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Publication Number
US-11544520-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A counting mechanism (100) for a dispenser comprising: a first and a second housing part (110, 120) that are rotatable relative to each other; and a counting ring (130) disposed between the housing parts. The first housing part has a protrusion (111) which abuts the counting ring, holding a portion of the counting ring in contact with the second housing part. The relative rotation of the housing parts causes the protrusion to slide against the surface of the counting ring to drive a rolling movement of the counting ring around the circumference of the second housing part, such that a predefined rotation of the housing parts produces an incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and second housing part to record a count. The counting mechanism provides a large gear reduction ratio in a compact form which is straightforward to manufacture and provides an accurate and reliable record of counts.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to an inhaler device for dispensing multiple doses that uses a first housing part and a second housing part rotatable with respect to the first housing part. The device includes a first lock provided on the first housing part and a second lock provided on the second housing part, together with a rotatable first counting part that includes a third lock. The first lock, the second lock, and the third lock are configured to lock together when all are simultaneously aligned.
The invention further provides end-of-life lockout behavior in which, after a predetermined number of rotations of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part, the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock are driven into alignment to prevent further rotation of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part. A compact counting mechanism is described that uses a counting ring between two relatively rotatable housing parts, with a protrusion holding the counting ring against a second housing surface so relative rotation drives rolling of the counting ring around the second housing.
Rolling of the counting ring produces an incremental rotational displacement that records a count for multiple doses. Gear reduction is achieved in a small form factor, including cycloidal and gear-teeth based embodiments with eccentric rolling and sequential tooth meshing, as well as embodiments using cycloidal, involute, or saw-tooth profiles for the counting ring. Anti-rewind ratchet and pawl concepts are also described.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claim set consists of one independent claim (clm-00001). Its core coverage includes three coordinated locks that lock together only when simultaneously aligned, and a predetermined-rotation trigger that drives them into alignment to prevent further rotation; additional dependent claims refine counting via a counting ring rolling and protrusion concept and include optional ratchet and pawl and quantitative gearing ratio constraints.
Simultaneous alignment of three coordinated locks for dose end-of-life lockout
An inhaler device with a first housing part, a second housing part rotatable with respect to the first housing part, a first lock on the first housing part, a second lock on the second housing part, and a rotatable first counting part including a third lock, wherein the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock are configured to lock together when all are simultaneously aligned; after a predetermined number of rotations, the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock are driven into alignment to prevent further rotation of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part.
Sprung member and slot-triggered orthogonal lock actuation
After a predefined number of rotations, at least one lock uses a sprung member that aligns with slots so the sprung member drives orthogonally to the rotation direction, locking housing and counting parts together.
Counting ring rolling driven by a protrusion between housing parts
An inhaler device wherein a second housing part has a curved cross-sectional shape and a counting ring is positioned between two housing parts; rotation of the housing parts drives a protrusion to slide against the counting ring, rolling it around the housing and producing incremental rotational displacement to record a count.
Tooth-based sequential interlocking of a counting ring to set incremental displacement
Housing parts where protrusions on a first housing part flex a counting ring into contact with a second housing part, so relative rotation drives sequential interlocking of teeth around the circumference with each incremental rotational displacement determined by the difference in number of teeth.
Quantified gearing ratio constraint for incremental counting
A specified gearing ratio relating a predefined rotation of housing parts to incremental rotational displacement of a counting ring and the second housing part, where the ratio is between 3:1 and 300:1.
One-way ratchet and pawl to permit relative rotation in a single direction
A ratchet and a pawl arranged on first and second housing parts so that relative rotation is permitted only in one direction.
Across the provided claim coverage, the invention centers on coordinated, simultaneously aligned locks that trigger after a predetermined number of relative rotations to prevent further rotation, combined with a compact counting ring mechanism driven by protrusion-based rolling and, in refinements, cycloidal and gear-teeth tooth-based sequential interlocking. The additional refinements include optional sprung-member and slot triggering for orthogonal lock actuation, optional one-way ratchet and pawl directionality, and a constrained gearing ratio range for incremental counting.
Stated Advantages
Large gear reduction in a small form factor.
Only a few parts.
Low backlash.
Reduced wear/quiet operation.
Low cost/ease of manufacture.
Reliable end-of-life lockout.
Documented Applications
Dispensing multiple doses in an inhaler device, including end-of-life lockout after a predetermined number of rotations.
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