United States Patent 6,453,795: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,453,795, titled "Locking mechanism for a spring-actuated device," is a significant innovation in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in the development of high-pressure producing devices. This patent, granted to address specific needs in miniaturized high-pressure applications, is crucial for understanding advancements in fields such as medical devices and precision engineering.
Background and Motivation
The patent was developed to adapt locking-stressing mechanisms to the requirements of miniaturized high-pressure producing devices. A key application area is in metered dose inhalers (MDIs), which are critical for treating respiratory ailments and asthmatic conditions[1].
Scope of the Patent
Primary Objective
The primary objective of this patent is to design a locking-stressing mechanism that can efficiently manage high pressures, typically above 50 bar, in a miniaturized device. This mechanism is essential for producing the small droplet size necessary for aerosols used in medical treatments.
Key Components
- Energy Storage Means: The device uses a spring as an energy storage means, which is manually loaded, often through a rotary sawtooth wedge arrangement[1].
- Latching Mechanism: A latching mechanism is provided to hold the spring in the loaded position and is manually releasable to pressurize the metered amount of fluid[1].
- Nozzle Assembly: The device includes a nozzle assembly with very small openings, typically in the range of 25 to 500 square micrometers, to atomize the fluid into aerosol form[1].
Claims of the Patent
Main Claims
The patent includes several key claims:
- A locking-stressing mechanism for a spring-actuated output drive device.
- The mechanism is adapted for high-pressure production, particularly in miniaturized devices.
- The device includes a spring, a drive member, and a locking member to ensure precise control over the pressure release[1].
Detailed Claims
- The locking member is designed to be resiliently deformable to provide a snap action, ensuring a precise and controlled release of pressure[2].
- The mechanism involves a piston and cylinder arrangement to generate high pressure in a metered amount of fluid[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent is part of a broader landscape of innovations in high-pressure producing devices and medical inhalers. Other relevant patents include:
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,944, which discloses metered dose inhalers and their mechanisms[1].
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,143, which details preferred nozzle assemblies for aerosol production[1].
Industry Applications
- Medical Devices: The primary application is in metered dose inhalers for treating respiratory and asthmatic conditions.
- Precision Engineering: The mechanisms described are also relevant in other high-pressure applications requiring precise control and miniaturization.
Technical Details
Mechanical Design
The device features a complex mechanical design involving a spring, a drive member, and a locking member. The spring is manually loaded, and the locking member holds the spring in the loaded position until manually released[1].
Pressure Generation
The piston and cylinder arrangement generates high pressure, which is then released through a nozzle assembly to produce aerosol droplets of the required size[1].
Impact and Significance
Medical Impact
The invention has a significant impact on the treatment of respiratory ailments by ensuring the precise delivery of medicaments through aerosol form. This enhances the efficacy of treatments and improves patient outcomes.
Technological Advancements
The patent contributes to advancements in mechanical engineering, particularly in the miniaturization of high-pressure producing devices. This innovation can be applied to various fields requiring precise control over pressure release.
Challenges and Limitations
Miniaturization Challenges
One of the main challenges addressed by this patent is the miniaturization of high-pressure producing devices while maintaining the required pressure and precision.
Material and Design Constraints
The design must ensure that the materials used can withstand the high pressures involved and that the mechanism operates reliably and consistently.
Future Developments
Continued Miniaturization
Future developments are likely to focus on further miniaturization and the integration of these mechanisms into even smaller devices.
Advanced Materials
The use of advanced materials that can handle higher pressures and provide greater durability is an area of ongoing research.
Global Patent Landscape
International Patent Offices
The global patent landscape for similar inventions can be explored through databases provided by international patent offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[4].
Cross-Reference and Citation Analysis
Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help in analyzing the prior art cited by various offices for similar inventions, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape[4].
Key Takeaways
- The patent addresses the need for a locking-stressing mechanism in miniaturized high-pressure producing devices.
- It is particularly relevant for metered dose inhalers and other medical devices.
- The mechanism involves a spring, drive member, and locking member to control pressure release.
- The patent contributes significantly to advancements in mechanical engineering and medical device technology.
- Future developments will focus on further miniaturization and the use of advanced materials.
FAQs
What is the primary application of the locking-stressing mechanism described in US Patent 6,453,795?
The primary application is in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) for treating respiratory and asthmatic conditions.
How does the device generate high pressure?
The device generates high pressure through a piston and cylinder arrangement, which is powered by a manually loaded spring.
What is the role of the nozzle assembly in the device?
The nozzle assembly has very small openings to atomize the fluid into aerosol form, ensuring the production of small droplet sizes necessary for medical treatments.
What are some of the challenges addressed by this patent?
The patent addresses the challenges of miniaturizing high-pressure producing devices while maintaining the required pressure and precision.
How can one search for similar patents globally?
One can search for similar patents globally using databases provided by international patent offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO, and tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD)[4].
Citations
- US6453795B1 - Locking mechanism for a spring-actuated device. Google Patents.
- SPLITTING MECHANISM FOR DEVICE WITH SPRING DRIVE. PubChem.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset. USPTO.
- Search for patents - USPTO. USPTO.
