HOJOY

What it does

HUJOY is a harmonica-inspired pediatric nebulizer that makes asthma treatment interactive and engaging. It uses breathing-triggered activation and multisensory feedback to improve adherence and reduce treatment resistance.

Your inspiration

The inspiration for HUJOY came from observing the challenges children face during asthma treatment—resistance, fear, and low engagement. We wanted to create a solution that transforms therapy from a stressful task into a playful and empowering experience. Drawing from the familiar and joyful interaction of playing a harmonica, we envisioned a device that naturally integrates breathing exercises with music and sensory feedback. This approach not only lowers psychological barriers but also motivates children to actively participate in their own care, improving adherence and outcomes while easing caregiver burden.

How it works

HUJOY has developed a dual-power collaborative transmission mechanism that converts the displacement of a harmonica into rotational energy for an atomizer via a central bearing shaft. When the inner shell’s pull rod is rotated along the central shaft, a synchronized effect is triggered: the rotating rod drives internal fan blades to distribute airflow, precisely directing inhaled air into the atomization chamber. Melodic interaction governs the rotation through an angular sensor embedded in the shaft, which activates at every 15° increment. A negative-pressure self-locking system prevents waste by halting atomization immediately upon interruption of inhalation. This design addresses the experiential disjunction found in traditional atomizers—where users passively receive treatment—by constructing a closed-loop, multimodal feedback system involving touch, hearing, and vision. In doing so, it transforms respiratory therapy into a gamified, interactive experience

Design process

The design process began with researching pediatric asthma treatment challenges to identify key user needs. Inspired by the harmonica’s breath-controlled interaction, we developed the concept of a playful, multisensory nebulizer. We first created preliminary geometric forms by cutting polyurethane to test feasibility and ergonomics. Among various shapes, the circular form was chosen for its comfortable grip and smooth operation of the side slider. Next, we designed and built mechanical prototypes to verify the dual-power collaborative transmission system, converting breathing and pull motions into rotational energy to drive atomization. Early prototypes helped refine the synchronization between user input and aerosol output. Based on these tests, we developed detailed models and produced functional prototypes using 3D printing. This allowed rapid iteration on form, fit, and mechanism performance, improving ergonomics and ensuring precise sensor integration. The final 3D-printed model integrates all components—mechanical transmission, angular sensors, and multisensory feedback—ready for further user testing and validation.

How it is different

HUJOY uniquely transforms pediatric nebulization into an engaging, multisensory experience inspired by the harmonica. Unlike traditional nebulizers, it uses children’s natural breathing and blowing to trigger atomization, encouraging active participation. Its dual-power transmission converts breathing motion into precise mechanical energy, synchronized with auditory, tactile, and visual feedback. This closed-loop design improves adherence, reduces anxiety, and enhances effectiveness. Additionally, HUJOY features negative-pressure self-locking to stop medication waste when inhalation stops—a function often missing in other devices. By combining usability and caregiver support, HUJOY redefines pediatric asthma therapy as both effective and playful.

Future plans

Next, we aim to advance HUJOY through rigorous clinical testing to validate its safety, efficacy, and user acceptance in real-world pediatric asthma management. We will refine the prototype’s durability, ergonomics, and manufacturability to prepare for mass production. From a business point, we plan to collaborate with healthcare providers and pediatric clinics to integrate HUJOY into standard asthma care protocols. Also, we will develop a companion app to enhance gamification and track adherence. Our goal is to make HUJOY a trusted, engaging, and effective tool that improves pediatric asthma care and children’s quality of life worldwide.

Awards