Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent by Jacek Mikosz

Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent by Jacek Mikosz is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Bronz in Produs Medical Competition Category.

BronzProdus Medical· 2024

Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent

by Jacek Mikosz

Client: FindAir

A' Design Award de Bronz Winner in Produs Medical Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent

Smarthaler este un inhaler pMDI digital, care utilizează analiza AI în timp real și colectarea datelor pentru a ghida pacienții cu astm și BPOC către tehnica corectă de inhalare și depunerea îmbunătățită a medicamentului. Designul său modular încorporează algoritmi avansați de detectare a fluxului, permițându-i să funcționeze ca un inhaler standard, oferind în același timp beneficiul suplimentar al unui modul electronic reutilizabil atașat în spatele dispozitivului de aerosoli. După fiecare utilizare, oferă feedback instantaneu privind calitatea inhalării. Aceste date sunt trimise către o aplicație pentru distribuire imediată către medici sau echipele de îngrijire, facilitând o îngrijire mai bună.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronz

Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent a câștigat A' Design Award de Bronz, o recunoaștere extrem de prestigioasă acordată designurilor remarcabile care se disting prin creativitate, ingeniozitate și istețime. Câștigătorii Bronzului sunt artefacte din plin pricepute și izbitor de creative, care atestă experiența vastă, imaginația și resursele designerilor lor. Se așteaptă ca Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent să fie un obiect foarte apreciat, admirat și prețuit, remarcabil de profesionist și inovator. Acest design câștigător al A' Design Award de Bronz încorporează cele mai bune practici din artă, știință, design și tehnologie și este excelent prin atenția la detalii. Smarthaler Inhaler pMDI Inteligent satisface splendid nevoile, atinge dorințele, vrăjește sentimentele și stârnește curiozitatea.

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