Inhalation Device

Patients using an inhaler must inhale at a slow, steady rate so that the drug is delivered deep into the lung, where it will be most effective. Most inhalers don’t have a means to regulate the inspiration rate, although some have an audible indication if inspiration is too fast.

We researched the optimal rate of inspiration and, working with a mixed team of 42T and university researchers, used structured creativity processes to find possible ways to regulate the inspiration flow rate.

We selected likely solutions by means of a screening and ranking process and then performed theoretical analyses to choose and optimise the best solution. A prototype was used to test the device and verify that it would regulate the flow to the required rate over a wide range of pressures developed by different patients.