Vertical Medicine Nebulizer Assembly with Induction Shut-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nebulizers lack efficient mechanisms for ensuring consistent particle size and automatic shut-off when the medicinal liquid is depleted, which can lead to inefficiencies and user errors.

Innovation Solution

A portable nebulizer with a vertical-type medicine containing and nebulizing assembly that includes a medicine storage module, a nebulizing module, and an induction module. The induction module uses metal induction elements and conductive structures to transmit signals from the nebulizing device to a microprocessor, enabling automatic shut-off when the liquid volume is insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional nebulizer without induction module is used, then the device structure is simple, but the nebulizer cannot automatically shut off when liquid is depleted and may produce inconsistent particle sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic shut-off functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction module includes metal induction elements that detect the liquid level and provide feedback signals to the control module. When the liquid level drops below the induction elements, the control module automatically shuts off the nebulizing device, ensuring reliable automatic shut-off functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical level detection mechanisms with an induction-based detection system. The metal induction elements interact with the liquid to generate electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical float indicators or contact-based switches, thus achieving automatic shut-off with simpler overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If no induction module is present, then the device is easier to manufacture, but particle size consistency cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The induction module provides real-time feedback on liquid level and flow conditions to the control module, which adjusts the nebulizing parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent particle size by maintaining optimal liquid supply conditions during nebulization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module uses signals from the induction module to dynamically adjust nebulization parameters such as ultrasonic power or pneumatic pressure. This parameter adjustment ensures consistent aerosol particle sizes even as liquid level changes during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual monitoring of liquid level is required, then fewer components are needed, but user errors and inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nebulizer system performs self-monitoring of liquid levels through the induction module and automatically shuts off when liquid is depleted. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention, preventing user errors and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The induction module continuously monitors liquid levels and provides feedback to the control module, which automatically manages the nebulization process. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual monitoring requirements and improves productivity by preventing operational errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If metal induction elements are exposed on the inner surrounding area, then liquid level detection is improved, but the risk of signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid level detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The induction module uses the liquid itself as an intermediary medium between the metal induction elements and the control module. The liquid's electrical properties enable level detection while the sealed structure of the induction module protects the metal elements from direct exposure to the nebulization environment, reducing signal interference risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction module likely employs sealed enclosures or protective films around the metal induction elements while allowing electrical interaction with the liquid. This protective barrier prevents corrosion and signal interference from environmental factors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ensures consistent nebulization with controlled particle sizes and automatically turns off the nebulizer when the medicinal liquid is depleted, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one metal induction element has at least one exposed induction portion exposed on the inner surrounding area for receiving a signal generated by the nebulizing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4180073B1Vertical-type medicine containing nebulizing assembly
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 HCMED INNOVATIONS
  • EP4180073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4180073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable nebulizer (P) and a vertical-type medicine containing and nebulizing assembly (S) thereof are provided. The vertical-type medicine containing and nebulizing assembly (S) includes a medicine storage module (1), a nebulizing module (2) and an induction module (3). The nebulizing module (2) includes a nebulizing device (21) and a first conductive structure (22). The induction module (3) includes a metal induction element (31) disposed in the medicine storage module (1) and a second conductive structure (32) electrically connected to the metal induction element (31). The medicine storage casing (10) has an inner surrounding area located in the medicine storage space (1000). The metal induction element (31) has an exposed induction portion (310) exposed on the inner surrounding area for receiving a signal generated by the nebulizing device (21). Therefore, when a predetermined medicinal liquid (L) contained in the medicine storage space (1000) is nebulized through the nebulizing device (21), the signal generated by the nebulizing device (21) can be transmitted to a microprocessor (6) through the induction module (3).