Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente by Jacek Mikosz

Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente by Jacek Mikosz is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Bronce in Deseño de Dispositivos e Equipos Médicos Competition Category.

BronceProduto Médico· 2024

Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente

by Jacek Mikosz

Client: FindAir

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Produto Médico Category

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The Design

About Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente

Smarthaler é un inalador pMDI dixital que utiliza análise de IA en tempo real e recollida de datos para guiar aos pacientes con asma e EPOC cara a unha técnica de inalación correcta e unha mellor deposición do fármaco. O seu deseño modular incorpora algoritmos avanzados de detección de fluxo, o que lle permite funcionar como un inalador estándar ao tempo que ofrece o beneficio engadido dun módulo electrónico reutilizable acoplado á parte posterior do dispensador de aerosol. Despois de cada uso, proporciona información instantánea sobre a calidade da inalación. Estes datos envíanse a unha aplicación para compartirse de inmediato con médicos ou equipos de atención, facilitando unha mellor asistencia.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente gañou o A' Design Award de Bronce, un recoñecemento altamente prestixioso outorgado a deseños sobresaíntes que se distinguen pola creatividade, o enxeño e a sagacidade. Os gañadores Bronce son artefactos amplamente hábiles e sorprendentemente creativos que autentican a vasta experiencia, imaxinación e enxeño dos seus deseñadores. Espérase que Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente sexa un obxecto moi apreciado, admirado e querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora as mellores prácticas da arte, a ciencia, o deseño e a tecnoloxía, e é excelente pola súa atención ao detalle. Smarthaler Inalador pMDI Intelixente satisfai espléndidamente as necesidades, toca os desexos, encanta os sentimentos e atrae a curiosidade.

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