EP4680403A1 - Dispositif microfluidique amélioré - Google Patents

Dispositif microfluidique amélioré

Info

Publication number
EP4680403A1
EP4680403A1 EP24711550.4A EP24711550A EP4680403A1 EP 4680403 A1 EP4680403 A1 EP 4680403A1 EP 24711550 A EP24711550 A EP 24711550A EP 4680403 A1 EP4680403 A1 EP 4680403A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle assembly
positioning element
positioning
filter
elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24711550.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Bartels
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Invox Belgium NV
Original Assignee
Invox Belgium NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Invox Belgium NV filed Critical Invox Belgium NV
Publication of EP4680403A1 publication Critical patent/EP4680403A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/26—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with means for mechanically breaking-up or deflecting the jet after discharge, e.g. with fixed deflectors; Breaking-up the discharged liquid or other fluent material by impinging jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/40—Filters located upstream of the spraying outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/65—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators

Definitions

  • the invention is in the field of nozzle assemblies, specifically in the field of nozzle assemblies for medical devices.
  • a nozzle assembly (1) for the nebulization of a liquid, preferably of a medically active liquid the nozzle assembly (1) comprising a first member (2) comprising a first surface (4) and a second member (3) comprising a second surface (5), wherein the first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed on the first member (2), and wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) - the first surface (4) contacts the second surface (5), thereby defining a contact plane, - the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8) and a connecting structure (9), all of which are in fluid communication forming a channel for the transport of the liquid in a downstream direction
  • the first and/or second member (3) are made from a crystalline material or glass.
  • the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, wherein the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element (10).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises both features.
  • the invention relates to the use of said nozzle assembly (1) in a device for nebulizing a liquid.
  • the present invention provides a nebulization device comprising a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1A and 1B depict a simple nozzle assembly (1) according to the prior art.
  • Figures 2A to 2D show a nozzle assembly (1) comprising positioning elements (6) according to the present invention.
  • Figures 3A to 3C show specific embodiments of the invention utilizing a specific type of positioning element (6).
  • Figures 4A and 4B show different possible variants of positioning elements (6).
  • Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment, which utilizes microfluidic elements on both members of the nozzle assembly (1).
  • Figures 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention comprising filter elements (10).
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel nozzle assembly (1) for the nebulization of liquids.
  • the assembly comprises two members, a first and a second member (3) which comprise the microfluidic elements of the nozzle, including the fluid inlet (7) and outlet (8).
  • the two members are in contact with each other, forming a contact plane, thereby creating a nozzle with a fluid inlet (7) and outlet that are fluidically connected to each other.
  • the two members of the nozzle assembly (1) comprise at least one positioning element (6), which allows for a precise combination of the two members and preventing a displacement of the two members relative to each other. This allows for a more precise positioning of microfluidic elements and allows for microfluidic elements on both members to improve the nozzle assembly (1).
  • the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) for the nebulization of a liquid, preferably of a medically active liquid, the nozzle assembly (1) comprising a first member (2) comprising a first surface (4) and a second member (3) comprising a second surface (5), wherein the first member (2) comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed on the first member (2), and wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) - the first surface (4) contacts the second surface (5), thereby defining a contact plane, - the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8) and a connecting structure (9), all of which are in fluid communication forming a channel for the transport of the liquid in a downstream direction from the fluid inlet (7) via the connecting structure
  • the invention relates to two particularly preferred embodiments, which may be combined in a further embodiment.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the first and/or second member (3) are made from a rigid non-plastic material, such as a crystalline material or glass.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1), wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, wherein the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element (10).
  • the filter structure may be formed by structures on both the first and second member (3).
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the first and/or second member (3) are made from a rigid non-plastic material, such as a crystalline material or glass, and wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element, wherein the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element (10).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) is a nozzle assembly (1) for nebulizing a liquid.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) may be used with any suitable nebulizer.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) may comprise one or more fluid outlets (8), depending on the type of nebulizer.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a plurality of fluid outlets (8).
  • the first and second member (3) each comprise a first and second surface (5) respectively. Said first and second surface (5) are preferably planar surfaces and said contact plane essentially corresponds to the first and/or second surface (5).
  • the fluid outlets (8) may be formed on one of the two members of the nozzle assembly (1) or may be formed on both members. In some embodiments the fluid outlet (8) is formed on one member only. In some embodiments, corresponding structures on both members form the fluid outlet (8). In the case of a plurality of fluid outlets (8), each outlet may be formed on the same member, or is formed by corresponding structures on both members.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) in the assembled state comprises a plurality of fluid outlets (8) wherein for each outlet individually the outlet is formed solely on one member or formed by both members.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises in the assembled state a fluid inlet (7), a fluid outlet (8) and a connecting structure (9), all of which are in fluid communication forming a channel for the transport of the liquid in a downstream direction from the fluid inlet (7) via the connecting structure (9) to the fluid outlet (8).
  • Said fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9) may be present on one of the first and second member (3) or may be distributed over both members.
  • the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the first member (2).
  • the second member (3) may or may not comprise additional microfluidic structures, which may interact with microfluidic structures on the first member (2).
  • the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the second member (3).
  • the first member (2) may or may not comprise additional microfluidic structures, which may interact with microfluidic structures on the second member (3).
  • the at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9) are provided in the first and second member (3), preferably in the form of a channel.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as described above, wherein the at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9) which is provided in the form of a channel formed in at least one of the first surface (4) and the second surface (5) has a depth of from about 1 ⁇ m to about 100 ⁇ m, preferably of from about 3 ⁇ m to about 30 ⁇ m.
  • none of the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the second surface.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) are located on the first surface (4) of the first member (2) and on the second surface (5) of the second member (3).
  • the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) are provided in the form of mirror-image structures on the first and the second surface (5).
  • the connecting structure (9) provided on at least one of the first and second surface (5) comprises bottom and lateral walls connecting the bottom with the first or the second surface (5).
  • said lateral walls are angled such that the inner diameter of the at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and microfluidic structure widens from the bottom towards the first or second surface (5), correspondingly.
  • at least one of the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the second member (3) with the other structures present on the first member (2).
  • at least one of the liquid inlet and liquid outlet is provided on the first member (2) and the connecting structure (9) is provided on the second member (3).
  • parts of the connecting structure (9) are provided on the first and second member (3).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) utilizes positioning elements (6), which are integrally formed on one of the two members of the nozzle assembly (1), which interact with the other member. This allows for a higher precision of the positioning of the two members and prevents a displacement. This can be improved by usage of a plurality of positioning elements (6). Said plurality of positioning elements (6) may be integrally formed on one member or on both members. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the second member (3) also comprises at least one positioning element (6) integrally formed on the second member (3), wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the at least one positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is in physical interaction with the first member (2), thereby preventing a displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3).
  • the first member (2) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6).
  • the first and second member (3) comprise a plurality of positioning elements (6).
  • the at least one positioning element (6) or the plurality of positioning elements (6) can have any suitable form to prevent a displacement.
  • suitable positioning elements (6) Sad positioning elements (6) may be placed in different positions and can have different shapes.
  • the positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) is located on the first surface (4).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2), located on the first surface (4).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3), wherein said positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is located on the second surface (5).
  • the positioning element (6) may be in the form of a protrusion or indentation.
  • the positioning element (6) may be of any shape.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises complementary positioning elements (6) on the first and second member (3).
  • the positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) is provided in the form of a projection (protuberance) projecting from the first surface (4).
  • Said projection may be in the form of a pillar, for example a round or rectangular pillar.
  • the projection may be of irregular shape, e.g. a star or similar.
  • the projection in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the projection is projecting from the first surface (4) and extends beyond the contact plane of the nozzle assembly (1).
  • the second member (3) is smaller than the first member (2) and the projections are able to hold the second member (3) in place.
  • the projection on the first member (2) is a circumferential wall around the borders of the first member (2)s, holding the second member (3) inside. Said wall may fully or partly enclose the second member.
  • the second member (3) therefore may be of the same size or a different size than the first member (2).
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises complementary positioning elements (6), such as a projection and an indentation in complementary positions on the first and second member (3).
  • a positioning element (6) in the nozzle assembly (1) is an indentation or recess. Said indentation may be on a complementary position to a projection on the other member.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) comprising a positioning element (6) on the first member (2) and a positioning element (6), wherein the positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is provided in the form of an indentation (recess) formed in the second surface (5).
  • the first and/or second member (3) may comprise different types of positioning elements (6).
  • one member may comprise a projection and an indentation.
  • the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) comprises a positioning element (6) in the form of a projection projecting from the first surface (4) and a positioning element (6) in the form of an indentation (recess) formed in the first surface (4).
  • the different positioning elements (6) are found on the second member (3).
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, comprising a plurality of positioning elements (6) on the second member (3), wherein the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second member (3) comprises one projection projecting from the second surface (5) and an indentation (recess) formed in the second surface (5).
  • Said projection and indentation may take any suitable shape.
  • said projection and indentation may have the shape of a pin and a corresponding hole.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first member (2) in the form of a projection (protuberance) projecting from the first or second surface (5) is provided in the form of a pin.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first or second member (3) in the form of an indentation (recess) formed in the second surface (5) is provided in the form of a hole.
  • the positioning elements (6) have specific cross-sectional shapes, such as like a star or a rectangle.
  • the cross-sectional shape of a positioning element (6) on one member corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of a complementary positioning element (6) on the other member.
  • Said corresponding positional elements are in the same position on the contact plane.
  • the positioning element (6) is provided in form of a protrusion
  • said protrusion is provided in a form of a linear or closed loop protrusion.
  • said protrusion is a linear protrusion wherein the linear protrusion is in the form of a straight or curved line or pattern of a plurality of linear protrusions.
  • said protrusion is in the form of a closed loop protrusion, wherein the closed loop protrusion is provided in the form of a circular, oval, polygonal, star shaped or irregular shaped closed loop protrusion.
  • at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first or second member (3) is in the form of a projection or protuberance projecting from the first or second surface (5) and is provided in the form of a pin and at least one positioning element (6) formed on the first or second member (3) is in the form of an indentation or recess formed in the second surface (5) and is provided in the form of a hole.
  • said positioning members are in the same position on the contact plane. Accordingly, in some embodiments.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the at least one positioning element (6) provided on the first surface (4) corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the at least one positioning element (6) provided on the second surface (5).
  • the positioning elements (6) may be in the form of projections and indentations, as defined above with different cross-sectional shapes.
  • the positional elements may have a suitable height or depth.
  • the at least one positioning element (6) when provided in the form of a projection, has a height of from about 1 to about 100 ⁇ m, preferably of from about 3 to 30 ⁇ m as measured from the corresponding first or second surface (5).
  • the at least one positioning element (6) when provided in the form of an indentation, has a depth of from about 1 to about 100 ⁇ m, preferably of from about 3 to 30 ⁇ m as measured from the corresponding first or second surface (5).
  • the positioning element (6) prevents the displacement of the two members relative to each other.
  • the prevented displacement may be horizontally or vertically.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) according as defined above, wherein the at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent a horizontal displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) within the contact plane.
  • the at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent vertical displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) relative to the contact plane.
  • the at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to prevent horizontal and vertical displacement of the first member (2) relative to the second member (3) relative to the contact plane.
  • the positioning element (6) of the first member (2) is in physical interaction with the second member (3).
  • said physical interaction is a connection of the two members in a way as described above. Said connection may be reversible or irreversible.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1), wherein in the assembled state the at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to generate a firm (preferably irreversible) connection between first member (2) and second member (3).
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1), wherein in the assembled state the at least one positioning element (6) is adapted to generate a reversible connection between first member (2) and second member (3).
  • the positioning elements (6) may be placed anywhere on the respective member. In particular said positioning elements (6) may or may not be in contact with the liquid to be nebulized by the nozzle assembly (1).
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the at least one positioning element (6) is not in contact with the liquid to be nebulized.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the at least one positioning element (6) contacts the liquid to be nebulized.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) may comprise positioning elements (6) in both members which are complementary to each other and in complementary positions.
  • the positioning element (6) or the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first surface (4) has the same position as the corresponding positioning element (6) or the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the second surface (5) with regard to the contact plane.
  • the positioning elements (6) on one of the members mesh with the positioning elements (6) on the other member.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) may only require one single positioning element (6) on one element to prevent displacement of the two members relative to each other.
  • the number of positioning elements (6) in the nozzle assembly (1) can depend on the type and form of the positioning element (6). In some embodiments, one positioning element (6) on each member is sufficient, for example if the positioning elements (6) are form fitting meshing positioning elements (6). In other embodiments, two positioning elements (6) on each member can be required. In certain embodiments a single positioning element (6) is needed.
  • the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element.
  • microfluidic elements may include microfluidic channels or a microfluidic filter element (10).
  • Said microfluidic elements include the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) as well as microfluidic structures realized therein, such as a filter structure.
  • the term “connecting structure” refers to any structure and microfluidic element therein, which is within the fluid connection between the fluid inlet (7) and fluid outlet (8).
  • the connecting structure (9) is a channel from the fluid inlet (7) to the fluid outlet (8) or outlets.
  • the connecting structure (9) may comprise additional microfluidic structures.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element provided on the second surface (5) of the second member (3).
  • Said microfluidic elements can be introduced into the respective members by any suitable technique. Said techniques include, but are not limited to etching, scratching, embossing and/or cutting.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, comprising at least one microfluidic element, wherein the at least one microfluidic element and optionally at least one of the fluid inlet (7) and the fluid outlet (8) are provided by etching, embossing, scratching and/or cutting the corresponding element into the first and/or second surface (5) of the first and/or second member (3).
  • the present invention is particularly suitable if at least part of the nozzle assembly (1) is made from a non- plastic material.
  • Non-plastic materials suitable for the present invention include crystalline materials, metal, glass, and/or inorganic polymeric materials. Preferred materials are crystalline materials and glass.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) may be made from different materials.
  • one of the two members may be made from a non-plastic material
  • both, the first and second member (3) are made from a non- plastic material. Even if the first and/or second member (3) is made from plastic, it is preferred that the first and/or second member (3) are not obtained by injection moulding.
  • the first and second member (3) may be made from different materials or the same material. It is preferred that at least one member is made from a non-plastic material. In some embodiments the first and second member (3) are made of the same material.
  • suitable non-plastic materials include, but are not limited to, glass, metals, e.g.
  • the material may be a mono-crystalline material, preferably a mono-crystalline material crystallizing in the diamond structure or perovskite-structure, such as mono-crystalline silicone, mono-crystalline germanium, or mono-crystalline gallium arsenide.
  • the first and/or second member (3) are made from mono-crystalline silicone.
  • the first and/or second member (3) may be obtained from a mono-crystalline wafer.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein at least one of the first and second member (3) comprises a crystalline material, in some embodiments a mono-crystalline material.
  • the first and the second member (3) each comprise a crystalline material, preferably a mono-crystalline material.
  • the crystalline material of the first and second member (3) may be the same or a different material.
  • one of the first and second member (3)s comprises a crystalline material, preferably a mono-crystalline material, and the other one of the first and second member (3)s comprises glass.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element.
  • Said filter structure may be of any suitable filter structure. Suitable structures are known to the skilled person and include for example pillar structures that may act as a filter structure.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) comprising at least one microfluidic element, wherein said microfluidic element comprises a filter structure, wherein the filter structure comprises first filter elements (10) provided on the first surface (4) (of the first member (2)) and second filter elements (10) provided on the second surface (5) (of the second member (3)). It is particularly preferred that the filter elements (10) on the first and second member (3) interconnect.
  • a filter structure can provide an improved filter resolution compared to a filter structure on one member. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the first filter elements (10) and the second filter elements (10) extend beyond the contact plane thereby forming a multiplicity of filter channels located between the first and second filter elements (10).
  • the filter resolution of said filter is higher, than mechanically possible with a filter on only one member, due to the limitations of the generation of the filter elements (10) on the first and/or second member (3). It is preferred in these embodiments that the lateral walls of the first filter elements (10) are not in contact with the lateral walls of the second filter elements (10). Such an arrangement allows to create filter channels with a smaller diameter than in a filter, wherein all elements are on one member.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) is a nozzle assembly as defined above, comprising filter elements (10) on the first and second member (3) wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the filter channels is smaller than the distance between neighbouring first or second filter elements (10).
  • the filter elements (10) on one member may or may not make contact with the other member. It is preferred that the filter elements (10) of both members pass through the contact plane. It is further preferred that the filter elements (10) of the first member (2) are not in contact with the second member (3), in particular that the filter elements (10) are not in contact with the surface of the first member (2) and vice versa. Accordingly, in some embodiments the invention relates to a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, wherein the first filter elements (10) are not in contact with the second surface (5) and wherein the second filter elements (10) are not in contact with the first surface (4). In a further aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above, in a nebulization device.
  • the invention relates to a nebulization device comprising a nozzle assembly (1) as defined above.
  • Said nebulization device can be any kind of nebulization device.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) is suitable for a variety of nebulization devices.
  • the nebulization device is a medical nebulization device.
  • said nebulization device is a medical inhalation device for the administration of a fluid medicament by inhalation to the lungs of a subject, and the medical inhalation device comprises a nozzle assembly (1) as defined by any embodiment above.
  • Figures 1A and 1B show a simple nozzle assembly (1) in accordance with the prior art.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a first member (2), shown in Figure 1A, with a first surface (4) and a second member (3), shown in Figure 1B, with a second surface (5).
  • the nozzle assembly does not comprise any positioning elements (6).
  • the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9) are all realized on the first member (2) and the second member (3) essentially corresponds to a plate or a lid placed upon the first member (2).
  • any displacement of the second member (3) relative to the first member (2) needs to be prevented using a third structure such as a nozzle holder or similar. However, this might not prevent small displacements, which depending on the design of the nozzle assembly can influence the effectiveness of the nozzle assembly.
  • Figures 2A to 2D show two simple embodiments according to the present invention based on the simple nozzle assembly (1) shown in Figures 1A and B.
  • Figures 2A and C show a first member (2) of a nozzle assembly, comprising a first surface (4) and a fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9).
  • Said first member (2) also comprises one ( Figure 2A) or four (Figure 2C) positioning elements (6) on the first surface (4).
  • Figures 2B and 2D show the corresponding second member (3) comprising a second surface (5) and one (Figure 2B) or four (Figure 2D) positioning elements (6) corresponding to positioning elements (6) on the respective first member (2).
  • FIG. 3A shows a different embodiment of a nozzle assembly (1) according to the present invention.
  • the positioning element (6) on the first member (2) is a higher wall, which fully encases the second member (3).
  • Figures 3B and 3C show a cross-section of said embodiment in two different variants.
  • FIG. 5A shows a nozzle assembly (1) according to the invention, in which the connecting structure (9) is present on both the first and second member (2,3).
  • the fluid inlet (7) is present on the first member (2), while the fluid outlet (8) is on the second member (3).
  • a connecting structure (9) is present on both members allowing for fluid transfer from inlet to outlet in the assembled state.
  • Figure 5B shows different embodiments for the realization of two fluid outlets (8). Said outlets can be realized only one member, by both members or on each member.
  • Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 A illustrates a nozzle assembly (1) comprising a first (2) and second member (3), which each comprise filter elements (10). The combination of said filter elements allow for a higher filter resolution.
  • Figure 6B which shows a cross-section through the nozzle assembly (1), in assembled state.
  • the filter elements (10) on the first (2) and second (3) member interact to create an improved filtering resolution.
  • the invention further relates to the following numbered items. 1.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to item 9, wherein, in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1), the projection projecting from the first surface (4) and extends beyond the contact plane of the nozzle assembly (1).
  • the positioning element (6) formed on the second member (3) is provided in the form of an indentation (recess) formed in the second surface.
  • the plurality of positioning elements (6) formed on the first member (2) comprises a positioning element (6) in the form of at a projection projecting from the first surface (4) and a positioning element (6) in the form of an indentation (recess) formed in the first surface (4).
  • the mono-crystalline material comprises a silicon wafer. 21.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding items wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the at least one positioning element (6) is not in contact with the liquid to be nebulized.
  • 34. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 32, wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the at least one positioning element (6) contacts the liquid to be nebulized.
  • 35. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the liquid inlet, liquid outlet and the connecting structure (9) are provided on the first member (2). 36.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one of the fluid inlet (7), fluid outlet (8) and connecting structure (9) which is provided in the form of a channel formed in at least one of the first surface (4) and the second surface has a depth of from about 1 ⁇ m to about 100 ⁇ m, preferably of from about 3 ⁇ m to about 30 ⁇ m. 37.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 1 to 36, wherein the at least one of the liquid inlet and liquid outlet is provided on the first member (2) and wherein the connecting structure (9) is provided on the second member (3).
  • the connecting structure (9) comprises at least one microfluidic element provided on the second surface of the second member (3).
  • the at least one microfluidic element comprises a filter structure comprising at least one filter element. 41.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one microfluidic element and optionally at least one of the fluid inlet (7) and the fluid outlet (8) are provided by etching, embossing, scratching or cutting the corresponding element into the first and/or second surface (of the first and/or second member (3)). 42. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the fluid inlet (7), the fluid outlet (8) and the connecting structure (9) are located on the first surface (4) of the first member (2) and on the second surface of the second member (3). 43.
  • the nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of items 40 to 45, wherein the filter structure comprises first filter elements (10) provided on the first surface (4) (of the first member (2)) and second filter elements (10) provided on the second surface (of the second member (3)) and wherein in the assembled state of the nozzle assembly (1) the first filter elements (10) and the second filter elements (10) extend beyond the contact plane thereby forming a multiplicity of filter channels located between the first and second filter elements (10). 47. The nozzle assembly (1) according to item 46, wherein the lateral walls of the first filter elements (10) are not in contact with the lateral walls of the second filter elements (10). 48.
  • a medical inhalation device for the administration of a fluid medicament by inhalation to the lungs of a subject comprising a nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding items.

Landscapes

  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble buse (1) pour la nébulisation d'un liquide, de préférence d'un liquide médicalement actif, l'ensemble buse (1) comprenant un premier élément (2) comprenant une première surface (4) et un second élément (3) comprenant une seconde surface, le premier élément (2) comprenant au moins un élément de positionnement (6) formé d'un seul tenant sur le premier élément (2), et dans l'état assemblé de l'ensemble buse (1) - la première surface (4) étant en contact avec la seconde surface, définissant ainsi un plan de contact, - l'ensemble buse (1) comprenant une entrée de fluide (7), une sortie de fluide (8) et une structure de liaison (9), toutes étant en communication fluidique formant un canal pour le transport du liquide dans une direction aval de l'entrée de fluide (7) par l'intermédiaire de la structure de liaison (9) à la sortie de fluide (8), - ledit canal étant en contact avec le plan de contact et - ledit ou lesdits éléments de positionnement (6) formés sur le premier élément (2) étant en interaction physique avec le second élément (3), empêchant ainsi un déplacement du premier élément (2) par rapport au second élément (3).
EP24711550.4A 2023-03-17 2024-03-15 Dispositif microfluidique amélioré Pending EP4680403A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23162506 2023-03-17
PCT/EP2024/057014 WO2024194196A1 (fr) 2023-03-17 2024-03-15 Dispositif microfluidique amélioré

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4680403A1 true EP4680403A1 (fr) 2026-01-21

Family

ID=85703478

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24711550.4A Pending EP4680403A1 (fr) 2023-03-17 2024-03-15 Dispositif microfluidique amélioré

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4680403A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2026509468A (fr)
CN (1) CN120882498A (fr)
TW (1) TW202444472A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024194196A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB202311411D0 (en) * 2023-07-25 2023-09-06 Merxin Ltd A nozzle for use in micropumps

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3967765A (en) * 1972-08-09 1976-07-06 Leeds And Micallef Multiple purpose nozzle
US4723136A (en) * 1984-11-05 1988-02-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Print-on-demand type liquid jet printing head having main and subsidiary liquid paths
US4828184A (en) * 1988-08-12 1989-05-09 Ford Motor Company Silicon micromachined compound nozzle
IL107120A (en) * 1992-09-29 1997-09-30 Boehringer Ingelheim Int Atomising nozzle and filter and spray generating device
JP7358374B2 (ja) * 2018-03-21 2023-10-10 ソフトハレ エヌヴイ 吸入装置用スプレーノズル

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW202444472A (zh) 2024-11-16
JP2026509468A (ja) 2026-03-19
WO2024194196A1 (fr) 2024-09-26
CN120882498A (zh) 2025-10-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP4680403A1 (fr) Dispositif microfluidique amélioré
CN102325475B (zh) 按扣
US5908414A (en) Implantable infusion pump
US7226540B2 (en) MEMS filter module
JP6854335B2 (ja) モジュール式基板支持柱のインターロック
CN202274956U (zh) 压力传感器及半导体装置
CN111223843A (zh) 电容器阵列结构及其制造方法和包含它的半导体存储器
TW201601325A (zh) 壓力感測器以及其製造方法
US20160029126A1 (en) MEMS Membrane Overtravel Stop
JP7083430B2 (ja) ダイアフラムを備えたｍｅｍｓセンサおよびｍｅｍｓセンサの製造方法
US20190160462A1 (en) Fluidic microelectromechanical sensors/devices and fabrication methods thereof
CA2668957A1 (fr) Procede et appareil de liaison localisee
US20070079571A1 (en) Methods and apparatuses relating to block receptor configurations and block assembly processes
US20190016591A1 (en) Manufacturing method for semiconductor structure
TWI294789B (en) Droplet ejecting head
JP2000352515A (ja) 多層基板から成るセンサ
US20180052067A1 (en) Pressure sensor and manufacture method thereof
US7158159B2 (en) Micro-machined nozzles
TWI542019B (zh) 壓力感測器以及其製造方法
TW202335241A (zh) 晶片製造方法及產品
KR101766256B1 (ko) 복수의 소켓 팁이 결합된 테스트 소켓 모듈 및 테스트 소켓 모듈의 조립 방법
TWI623733B (zh) 壓力感測器以及其製造方法
JP4462788B2 (ja) 筒状容器
JPH0548370Y2 (fr)
CN120841432A (zh) 半导体结构及其形成方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250930

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR