Problem Addressed
Addressing issues with traditional inhalers, Valved Asthma Inhaler tackles synchronization and efficiency challenges.
Technology
The innovation is a passive asthma inhaler that synchronizes the airflow inside the inhaler and the release of medication, and ensures the proper mixing of air and medicine. It comprises a lever mechanism, a valve, a loaded spring, and a single air passage. The lever mechanism effectively coordinates the opening of the valve and the airflow with the medication release. The closed valve creates a negative pressure region during inhalation by the user. Upon activation of the canister, the lever mechanism and loaded torsional spring swiftly prompt the valve to open. These combined actions enhance the overall drug delivery efficiency of the inhaler.
Societal Impact
This asthma inhaler not only eliminates the time lag between inhalation and medication dispersion but also ensures seamless mixing of medicine with air, thereby enhancing the inhaler’s efficacy will help countless asthma patients. This solution is also more cost-effective with unit cost being just Rs. 180/-.
Current status
Has not yet undergone clinical trials or received official medical approval from the government. Mankind Pharma had offered to conduct free testing of our working prototype at their state-of-the-art R&D center. Direct feedback from end-users is yet to be obtained.