Vibrating Mesh Aerosol Generator for Pediatric Inhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation therapies face challenges in effectively delivering therapeutic aerosols to patients, particularly pediatric patients and those with respiratory diseases like RSV, due to anatomical and physiological limitations, such as small airways and inability to perform inspiratory maneuvers required for conventional inhalation devices.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device with a vibratable mesh aerosol generator, a face mask with a one-way or two-way valve, and a flow channel that maintains a constant flow resistance, allowing for effective delivery of nebulized aerosols at low inspiratory flow rates, independent of patient inspiratory capability, using a gas source at a constant flow rate of 1 to 5 L/min.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional inhalation devices (metered-dose inhalers, powder inhalers) are used, then they can deliver therapeutic aerosols to patients, but they require coordinated inspiratory maneuvers that pediatric patients and severely ill patients cannot perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the breath-actuated mechanical triggering system of conventional inhalers with an electronically controlled aerosol generation system. The microprocessor controller activates the aerosol generator independently of patient breathing effort, eliminating the need for coordinated inspiratory maneuvers while ensuring reliable drug delivery through electronic control rather than mechanical patient-device coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor controller and aerosol generator as intermediary components between the patient and the medication. This intermediary system generates and delivers aerosols automatically, mediating the drug delivery process so that it does not depend on the patient's ability to perform specific breathing maneuvers, thus solving the contradiction between ease of use and delivery reliability.
2Ease of operation
If nebulisers are used to deliver aerosols, then they can treat patients who cannot perform inspiratory maneuvers, but the aerosol droplets are too large for effective delivery to small airways of pediatric patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibratable mesh with controllable vibration frequency and amplitude to dynamically adjust aerosol droplet generation. By controlling the vibration parameters of the mesh, the system produces finer aerosol droplets suitable for pediatric airways while maintaining the advantage of automatic delivery for patients who cannot perform inspiratory maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of aerosol generation by using a vibratable mesh instead of traditional nebulizer mechanisms. This parameter change enables precise control over droplet size, producing finer aerosols appropriate for small pediatric airways while retaining the automated delivery capability that assists patients with respiratory limitations.
3Productivity
If aerosol generators are inserted into the flow channel, then aerosol can be generated, but aerosol deposition occurs within the device rather than in the patient's lungs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the aerosol generator laterally within the flow channel rather than inline, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where aerosol is generated and immediately carried away by the gas flow. This spatial arrangement reduces aerosol deposition within the device by utilizing the flow channel's volume and gas flow dynamics to transport aerosol particles toward the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gas flow system to pneumatically transport the generated aerosol through the flow channel and out to the patient. The gas flow creates a carrier stream that efficiently moves aerosol particles through the device, minimizing deposition on internal surfaces and maximizing the amount of therapeutic aerosol delivered to the patient's lungs.
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 effective delivery of therapeutic aerosols to patients with low tidal volumes and respiratory diseases, including pediatric patients, by providing a fine aerosol mist that can be inhaled through the nose or mouth, improving drug deposition in the lungs and reducing aerosol deposition within the device.
Implementation Method 1
an aerosol generator with a vibratable mesh
Implementation Method 2
the flow channel is shaped such as to effect a laminar flow when a gas is conducted through the flow channel at a flow rate of 1 to 20 L/min
Implementation Method 3
a one-way exhalation valve or a two-way inhalation/exhalation valve in the casing having an exhalation resistance selected in the range from 0.5 to 5 mbar
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation device, assembly or system can include a kit and a pharmaceutical composition. The device can be adapted for administering therapeutic aerosols to pediatric patients, including neonates, infants or toddlers. The device can further include a vibrating mesh aerosol generator that can be insertable into a flow channel of the inhalation device through a lateral opening, and a valved face mask. The device can be connectable to a gas source through which a gas, such as oxygen, can be received into the flow channel at a low flow rate.