Liquid Delivery Valve Pre-Conditioning for Fast Sealing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices, such as soft mist inhalers, face manufacturing challenges due to the sensitivity of small one-way valves, requiring time-consuming and costly testing through multiple actuations to ensure proper sealing, which slows down assembly and complicates design.
Innovation Solution
A method involving fluidically connecting the valve-containing part of the device to a high-pressure pumping system, using ethanol as the fluid, and running the system to force the valve to close, with a rapid flow spike and pressure up to 500 Bar, followed by reversing flow to check sealing and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuations are performed to bed in the valve and ensure proper sealing, then the valve sealing reliability is improved, but the assembly time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the bedding-in process during the assembly operation itself rather than requiring separate post-assembly testing. The valve is bedded in through the initial actuation sequence as part of normal assembly, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming testing phases after assembly is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by making the bedding-in process an integral part of the normal operational sequence. The valve bedding-in occurs continuously during the initial actuations that would otherwise be separate testing phases, ensuring that the valve is properly sealed without requiring additional discrete testing steps.
2Reliability
If multiple actuations are performed to bed in the valve, then the valve sealing is improved, but the productivity of assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bedding-in process with the normal operational sequence. Instead of separating bedding-in testing from normal operation, the patent combines these functions so that the initial actuations serve dual purposes: both bedding in the valve and performing the normal operational test, thereby eliminating redundant testing steps and improving assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the initial actuation sequence to perform multiple functions simultaneously: bedding in the valve, testing valve sealing, and verifying normal operation. This universal approach allows a single operational sequence to achieve multiple objectives, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing phases and thereby improving productivity.
3Reliability
If high pressure is applied during priming actuations to ensure valve sealing, then the valve sealing is improved, but the risk of damaging the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies prior cushioning by designing the bedding-in process to occur gradually during normal assembly rather than applying extreme pressure suddenly. The valve is bedded in through controlled initial actuations that progressively seal the valve without subjecting it to excessive pressure shocks, thereby protecting the valve from damage while ensuring proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the pressure and flow rate during the bedding-in process. Instead of applying maximum pressure immediately, the system gradually increases pressure parameters during the initial actuations, allowing the valve to seal properly while remaining protected from damage through controlled parameter progression.
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
This approach accelerates the bedding-in process, reduces assembly time, and eliminates the need for costly equipment, ensuring proper valve sealing without damaging components.
Implementation Method 1
running the pumping system so that fluid from the reservoir flows under pressure through that part of the liquid delivery device that contains the valve so as to force the valve to close
Implementation Method 2
the fluid flowing at a rate of flow that will cause necessary deformation and bedding-in of the valve
Implementation Method 3
A high pressure is experienced during priming actuations due to the compressibility of air vs the fluid and the 'hammer effect' of this cycling, which causes a sudden rise in pressure in the pump core and the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pre-preparing a liquid delivery device valve includes (i) fluidically connecting at least that part of the liquid delivery device that contains the valve to a pumping system; (ii) connecting the pumping system to a fluid reservoir; (iii) running the pumping system so that fluid from the reservoir is forced through the valve under pressure, at a rate of flow that will cause necessary deformation and bedding-in of the valve.