Aerosolization system with flow restrictor and feedback device

A method for operating an inhaler, the method comprising:

• receiving a dose of liquid medicament onto a mesh;
• measuring a flowrate of air flowing through the inhaler, the flow of air resulting from an inhalation by a user of the inhaler;
• actuating a vibratable element to vibrate the mesh, causing aerosolization of liquid medicament from the liquid medicament dose and creating a plume of aerosolized liquid medicament in the flowing air;
• when the flowrate is between 7 L/min and 14 L/min, continuing to vibrate the mesh and constantly illuminating a light that is visible to the user of the inhaler;
• when the flowrate exceeds 14 L/min, stopping vibration of the mesh and causing the light to flash.

An aerosolization system, comprising:

• a housing defining a mouthpiece and a liquid receptacle fluidly coupled to the mouthpiece, wherein the liquid receptacle defines an opening configured to receive a dosage of liquid;
• an aerosol generator disposed within the housing, wherein the aerosol generator comprises:
• a mesh;
• and
• a vibratable element configured to vibrate the mesh to turn the dosage of liquid into an aerosol;
• a flow sensor configured to detect a flowrate of the air through the mouthpiece;
• one or more lights visible to a user of the inhaler during use;
• a controller coupled to the one or more lights, the flow sensor, and the vibratable element, wherein the controller is configured to:
• when the flowrate is between a first threshold value and a second threshold value greater than the first, vibrate the mesh and provide a first indication using one of the one or more lights to the user of the inhaler indicating that the flowrate is in a desired range between the first and second threshold values;
• when the flowrate exceeds the second threshold value, stop vibration of the mesh and provide a second indication using one of the one or more lights to the user of the inhaler indicating that the flowrate is above the desired range;
• when the flowrate falls below the first threshold value during aerosolization of the liquid medicament, stop vibration of the mesh and provide a third indication using one of the one or more lights to the user of the inhaler indicating that the flowrate is below the desired range;
• and
• after substantially the entire amount of liquid medicament received onto the mesh has been aerosolized, provide a fourth indication to the user of the inhaler indicating that dosage is complete.