Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator by Jacek Mikosz is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award i Bronze in Medicinsk Udstyr og Medicinsk Apparatur Design Competition Category.
BronzeMedicinsk Produkt· 2024
Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator
by Jacek Mikosz
Client: FindAir
A' Design Award i Bronze Winner in Medicinsk Produkt Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #159899The Design
About Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator
Smarthaler er en digital pMDI-inhalator, der bruger realtids AI-analyse og dataindsamling til at vejlede astma- og COPD-patienter mod korrekt inhalationsteknik og forbedret lægemiddeldeponering. Det modulære design integrerer avancerede flow-sensing algoritmer, hvilket gør det muligt for enheden at fungere som en standard inhalator, samtidig med at den tilbyder den ekstra fordel af et genanvendeligt elektronisk modul monteret på bagsiden af aerosolbeholderen. Efter hver brug giver den øjeblikkelig feedback på inhalationskvaliteten. Disse data sendes til en app til øjeblikkelig deling med læger eller behandlingsteam, hvilket fremmer bedre behandling.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award i Bronze
Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator er vinder af A' Design Award i Bronze, en højt prestigefyldt anerkendelse, der tildeles enestående designs, som udmærker sig ved kreativitet, opfindsomhed og skarpsindighed. Bronzevinderne er rigeligt dygtige og påfaldende kreative artefakter, der bekræfter deres designeres store erfaring, fantasi og snilde. Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator forventes at være en højt estimeret, beundret og kær genstand, der er bemærkelsesværdigt professionel og innovativ. Dette design, der har vundet A' Design Award i Bronze, indarbejder bedste praksis inden for kunst, videnskab, design og teknologi og er fremragende på grund af sin sans for detaljer. Smarthaler Smart pMDI-inhalator tilfredsstiller pragtfuldt behov, rører længsler, charmerer følelser og appellerer til nysgerrigheden.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The modular smart inhaler device features a measurement system that enables real-time identification and correction of inhalation errors, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery without disrupting the inhalation process. Integrating a verification system directly into the actuator's design, ensures patients can more efficiently and effectively adhere to prescribed therapies while developing correct inhalation techniques habits. Information is sent to an app, where it can also be shared.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Device Dimensions: 29,7 mm x 57 mm x 93 mm
Packaging Dimension: 107 mm x 40 mm x 140 mm
Material: PP/ABS
Battery: Rechargeable
Port type: USB-C
Connection: Bluetooth Low Energy
Compatible Apps: FindAir Smarthaler (Android/iOS), FindAir Doctor Web App
Accessories:
USB Hub that enables using it without the phone
HFA Placebo Bottles
Additional Actuators - Tags
- smart inhaler, iot, medical device, modular, digital health, telemedicine, education, pMDI, inhaler, inhaler technique
- Production Technology
- The solution results from extensive user research, clinical trials, and data collection from patients and medical professionals. It represents a multidisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise from design, medical, IT, artificial intelligence, and pharmacokinetics fields. The device's electronics integration within a medical-grade plastic enclosure employs precision injection molding rigorously tested and validated through lab-based pharmacokinetic studies to ensure durability and safety.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was integrating advanced technology into a design as familiar as a traditional pMDI inhaler, ensuring it was approachable yet innovative. Our objective was for users to adopt this advanced inhaler as naturally as they would their standard one, but with added functionalities for a richer experience. Developing a modular design was crucial to allow for the sustainable use of electronic components, enabling users to update or replace parts without discarding the entire device.
- Research
- Research aimed to refine pmdi inhaler experience, employing a mixed-method approach. We conducted medical experiments, and observational studies complemented by desk research to gather base data and validate it in clinical trials, and lab tests. Using custom measurement setups and digital tools, we gathered data from a diverse group of patients and healthcare professionals. The findings emphasized the need for modular, intuitive inhalers that improve user inhaler technique and treatment efficacy.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for the device emerged from observing close relatives struggle with conventional inhalers during asthma attacks, leading to insufficient relief despite multiple inhaler usage attempts. This prompted a deeper investigation into inhalation techniques research, revealing that 83,7% of users exhibit incorrect usage, primarily due to the complex coordination required by inhalers. The sequential motion set (precise timing, strength, and duration) presents a significant challenge.
- Project Duration
- Project started May 2021 in (Kraków, Poland) and finished in December 2023 (Kraków, Poland) as part of FindAir research supported by a grant received from The National Centre for Research and Development.
- Operation Flow
- The inhaler functions like a regular inhaler but with an added feature: an electronic module that fits onto the back. This module is optional, allowing the inhaler to be used in its basic form or enhanced with digital feedback. After using the inhaler, users receive immediate feedback on how well they inhaled the medication. This information is sent directly to an app, where it can also be shared instantly with a doctor. The device serves dual purposes: delivering medication, or training tool.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to FindAir Sp. z o.o, 2024.
Smarthaler® - Registred EUIPO trademark
EU patent filling:
EP22461546.8 – AN ACTUATOR FOR AN INHALER
EP22461592.2 – A DEVICE FOR MONITORING USE OF AN INHALER
EP3856305 – METHOD FOR MONITORING DRUG INTAKE - Team Members
- Jacek Mikosz
Michał Czyż
Tomasz Mikosz
Katarzyna Skowronek
Paweł Słapek
Michał Bobrowski
Konrad Gryboś
Szymon Walasik
Marek Nowak
Hubert Tacik
Radosław Sotwin - Image Credits
- FindAir Sp. z o.o. Internal Materials
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