O-ring (9) replacements, replacing them with a simple membrane (3) integrated into the balloon structure. The membrane's slot automatically opens for filling and closes for sealing, achieving reliable sealing with minimal components that require no assembly or disassembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable valve balloon requiring cleaning is used, then the initial cost is lower, but the hygiene reliability decreases for medical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable balloon design where the entire balloon (1) is discarded after single use. This eliminates all cleaning and sterilization requirements, ensuring hygienic reliability for medical applications. The low cost of the simple membrane-based design makes the disposable approach economically viable compared to reusable alternatives requiring complex cleaning protocols.
4Reliability
If a valve mechanism requiring inflation is used, then the balloon functionality is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to inflation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex inflation mechanism by using a pre-formed balloon structure with a simple membrane (3) closure. The balloon is ready to use immediately upon removal from its packaging, requiring no inflation step. The membrane automatically opens when the filling tube is inserted and closes when removed, providing intuitive operation without technical barriers.
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 reduces production costs, makes the valve balloon lighter and more robust, allowing for one-time use and eliminating the need for cleaning, while ensuring reliable sealing and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment of the balloon (1) to the valve housing (2) has a resilient O-ring (9) which secures the balloon envelope (1) on a hard clamping ring (8)
Implementation Method 2
If the filling tube (4) is pulled off after filling, the membrane (3) returns to its original, flat state. It is then tightly closed and keeps the aerosol in the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
The valve balloon (1) has a flexible slit membrane (3) provided as a valve mechanism for filling and emptying the balloon, where the balloon is pushed back into its starting position by the membrane in cooperation with a mouthpiece (5) during an automatic closing procedure. The membrane is fastened by a locking ring (8) in a valve housing (2). The balloon is fastened to the locking ring by a flexible ring (9) and is engaged within the valve housing.