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Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器 by Jacek Mikosz

Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器 by Jacek Mikosz is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 医療機器・医療設備デザイン Competition Category.


銅医療製品· 2024

Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器

by Jacek Mikosz

Client: FindAir

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 医療製品 Category

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The Design

About Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器

スマートヘイラーは、リアルタイムAI分析とデータ収集を活用し、喘息およびCOPD患者を正確な吸入技術と薬剤沈着の向上へと導くデジタルpMDI吸入器です。高度なフローセンシングアルゴリズムを組み込んだモジュラーデザインにより、標準的な吸入器として機能しながら、エアゾールディスペンサーの背面に装着する再利用可能な電子モジュールという付加価値を提供します。使用後には吸入品質に関する即時フィードバックを提供し、このデータはアプリへ送信されることで医師やケアチームとの即座な共有が可能となり、より良いケアの実現を促進します。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器は、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器は、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Smarthaler スマートpMDI吸入器は、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

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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