• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    apparatus for aerosol dispensing a substance, removable insert and apparatus for generating aerosol a apparatus (for example, nebulizer) for aerosol dispensing of a substance (for example, a drug to a patient) has a mouthpiece; a chamber that contains a substance; a flexible membrane that has a plurality of openings; and a vibrator to vibrate the flexible membrane to form a stream of aerosol droplets of the substance that is ejected through the openings and the nozzle. the vibrator can be a piezoelectric element. a magnetic member is provided on the flexible membrane and is configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane to the vibrator. the magnetic member allows the replacement of the membrane, without wasting the piezoelectric element.
    公开号:BR112012016754B1
    申请号:R112012016754-5
    申请日:2010-12-08
    公开日:2021-03-30
    发明作者:Martinus Bernardus Van Der Mark
    申请人:Koninklijke Philips N.V.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    The present invention relates in general to an apparatus for dispensing an aerosolized substance or liquid. Devices for generating and distributing an aerosolized substance or liquid are used for a variety of applications. For example, they can be used to deliver medicine in aerosol, or they can be used to generate steam in other devices, such as irons.
    Medical devices used to deliver aerosol drugs to patients have been used since the mid-1950s. These devices are used to deliver inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols (IPAs) to patients' lungs to treat asthma, cystic fibrosis and lung disease. chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), for example. Nebulizers are a type of device used for the distribution of aerosol medication. Nebulizers can use different types of mechanisms to transform medicine into an aerosol. An ultrasonic nebulizer uses an electrical source to supply energy to a vibrating element that generates high frequency vibrations. These vibrations cause droplets of a medicine or liquid to form an aerosol. Some nebulizers may employ a mesh with several openings in it. When a vibration is induced in the mesh, a medicated liquid can be delivered in the form of an aerosol through openings to the mouthpiece and thus to the patient. In general, the disposal of the mesh membrane is undesirable, since the vibrating element is made with a high amount of lead, which
    The company Quatek (from Taiwan) has a nebulizer, for example, the model NE403, which has a functional central part consisting of a piezoelectric ring of 15 mm (rigid) with a stainless steel spring in the shape of a disc glued on top . At the center of the device is a mesh membrane, with holes to produce a mist or aerosol, which is glued to the stainless steel spring. However, a mesh membrane, like the one provided in the Quatek device above, is susceptible to deterioration over time, due to pollution caused by bacteria, inorganic contaminants and / or accumulation of drugs on the mesh, for example. This change in the mesh decreases the effectiveness of the nebulizer. Cleaning the mesh membrane is difficult and complicated, if at all possible.
    In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for the aerosol delivery of a substance having: a nozzle; a chamber to hold a liquid substance in it; a flexible membrane with a plurality of openings through it; and a vibrator to vibrate the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is made of a magnetic material that allows the flexible membrane to be coupled to the vibrator, such that when the flexible membrane vibrates through the vibrator, a stream of aerosol droplets of the substance is ejected through the plurality of openings and into the nozzle for dispensing from there.
    Another aspect of the invention includes a removable insert configured to be detachable in an apparatus for aerosol dispensing a substance. The device has a vibrator. The removable insert has: a body; a flexible membrane with a plurality of openings through it and an attachment member for attaching the flexible membrane to the body. The flexible membrane is configured to vibrate by means of the vibrator when the removable insert is inserted into the apparatus, such that a stream of aerosol droplets of the substance is ejected through the plurality of openings for distribution out of the apparatus.
    Yet another aspect of the invention includes an apparatus for generating aerosol, the apparatus with: a chamber for holding a liquid substance in it; a flexible membrane with a plurality of openings through it; a vibrator to vibrate the flexible membrane; and a magnetic member configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane to the vibrator, such that when the flexible membrane vibrates by means of the vibrator, a stream of aerosol droplets of the liquid substance is ejected through the plurality of openings.
    These and other objectives, resources and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the elements related to the structure and the combination of parts and manufacturing economies, will become more evident after considering the following description and the claims attached with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which are part of this specification, in which reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in this specification and in the claims, the singular form "a (a)" and "o (a)" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drug delivery device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the drug delivery apparatus of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a removable insert according to an embodiment. FIG.5A is a detailed cross-sectional view of a vibrator, magnetic ring, spring and flexible membrane. FIG. 5B is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a vibrator, magnetic ring, magnet, spring and flexible membrane. FIG. 5C is a detailed cross-sectional view of another embodiment with a vibrator, magnetic ring, magnet, spring and flexible membrane with the removable insert of FIGs. 3 and 4. FIG. 5D is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a vibrator, spring and flexible membrane. FIG. 5E is a detailed cross-sectional view of another embodiment with a vibrator, spring, magnet and flexible membrane. FIG. 6 is a top view of the vibrator, spring, magnetic ring and flexible membrane according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view of the assembly of the elements of FIG. 6.
    An apparatus for the distribution of an aerosolized substance is revealed. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is * configured for medical delivery (such as a respiratory drug) to the lungs by aerosol. However, as noted below, the characteristics (for example, flexible membrane, magnetic members, etc.) and their uses in such an apparatus are not to be limiting. Instead, it was envisioned that the characteristics described in this document could be used in other devices used for dispensing aerosolized substances, including, but not limited to, devices for vapor delivery (e.g. humidifying devices), devices for moisturizing tissues ( for example, irons), cleaning devices and the like. The device is configured to provide droplets of a liquid (for example, water) that carries a drug or substance that is formed by a combination of a flexible membrane and a vibrator. As mentioned above, the membrane is subject to deterioration and cleaning is difficult and complicated. Thus, the separation of the membrane vibrator is carried out by the magnetic coupling of the membrane to the vibrator through a magnetic member.
    In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, apparatus 10, also known as a nebulizer, is a compact, lightweight and portable device. Apparatus 10 is configured to deliver a drug or other therapeutic substance (in the form of a liquid) to a patient in the form of an aerosol during breathing. Apparatus 10 is assembled from a plurality of structural elements. The individual elements can be formed by molding or otherwise formed independently of each other. More specifically, the apparatus 10 comprises two parts, a lower portion 12 or body and an upper portion 14. The upper portion 14 and the lower portion 12 are detachable from each other. In one embodiment, the upper and lower portions can be snapped together.
    The apparatus 10 and its upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14 can be formed from a suitable material. Suitable materials can be any biocompatible material that is acceptable for safe and effective use by a patient or medical professional. Any material commonly used in the technique of dispensing inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols can be used. Examples of various suitable materials can be a plastic, such as a polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polysulfone, or a combination of these.
    The parts of the apparatus 10 can be formed by any means in the art used to form medical nebulizer devices. In one embodiment, injection molding can be used to form the lower portion 12 and the upper portion 14, for example.
    The lower portion 12 includes a power supply (not shown), such as a battery, an activation button 16 to turn the power on / off, a display 18 to display information about the use of the device 10 (for example, type and / or amount of drug, error readings, etc.) and a horn device 20 (see FIG. 2). The activation button 16 is a switch for supplying power from the power supply to the apparatus 10 and its parts. The power source can be a rechargeable battery that is charged via a universal voltage charger 17, for example. However, other forms of DC power (for example, 12V) or AC power (for example, 110V, 120V) can alternatively or optionally be used with the device 10. The bottom 12 can include circuits (for example, board printed circuit board), a processor and a controller (not shown) in its body, that the power supply can supply power to each device. In one embodiment, a memory and / or storage medium that may include instructions for dispensing an aerosolized drug may also be provided. Instructions can include a dose amount, dose frequency and a number of doses that can be delivered, for example. Alternatively, as noted below, an instructional device, such as disk 24, may include this information. The lower portion 12 of the apparatus 10 may also include various parts known in the art for dispensing a medicated liquid in the form of an aerosol or assisting a patient during drug administration. These operating parts are known in the art and are therefore not discussed in detail in this document. For example, in one embodiment, apparatus 10 may include devices to provide an audible response in addition to, or as an alternative to, display 18. In another embodiment, one or more sensors (which may include sensor port cover 23, as shown in Figure 2) are provided in the apparatus 10.
    Also provided in the lower portion 12 is a disc notch 22 for receiving a disc 24 therein. The disk 24 may comprise data that is placed in the disk slot 22 to transmit information related to drug treatment as input to the device 10. For example, the disk 24 may include information related to the dose of the drug, such as an exit rate. and other variables. The disk 24 may include an antenna and a microchip itself which is programmed with information including the distribution of a predefined volume of the liquid drug, a dose frequency, a number of doses, etc. Although the disc notch 22 and the disc 24 are shown on the outside of the body of the lower portion 12, treatment related information can also be provided within the body.
    The upper portion 14 includes a detachable nozzle 36 for distributing an aerosol stream at a first end that is in fluid communication with a nebulizer chamber 46 at a second end. Within the upper portion 14 adjacent to the nozzle 36 is a one-way valve (not shown) which is used to assist in detecting a patient's breathing and in dispensing medication. The nebulizer chamber 46 of the upper portion 14 houses a medication chamber assembly 26. The medication chamber assembly 26 comprises a chamber cover 28, a lock 29, a drug guide 32 and a medication chamber 34, generally shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2. The chamber cover 28 is removable from the medicine chamber body 34. The chamber cover 28 can be attached to the medicine chamber 34 via lock 29, for example. In one embodiment, the chamber cover 28 is removable from the body entirely. In another embodiment, the lid 28 can be configured to be hingedly connected to the body of the medication chamber 34 to allow access therein. The cap 28 may have a pin that extends to a notch in the medication chamber 34 for closure and connection therewith. The drug guide 32 can also be removed from the medication chamber 34. These devices can be removed for cleaning, for example. In addition, the chamber cover 28 can be removed such that a patient or user can add liquid medicine in the medicine chamber 34.
    The medication chamber 34 stores a liquid 52 containing a medication, drug, or other therapeutic substance in it. The liquid 52 can be transferred to the medicine chamber 34 via a pipette, or the medicine chamber 34 can comprise a disposable (pre-sealed) medicine set that includes medicine or substance in the form of liquid 52 therein. The medicine chamber 34 and the guide 32 are used to direct the liquid medicine or substance 52 to the horn device 20. The medicine chamber 34 is placed on the horn device 20 and attached to the lower portion 12 adjacent to the door cover sensor 23, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the horn device 20 extends from an extension 21 of the lower portion 12 and is configured to fit in the medicament chamber 34 through an opening (not shown) in a lower portion of the chamber body.
    The horn device 20 is in communication with a vibrator 44 which is in communication with circuits (for example, connected to a printed circuit board) and a controller (not shown) contained in the body of the lower portion 12. The vibrational force of the vibrator 44 is transmitted to the horn device 20 which is in contact with the medicine chamber 34. Consequently, the horn device 20 and the vibrator 44 are configured to ultrasonically vibrate a flexible membrane 38 in the medicine chamber 34 to form an aerosol of the medicine. or substance to be ejected from there. This vibration pushes a liquid medication 52 through the flexible membrane 38 to form an aerosol 62.
    As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the spring element 48 has its periphery positioned against the vibrator 44. The vibrator 44 distributes ultrasonic vibrations (or oscillations) to the spring element 48 and thus to the flexible membrane 38 when the devices are in contact with each other. The vibrator 44 can be a piezoelectric element in the form of a ring or disk and formed from any number of materials. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric element can be formed of a lead-based material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The spring element 48 can be circular, disk-shaped, or of another shape, and attached or connected to the vibrator 44. For example, in one embodiment, the spring element 48 is adhered to the vibrator by means of glue (for example, epoxy). An opening is provided in the spring element 48 which is covered by the flexible membrane 38 when assembled for use. The spring can be made of soft magnetic material (not magnetized, but attracted to magnets), rigid magnetic (magnetized) or non-magnetic. In one embodiment, the spring member 48 is made of a material of stainless steel or another metal. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "magnetic (a)" is defined as a material that is attracted to magnets. The term "magnetized (a)" is defined as an element that is a magnet and that has a remaining magnetic field (which attracts magnetic materials). In some cases, a magnetic material can be defined by a specific polarity and / or field configuration with respect to other magnetic or magnetized materials. Thus, the generic term magnetic (a) refers to both magnetized materials and materials that are attracted to magnets. A soft magnetic material and magnet will be attracted to each other. Additionally and / or alternatively, electromagnetic materials can be used and provided as a soft magnetic element (when no current is flowing) or a magnet (when current is flowing). The use and combination of materials for the element described in this document should not be limited. The further description of achievements using magnetic and magnetized materials is provided below.
    The flexible membrane 38 can be a mesh or sieve that is provided in the medication chamber 34. The flexible membrane 38 comprises a first (upper) surface 40 and a second (lower) surface 42 and has a plurality of openings that extend through the same. The openings of the flexible membrane 38 can be of any shape (e.g., tapered, tapered) and / or any size and such achievements are within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the openings are tapered in shape, with a circular cross section comprising a diameter of 25 micrometers (μm) on the second surface 42 (for example, liquid inlet side 52) and a circular cross section comprising a diameter of 3 micrometers (μm) on the first surface 40 (for example, aerosol outlet side). The openings assist in creating an aerosol form 62 of the liquid medicament 52. The flexible membrane 38 can comprise any number of materials. In one embodiment, the flexible membrane 38 is made of a non-magnetic material. For example, the membrane 38 can be made of a polyimide material such as Kapton. In another embodiment, the membrane may be of a magnetic (soft) material, such as nickel or nickel-palladium alloy.
    The first (upper) surface 40 of the flexible membrane 38, when assembled, is in fluid communication with the nozzle 36. The second (lower) surface 42, when assembled, is in fluid communication with the liquid 52 contained in the chamber 34 Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the flexible membrane 38 can be positioned adjacent to the spring element 48 so that it can receive the vibration of the spring element 48 which vibrates by means of the vibrator 44 (for example, piezoelectric ring). In this way, when the liquid medicine 52 is adjacent to the second (lower) surface 42 of the flexible membrane 38 and the membrane 38 vibrates, the liquid medicine 52 will be transferred through the openings towards the first (upper) surface 40 and ejected as an aerosol. 62 for nozzle 36 for inhalation, Vibration or oscillation of vibrator 44 is in a generally horizontal direction (as indicated in FIG. 3 by arrow A), while spring member 48 and flexible member 38 move (vibrate) in a generally vertical direction (as shown in FIG. 3 by arrow B).
    As discussed above, flexible membrane 38 can become contaminated or deteriorated over time with use. The revealed configuration provides a removable and disposable membrane 38 without having to pollute the environment (for example, with lead material (eg, lead zirconate titanate (PZT)) or other materials) of the vibration element (piezoelectric) 44.
    In the apparatus 10, a magnetic coupling member 54 can be provided which is configured to detachably connect the flexible membrane 38 and the oscillating spring element 48. The magnetic member 54 can be of any shape that allows it to be connected to the membrane 38 while allowing membrane 38 to vibrate to generate aerosol. In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling member 54 and the membrane 38 are formed as a single, inseparable element. In another embodiment, the magnetic coupling member 54 and the membrane 38 can be detachably connected to each other.
    In one embodiment, the magnetic member 54 is in the shape of a ring. The magnetic member or ring 54 is provided on one of the first surface 40 or the second surface 42 of the flexible membrane 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 is provided on the first (upper) surface of the flexible membrane 38. In embodiments, the flexible membrane 38 may include a magnetic (soft) ring 54 glued to it, deposited on it, or grown on it by galvanic means. In one embodiment, the magnetic force between the magnetic ring 54 and the membrane 38 (which can be made of a material that is attracted to the magnetic ring 54) alone attaches the magnetic ring 54 to the membrane 38. The magnetic ring 54 is configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane 38 to the vibrator 44 (for example, through the spring element 48, as shown in FIG. 5A, which can be formed by a material that is magnetically attracted to the magnetic ring 54) for the distribution or of ejecting a stream of aerosol droplets from the liquid 52 through the plurality of openings. The magnetic ring 54 provides a magnetic force to secure the membrane 38 to the spring member 48.
    In another embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 can be detachably and magnetically coupled to another element in the apparatus. For example, a second magnetic member 64 may be provided in the apparatus 10, as shown in FIGs. 5B and 5C, which is magnetically coupled to the magnetic ring 54 to thereby couple the flexible membrane 38 to the vibrator 44. The second magnetic member 64 can comprise any number of magnetic or magnetized materials and should not be limiting. In one embodiment, the second magnetic member 64 comprises an NdFeB material. The second magnetic member 64 can be shaped like a ring (or other shape) and mounted in relation to the nebulizer chamber 46, so that the magnetic ring 54 can be magnetically attracted to the magnetic member 64. The second magnetic member 64 can be mounted below the spring element 48 (for example, adjacent to the second (bottom) surface). In one embodiment, the second magnetic member 64 can be spaced at a distance from the spring element 48, such that it does not touch the spring element 48 or the membrane 38, although it still attracts the magnetic ring 54.
    The magnetic force used to attract the membrane 38, the spring element 48, the magnetic ring 54 and / or the second magnetic member 64 in the above embodiments can be determined based on the materials used to form each of the elements. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the spring element 48 can be made of a material that is magnetic or magnetized. (Thus, the second magnetic member 64, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, does not need to be provided, because the spring element 48 can directly attract the magnetic ring 54 to it.)
    Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the spring element 48 is made of non-magnetic material, the second magnetic member 64 can be provided so that the magnetic ring 54A can be magnetically coupled to the vibrator 44 in the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG . 5B. If the membrane 38 is made of a soft magnetic material, the magnetic ring 54A can be formed by material (s) that are / are directly attracted to the material (s) of the second magnetic member 64. In one embodiment, if the magnetic ring 54A is made of a soft magnetic material, the second magnetic member 64 can comprise material (s) that can / can allow the magnetic ring 54A to be indirectly attracted to the second magnetic member 64. Perhaps — i-a-te — the udc, —stage 1;
    In one embodiment, if the second magnetic member 64 is magnetized (that is, it produces a magnetic field), then the magnetic ring can be made of magnetic material (s). Alternatively, in one embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 can be made of a magnetized material and the second magnetic member 64 can be made of a magnetic material.
    In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5D, the spring element 48 can comprise a magnetized material and the membrane 38 can be made of magnetic material (s). Thus, the flexible membrane 38 can be directly attracted to the spring element 48. In another embodiment, the spring element 48 can comprise soft non-magnetic material. Therefore, in one embodiment, the second magnetic member 64, as shown in FIG. 5E. If the flexible membrane 38 comprises a magnetic material, a second magnetic member 64 can comprise a magnetized material. And vice versa, if the membrane 38 is magnetized, then the second magnetic member 64 can be made of magnetic material (s).
    In the above embodiments, the magnetic ring 54 allows the flexible membrane 38 to be changed during cleaning, for example. However, it is also within the scope of this disclosure that the magnetic ring 54 does not need to be provided with the flexible membrane 38 in the apparatus 10, as shown by exemplary embodiments of FIGs. 5D and 5E. The upper portion 14 of the nebulizer 10 can be disassembled from the lower portion and its additional parts can be detached to clean the device and replace the flexible membrane 38. In particular, the chamber cover 28 and the flexible membrane 38 can be separated from other components of the nebulizer 10. The flexible membrane 38 can be removed and replaced, as needed, by breaking the magnetic force that couples the membrane 38 and the vibrator 44.
    In one embodiment, a removable insert 30 (shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 4) can be provided in the upper portion 14 which is configured to be detachable therein. In one embodiment, the removable insert 30 has the flexible membrane 38 attached to it. The removable insert 30 is positioned with respect to the nebulizer chamber 46 and the nozzle 36, such that the flexible membrane 38 is in contact with and engaged with the spring element 48 (for example, due to the existing magnetic forces) when assembled for use. As shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, the removable insert 30 may comprise a body 31 which is formed and shaped to fit or slide within the walls of the upper portion 14. A lower part 33 of the body 31 may have the magnetic ring 54 attached thereto.
    In one embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 can be connected to the lower part 33 of the removable insert body 30 through a connecting member 56, which can be in the form of a spring, a set of springs, tubes or bellows. For example, the connecting member 56 can be circular or disc-shaped and attached to the lower part of the body, as shown in spring 56 in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the connecting member 56 may comprise a set of two or more separate wires (or elastic bands or springs) fixed around a circumference of and connected to the magnetic ring 54 at one end and to the removable insert 30 at the end. other. The connecting member 56 can be provided as an integral part of the body of the insert 30 or attached (for example, by means of glue) to a part of the insert 30. For example, in an embodiment where the connecting member 56 is a part integral with insert 30, insert 30 may comprise a number (for example, 3 or 4) of radial strips which are folded to form an accordion spring 56A as shown in FIG. 50. The accordion spring strips 56A can be glued at one end to the bottom 33 of the insert 30 and attached at the other end to the magnetic ring 54. The connecting member 56 can be provided, such that the flexible membrane 38 and the magnetic ring 54 are able to vibrate, as well as allow an aerosol drug through them. Therefore, the removable insert 30 with the magnetic ring 54 attached to it allows the flexible membrane 38 to be removed from the medication chamber assembly 26 and exchanged. Its construction also centralizes the flexible membrane 38 in relation to the opening of the spring element 48, such that the membrane 38 can be pulled into place by magnetic forces present near the spring element 48 (for example, through the spring element 48) by itself or of the second magnetic member 64). In one embodiment, the suspension of the connecting member 56 is light.
    For example, in one embodiment, the entire insert 30 can be removed and replaced with a new insert 30 with a new, unused or clean flexible membrane 38 and the magnetic ring 54 attached to it. In another embodiment, the flexible membrane 38 can be removed from the insert 30 and replaced with a new, unused or cleaned flexible membrane 38. In another embodiment, both the flexible membrane 38 and the magnetic coupling ring 54 can be removed and replaced.
    In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling ring 54 can have a thickness between approximately 0.2 and I approximately 50 microns, depending on the magnetic susceptibility of the magnetic material and the size of the ring, none of which should be limiting. In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling ring 54 may have a thickness of. approximately 1 micron. In one embodiment, a magnetic ring 54 made of iron can have a relative permeability of the order of 5000. Alternatively, a magnetic ring 54 made of nickel can have a relative permeability of the order of 600, or made of T38 ferrite of the order of 10000 , and / or made of Kovar (Fe54Ni29Col7) of the order of 1000-5000. In one embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 can be made of Neoflux material (NiFeB) or a Fe-Ni material.
    When assembled, the lower part 12 and the upper part 14 encapsulate the medication chamber assembly 26. A removable insert 30 with the flexible membrane 38 attached thereto is also provided therein. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of vibrator assembly 44 with spring 48, magnetic ring 54 and flexible membrane 38, as described with reference to FIG. 5. Each part may be generally circular or generally annular in shape and formed to be stacked on top of one another, as shown in the assembly of FIG. 7.
    In one embodiment, the spring element 48 is made of a material such that a magnetic force attracts the magnetic coupling ring 54 to the spring element 48. The second (bottom) surface 42 of the flexible membrane 38 can come in contact with a upper surface of the spring element 38 (as well as an upper surface of the horn 20). The spring element 48 can also be positioned against a sealing ring 50 in the lower portion 12, as shown in FIGSs. 3 and 4, for example. Additional sealing rings 58A and 5 8B or other seals can also be provided to attach to the upper and lower portions 14 and 12, respectively, as well as generally fixing the parts (for example, the spring element 3 8 and the vibrator 44) on them. For example, sealing rings 50 and 58A assist in suspending the spring element 48 by tightening the spring element 48 between them. The sealing ring 50 also helps to maintain the. liquid 52 away from the spring element 48 and any associated electronic parts (for example, electrodes) so that it does not incur damage.
    Vibrator 44 is structured to vibrate (or oscillate) when driven by circuits contained within the body of the lower portion 12. For illustrative purposes only, FIG. 3 in general indicates that a driving voltage can be provided to the vibrator 44 through circuits 60. In the realization that uses a piezoelectric material, the voltage applied by the circuits 60 causes the piezoelectric material 44 to expand and contract in a generally horizontal movement (as indicated by arrow A). In response to this movement, the spring element 38 will leverage the vibration or oscillation for the flexible membrane 38 in a generally vertical manner (as indicated by the arrow B). A vibratory movement caused by the oscillation of the piezoelectric element 44 is also transferred to the horn 20. The vibratory movement causes the liquid 52 inside the chamber 34 and adjacent to the flexible membrane 38 to pass through the openings. The liquid medicine that leaves the openings on the first (upper) surface 40 of mesh 28 is transformed into an aerosol. After ejection from the openings, the aerosol liquid 62 passes through the first. surface 40 and the nozzle 36. The aerosol liquid 62 can then be inhaled by a patient through the nozzle 36.
    The magnetic coupling member in any of the embodiments discussed in this document allows the replacement of the flexible membrane 38, without wasting or disposing of the vibrator 44.
    The embodiment illustrated and described in this document of a magnetic coupling ring 54 should not be limiting. For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic coupling ring 54 is attached to the second (bottom) surface 42 of the flexible membrane 38 for detachable connection to the spring element 48 and the vibrator 44.
    In another embodiment, the flexible membrane 38 can be connected to the removable insert 30 (for example, via the connecting member 56). In such an embodiment, the magnetic ring 54 would not be connected to the removable insert 30, as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4. Instead, the flexible membrane 38 may comprise an alternative member that allows the membrane 38 to be detachably attached to the spring element 48 without having the magnetic ring 54 attached to it. For example, the flexible membrane 38 may have a magnetic material coated on it (for example, at least in a location that would allow a connection with the magnetic coupling ring 54). Thus, the magnetic material coating of the flexible membrane 38 could be attracted to the spring element 48, when the removable insert 30 is placed in the apparatus 10.
    In any case, the order and connection of any of the elements described in this document must be such that the flexible membrane 38 will be magnetically attracted by the spring element 48 of the apparatus 10.
    The apparatus 10 described in this document can be used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, asthma and COPD (pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)), for example. Although discussed in the context of the nebulizer 10 shown in the figures, it is envisaged that the present invention can be used with other devices and / or nebulizers. In addition, apparatus 10 is designed to work with any aerosol of any common particle size and the particle size distribution should not be limited.
    In one embodiment, the average aerosol particle size is 0.1 to 10 micrometers. In another embodiment, the average aerosol particle size is 0.5 to 5 micrometers. In yet another embodiment, the aerosol particle size is submicrometric in size. An example of particles with submicrometric size are nanoparticles.
    In one embodiment, the removable insert 30 may comprise a smaller configuration, or not provided at all. For example, in one embodiment, the insert 30 may comprise the body 31 which is formed and / or molded to fit with respect to the lower portion 12, therefore, as long as the flexible membrane 38 and the spring element 48 are connected each other. Furthermore, the body 31 does not need to be formed, such that it fits or slides into or directly adjacent walls of the upper portion 14 and / or lower portion 12. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flexible membrane 38 and the coupling ring magnetic 54 may not include a removable insert 30 and may be detachable from the apparatus 10 by gripping the membrane 38 and / or the ring 54 directly to break the magnetic connection.
    In addition, it should be noted that the features described above of the apparatus 10 are not intended to be limiting. In addition, other known features, which may not have been described in detail in this document, should not be limiting. For example, the number of treatments and / or treatment time (s) should not be limited. In addition, the pressure, flow rate, operating pressure, operating flow and dose frequency of the drug / liquid to the device 10 is not limited.
    The flexible membrane 38 can have any number of openings or micropores of any size. In one embodiment, for example, the membrane may comprise a mesh comprising 5000-6000 holes that are 3 microns in size. In addition, the use of flexible membrane 38, magnetic member 54, and / or other elements as described above for use with an apparatus 10 that is used for medical treatment is not understood to be limited. For example, it is thought that such characteristics can be used in an apparatus that is configured to distribute an aerosol like other forms of treatment. The flexible membrane 38 and magnetic member 54 can be used in household appliances. In one embodiment, the features can be used in a device to moisturize fabrics, such as ironing clothes with an iron. Alternatively, such features can be used in alternative steam delivery devices (for example, humidifying devices), cleaning devices and the like.
    A patient is a person who is expected to be given inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols; the definition of the term "patient" includes both a sick person and a healthy person.
    The mist formation threshold may be at a trigger voltage of 10 volts peak to peak, at 98 kHz. In some cases, materials or elements that may come in contact with liquid 52 may have to be covered or coated with a protective layer to prevent deterioration. For example, materials such as nickel, gold, or any other suitable, non-toxic and non-corrosive material can be applied as a layer on one or more elements.
    Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred realizations, it is understood that such detail is exclusively for this purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed realizations. , but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover modifications and equivalent provisions that are within the spirit and scope of the attached claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, as far as possible, one or more resources of any realization can be combined with one or more resources of any other realization.
    权利要求:
    Claims (9)
    [0001]
    1. REMOVABLE INSERT configured to be detachable in an apparatus (10) for the aerosol delivery of a substance, the apparatus (10) comprising a vibrator (44); the removable insert comprising: a body, and a flexible membrane (38) attached to the body, via a connecting member (56) allowing the flexible membrane to vibrate, and the flexible membrane (38) comprising a plurality of openings through it ; the flexible membrane (38) additionally comprising a magnetic material that allows the flexible membrane (38) to be magnetically coupled to the vibrator (44) when the removable insert is inserted into the apparatus (10), characterized in that, when the flexible membrane (38) vibrates by means of the vibrator (44), a stream of aerosol droplets of the substance is ejected through the plurality of openings for distribution out of the apparatus (10).
    [0002]
    2. REMOVABLE INSERT according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment member comprises at least one spring (48).
    [0003]
    REMOVABLE INSERT, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a magnetic member configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane (38) to the vibrator (44).
    [0004]
    4. REMOVABLE INSERT, according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic member is attached to the flexible membrane (38).
    [0005]
    5. APPLIANCE (10) FOR AEROSOL DISTRIBUTION OF A SUBSTANCE, the apparatus (10) being characterized by comprising: a chamber (34) to hold a substance in it; a removable insert as defined in claim 1; and a vibrator (44) for vibrating the flexible membrane (38) in the removable insert.
    [0006]
    Apparatus (10) according to claim 5, 5 characterized in that the flexible membrane (38) comprises a magnetized material.
    [0007]
    APPLIANCE (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it additionally comprises a spring (48) attached to the vibrator (44) configured to couple the flexible membrane 10 (38) to the vibrator (44), and in which the spring (48) comprises a magnetized material.
    [0008]
    Apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it additionally comprises a second magnetic member (64) positioned adjacent to the vibrator (44), the 15 second magnetic member (64) configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane (38) ) to the vibrator (44).
    [0009]
    Apparatus (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second magnetic member comprises a magnetized material.
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    法律状态:
    2020-08-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-18| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. (NL) |
    2020-09-08| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. (NL) |
    2020-09-15| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-01-19| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-30| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/03/2021, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2021-06-22| B16C| Correction of notification of the grant|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 08/12/2010, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. PATENTE CONCEDIDA CONFORME ADI 5.529/DF, QUE DETERMINA A ALTERACAO DO PRAZO DE CONCESSAO |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US29374610P| true| 2010-01-11|2010-01-11|
    US61/293,746|2010-01-11|
    PCT/IB2010/055676|WO2011083380A1|2010-01-11|2010-12-08|Magnetic coupling for aerosol generating apparatus|
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