Aerosol inhalation device and method based on flexible strain sensor

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol inhalation device and method based on a flexible strain sensor, solves the problems that an aerosol inhalation device in the prior art has certain lag in detecting airflow at the mouth and the nose, and the synchronization function is easy to lose efficacy, and has the advantages of realizing a breathing synchronous atomization function, avoiding the lag and misjudgment of the airflow, improving the accuracy and the reliability of the aerosol inhalation device. According to the specific scheme, the aerosol inhalation device based on the flexible strain sensor comprises a respiration monitoring vest and a working main machine, the working main machine comprises an atomization assembly and is provided with an atomizing opening for spraying atomized liquid medicine, the respiration monitoring vest is provided with the strain sensor, and the strain sensor is arranged on the working main machine. The strain sensor generates an analog quantity signal in a linear relation with thoracic motion amplitude and sends the generated analog quantity signal to the controller, the controller judges whether a patient is in an inspiration or expiration state according to the thoracic motion signal, and the controller is connected with the atomization assembly so that atomization can be conducted when the patient inspires and stops atomization when the patient expires.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a nebulized inhalation device and method based on a flexible strain sensor. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] In the current treatment of respiratory diseases, nebulized inhalation therapy is widely used because it can deliver medication directly to the lesion. In existing technologies, nebulized inhalation therapy often employs a continuous nebulization mode, meaning the nebulizer continuously produces a mist of medication throughout the entire respiratory cycle. However, traditional continuously output nebulizers have significant drawbacks: a large amount of medication continuously sprayed during the patient's exhalation is lost into the air, resulting not only in extremely low drug utilization and increased treatment costs, but also potential risks due to environmental drug exposure.

[0004] To optimize drug delivery, existing technologies include breath-synchronized nebulization. Early and mainstream synchronization methods relied on pressure or flow sensors integrated into the nebulizer's airflow channel to detect respiratory signals. These sensors acquire the airflow pressure or flow rate at the patient's mouth and nose. However, this method has inherent limitations: the mouth and nose are some distance from the lungs, resulting in indirect and time-delayed signals of detected airflow changes, which cannot accurately reflect the actual ventilation status of the lungs. For critically ill patients with weak breathing, infants, or patients with severe airway obstruction, the airflow at their mouth and nose may be complex, turbulent, or difficult to measure, causing the pressure sensor to fail to trigger reliably or falsely under specific pathological conditions. This leads to synchronization failure, making it difficult to ensure efficient drug delivery to the deep lungs during the inspiratory phase, thus affecting treatment efficiency and treatment time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a new synchronous nebulization technology based on a flexible strain sensor that can more directly and reliably capture real respiratory movements to ensure efficient drug delivery to the lungs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor includes a respiratory monitoring vest and a main unit. The main unit includes a nebulizing component and is equipped with a spray nozzle to spray nebulized medication. The respiratory monitoring vest is equipped with a strain sensor, which generates an analog signal that is linearly related to the amplitude of chest wall movement. The generated analog signal is sent to a controller, which determines whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling based on the chest wall movement signal. The controller is connected to the nebulizing component to nebulize when the patient inhales and stop nebulizing when the patient exhales.

[0007] As described above, in a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the controller performs differential calculations on the chest movement signals collected by the strain sensor to obtain the rate of change of chest volume, thereby determining whether the patient is in an inhalation or exhalation state. When the rate of change of chest volume is positive, the controller determines that the patient is in an inhalation state; when the rate of change of chest volume is negative, the controller determines that the patient is in an exhalation state.

[0008] As described above, in a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the strain sensor is disposed at the front of the respiratory monitoring vest.

[0009] As described above, in a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the breathing monitoring vest is made of elastic material. The breathing monitoring vest includes a front and a back, which are opposite to and connected. The top of the front and back forms a neckline. Size adjustment pieces are provided at the connection between the top of the front and back and on the sides of the breathing monitoring vest. The size adjustment pieces on the sides are spaced apart from the size adjustment pieces on the top.

[0010] In the aforementioned atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the size adjustment component is an adjustment buckle or Velcro.

[0011] As described above, in a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, a pocket is provided on the inner front side of the respiratory monitoring vest, the strain sensor is located in the pocket, and a strap is provided in the pocket to fix the strain sensor.

[0012] As described above, a nebulizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor includes a housing, within which a spray assembly is disposed. The spray assembly includes an inner box, which can be removed from the housing. An atomizing plate is disposed within the inner box. The atomizing cup and the atomizing plate are connected and are separately disposed. A spray nozzle is disposed on the side of the inner box for spraying. The spray nozzle passes through the housing.

[0013] As described above, in a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the nebulizing plate includes a piezoelectric ceramic, a microporous plate is disposed on the top of the piezoelectric ceramic, the nebulizing cup is connected to the microporous plate through a liquid guiding channel, and the nebulizing cup is placed on the upper side of the microporous plate. The inner box is open, and a shell cover is provided on the top of the shell. The shell has a semi-circular opening, and the shell cover also has a semi-circular opening. The two semi-circular openings are joined together and placed around the spray nozzle.

[0014] As described above, in a nebulizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, the controller is located inside the housing and connected to the operation panel, which is installed outside the housing. A power module is installed inside the housing and connected to the controller.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention also provides a nebulized inhalation method based on a flexible strain sensor, employing the aforementioned nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, comprising the following: A strain sensor was installed on the respiratory monitoring vest; The patient wore a respiratory monitoring vest; The strain sensor collects the patient's chest movement signals and sends them to the controller; The controller determines whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling based on chest movement signals. The controller controls the nebulizer to turn on or off based on the patient's breathing status, nebulizing when the patient inhales and stopping when the patient exhales.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1) The nebulized inhalation device provided by this invention includes a respiratory monitoring vest and a working host. The working host is equipped with a nebulizing component to spray nebulized medication. The respiratory monitoring vest is equipped with a strain sensor, which is connected to a controller. The controller determines whether the patient is in an inhalation or exhalation state based on the chest movement signal and controls the action of the nebulizing component accordingly. This achieves synchronized respiratory nebulization, avoids airflow lag and misjudgment, improves detection accuracy, and significantly enhances the efficiency and safety of nebulization therapy. Nebulization stops during exhalation, resulting in high drug utilization, reduced medication waste and environmental pollution, and has broad application prospects.

[0017] 2) The nebulized inhalation device provided in this invention has the ability to directly collect chest movement signals through strain sensors, eliminating the need for an airtight mask, reducing breathing resistance, improving patient experience, and providing high comfort. It is suitable for infants, critically ill patients, and people with weak breathing, has high clinical promotion value, and is simple in structure, low in cost, reliable in performance, and easy to apply on a large scale.

[0018] 3) In this invention, the controller performs differential calculations on the chest movement signals collected by the strain sensor to obtain the rate of change of chest volume, thereby determining whether the patient is in an inhalation or exhalation state, making the detection method reliable and the response speed fast.

[0019] 4) The respiratory monitoring vest used in this invention can be worn by patients and is made of elastic material, which facilitates the fit of the strain sensor to the patient and ensures the accuracy of the test results. The respiratory monitoring vest is also equipped with size adjustment parts, so as to meet the use of patients of different heights within a certain range and ensure the fit of the strain sensor to the patient, further ensuring the accuracy of the test results. The respiratory monitoring vest is equipped with pockets to facilitate the placement of the strain sensor into the respiratory monitoring vest and to secure it with straps. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the main unit in a nebulizer based on a flexible strain sensor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a respiratory monitoring vest in a nebulizer inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart of a nebulization inhalation method based on a flexible strain sensor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0025] The components include: 1. Controller; 2. Housing; 3. Housing cover; 4. Spray nozzle; 5. Control panel; 6. Power switch; 7. Atomizing plate; 8. Respiratory monitoring vest; 9. Female Velcro clasp; 10. Adjustment buckle; 11. Female Velcro clasp; 12. Front; 13. Back. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the invention, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. As described in the background section, existing nebulizers have issues with a certain lag in detecting airflow at the mouth and nose, and the synchronization function is prone to failure. To address these technical problems, this invention proposes a nebulizer based on a flexible strain sensor.

[0028] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor includes a strain sensor integrated into a respiratory monitoring vest. The strain sensor is a flexible strain sensor that generates an analog signal linearly related to the amplitude of chest movement and transmits it to a controller. The controller processes the chest movement signal collected by the strain sensor to determine whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling, and controls the working state of the nebulizer 7 to achieve the function of nebulization when the patient inhales and cessation of nebulization when the patient exhales. The strain sensor directly acquires the patient's chest movement signal, which has higher accuracy than acquiring airflow information from the mouth and nose, and avoids detection lag. Moreover, it does not rely on an airflow sensor, making it more suitable for infants, the elderly, and critically ill patients with disordered or weak airflow information at the mouth and nose compared to existing inhalation devices.

[0029] In this embodiment, the respiratory monitoring vest 8 is made of a highly elastic material such as elastic fabric, or is supported by a textile fabric incorporating elastic fibers such as spandex. This facilitates the wearing of the respiratory monitoring vest and allows the strain sensor to fit snugly against the patient's chest after being worn. The respiratory monitoring vest 8 includes a front part 12 and a back part 13, which are arranged opposite to each other. The top of the front part 12 and the back part 13 forms a neckline, and the front part 12 and the back part 13 are connected. The respiratory monitoring vest 8 has a size adjustment function and can fit the surface of the patient's chest. Specifically, the respiratory monitoring vest 8 is provided with size adjustment pieces at the connection between the front and back parts and on the sides. The size adjustment pieces on the sides are spaced apart from the size adjustment pieces on the top to ensure that the patient's arms can extend from the top of the size adjustment pieces on the sides of the respiratory monitoring vest.

[0030] refer to Figure 2As shown, the size adjustment includes a top adjustment on the front and back, and a side adjustment on the side of the respiratory monitoring vest 8. Specifically, the top adjustment is an adjustment buckle 10, which is an existing adjustment buckle, i.e., a first section of the adjustment buckle 10 is provided at the front, and a second section of the adjustment buckle 10 is provided at the back. The first and second sections of the adjustment buckle 10 can be fastened together. The side adjustment includes a connecting strap that connects the front 12 and the back 13. A female hook and loop fastener 9 is provided in the middle of the connecting strap, and a female hook and loop fastener 11 is provided at the front of the connecting strap. The female hook and loop fastener 9 of the connecting strap and the female hook and loop fastener 11 are fastened together to secure the side of the respiratory monitoring vest 8.

[0031] The respiratory monitoring vest 8 deforms as the chest expands and contracts during the patient's breathing. A flexible strain sensor is located at the front 12 of the respiratory monitoring vest 8. In some examples, the strain sensor is preferably located in the upper middle part of the front of the respiratory monitoring vest 8 (close to the patient's heart). One or more strain sensors can be provided. The strain sensor can collect chest deformation signals in real time and has the characteristics of fast response and high sensitivity.

[0032] Understandably, in order to install the strain sensor, the respiratory monitoring vest 8 has a pocket on the inner front side, in which the strain sensor is placed. A strap is installed in the pocket, which is an elastic band. The two ends of the elastic band are fixed to the side wall of the pocket. When the middle section of the elastic band is pulled open, there is a gap between it and the side wall of the pocket. The strain sensor can be installed through this gap, and the strain sensor is fixed by the strap.

[0033] It should be noted that the strain sensor is made of conductive polymer material or metal nanowire composite material, which has good tensile properties and response sensitivity. The electrical signal output by the strain sensor is linearly related to the amplitude of chest wall movement, and can accurately reflect the patient's respiratory rhythm.

[0034] Controller 1, using a PLC or other type of controller, receives and processes signals from the flexible strain sensor in real time. Controller 1 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the analog signals reflecting the amplitude of thoracic motion acquired by the strain sensor to obtain a discrete-time series, and then uses a differential algorithm to perform differentiation to calculate the thoracic variation rate (TVR), the expression of which is as follows:

[0035] Where Δt is the sampling time interval, and ε[n] is the strain value at the nth sampling point. The controller determines the current respiratory state based on this rate value: when TVR[n]>0, the patient is determined to be inspiratory; when TVR[n]<0, the patient is determined to be expiratory. The controller controls the working state of the nebulizer accordingly, realizing the synchronous function of nebulization during inhalation and cessation of nebulization during exhalation. Since the controller's detection frequency is higher than the patient's respiratory rate, it can achieve millisecond-level sampling, and therefore is not affected by changes in respiratory rate, ensuring timely system response and precise control.

[0036] Controller 1 can analyze chest wall movement signals in real time, identify inhalation and exhalation, and drive the nebulizer 7 to work during inhalation and stop nebulization during exhalation, thereby achieving synchronized respiratory nebulization. The control logic of controller 1 is as follows: During inhalation, controller 1 controls the piezoelectric mesh nebulizer 7 to be energized, and the piezoelectric ceramic in the nebulizer 7 vibrates to drive the microporous plate to produce an atomization effect, causing the liquid medicine to be atomized into micron-sized particles, which enter the patient's respiratory tract through the spray nozzle 4. During exhalation, the controller controls the nebulizer 7 to be de-energized and stop working, preventing the liquid medicine from escaping into the environment during exhalation and reducing the risk of drug waste and contamination.

[0037] It should be noted that the main unit includes a housing 2, and a spray assembly is installed inside the housing 2. The spray assembly includes an inner box, which can be removed from the housing 2. The inner box is open to facilitate the placement of the atomizing plate 7 inside the inner box. The atomizing plate 7 is an existing piezoelectric mesh atomizing plate. The atomizing plate 7 includes a piezoelectric ceramic, and a microporous plate is installed on the top of the piezoelectric ceramic. The atomizing cup and the microporous plate are connected through a liquid guiding channel. The atomizing cup is placed on the upper side of the microporous plate. The atomizing cup is separable from the atomizing plate 7 to facilitate cleaning of the atomizing cup. The atomizing cup ensures a stable supply of liquid medicine. A spray nozzle 4 is provided on the side of the inner box for spraying. The spray nozzle 4 is connected to the inside of the inner box and is installed through the housing 2.

[0038] It is easy to understand that the main unit can be placed on the workbench, and the spray nozzle 4 is aimed at the patient's mouth and nose. The patient does not need to wear or hold a protective shield that fits tightly to the face, which is convenient to use. To ensure that the liquid medicine fully enters the patient's mouth and nose, a protective shield can be set at the spray nozzle, and the protective shield can initially fit against the patient's face.

[0039] The nebulizer cup is used to store the medicine and is made of medical-grade plastic or glass, featuring good sealing and easy cleaning.

[0040] The controller 1 is installed inside the housing 2, and a power switch 6 is located on the outside of the housing 2. The power switch 6 is connected to a power module such as a battery. The controller 1 is connected to the operation panel 5, which is located on the surface of the housing. The operation panel 5 is used to display the current working status (such as "inspiratory nebulization", "exhalation cessation", "continuous nebulization", etc.) and provides a mode switching function. Users can select "continuous nebulization mode" or "breathing synchronization mode" according to their treatment needs. In continuous nebulization mode, the nebulizer 7 works continuously and is not affected by the breathing state, which is suitable for rapid drug inhalation scenarios. In breathing synchronization mode, the nebulizer 7 only works during inhalation, which is suitable for precision treatment and drug conservation scenarios.

[0041] The power module is housed within the casing 2. It supports both AC power and battery power, facilitating use in home, hospital, or mobile medical environments. The power module features overvoltage protection and a low battery alarm to ensure safe operation.

[0042] In some examples, controller 1 can be connected to a computing terminal, which is configured with a corresponding application (APP). This allows doctors to view relevant data remotely, enabling them to view and analyze the data in real time and develop personalized treatment plans.

[0043] In addition, a housing cover 3 is provided on the top of the housing 2, and a semi-circular opening is provided on one side of the housing 2. The housing cover is also provided with a semi-circular opening. After the two semi-circular openings are joined together, they are placed in the circumference of the spray nozzle 4. The housing cover 3 is opened to remove the atomizing cup and clean it.

[0044] The device of the present invention has a compact overall structure and is lightweight, making it easy for patients to wear and move. The respiratory monitoring vest is connected to the main unit by a flexible wire, which ensures stable signal transmission without affecting the patient's activities.

[0045] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a nebulized inhalation method based on a flexible strain sensor, employing a nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor as described in Embodiment 1, with reference to... Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following: A strain sensor was installed on the respiratory monitoring vest; The patient wore a respiratory monitoring vest; After adjusting the breathing monitoring vest to a comfortable fit, turn on the power switch, select a mode, and when the continuous nebulization mode is selected, the controller will control the nebulizer to work continuously. When the respiratory synchronization mode is selected, the controller automatically initializes and enters standby mode. The patient breathes normally, and the strain sensor collects chest movement signals in real time and sends them to the controller. The controller determines that the patient is inspiratory based on the chest wall motion signal (when the rate of change of the strain value obtained by the strain sensor is greater than zero), and controls the nebulizer to work continuously, ensuring that the working power of the nebulizer is proportional to the rate. The controller determines that the patient is in expiratory based on the chest wall motion signal (when the rate of change of the strain value obtained by the strain sensor is less than zero), and controls the nebulizer to stop working.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nebulizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, characterized in that, The device includes a respiratory monitoring vest and a main unit. The main unit includes a nebulizer assembly and a spray nozzle to spray atomized medication. The respiratory monitoring vest is equipped with a strain sensor, which generates an analog signal that is linearly related to the amplitude of chest movement. The controller sends the generated analog signal to the controller, which determines whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling based on the chest movement signal. The controller is connected to the nebulizer assembly to nebulize when the patient inhales and stop nebulizing when the patient exhales.

2. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller performs differential calculations on the chest movement signals collected by the strain sensor to obtain the rate of change of chest volume, thereby determining whether the patient is in an inhalation or exhalation state. When the rate of change of chest volume is positive, the controller determines that the patient is in an inhalation state; when the rate of change of chest volume is negative, the controller determines that the patient is in an exhalation state.

3. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strain sensor is installed at the front of the respiratory monitoring vest.

4. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The respiratory monitoring vest is made of elastic material and includes a front and a back. The front and back are opposite to each other and connected. The top of the front and back forms a neckline. Size adjustment pieces are provided at the connection between the top of the front and back and on the sides of the respiratory monitoring vest. The size adjustment pieces on the sides are spaced apart from the size adjustment pieces on the top.

5. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The size adjustment component is an adjustment buckle or Velcro.

6. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The respiratory monitoring vest has a pocket on the inner front side, in which the strain sensor is located. A strap is provided in the pocket, and the strain sensor is fixed by the strap.

7. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main unit includes a housing, and the spray assembly is disposed inside the housing. The spray assembly includes an inner box, which can be removed from the housing. An atomizing plate is disposed inside the inner box. The atomizing cup and the atomizing plate are connected. The atomizing cup and the atomizing plate are separately disposed. A spray nozzle is disposed on the side of the inner box for spraying. The spray nozzle passes through the housing.

8. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The atomizing plate includes a piezoelectric ceramic, a microporous plate is provided on the top of the piezoelectric ceramic, and the atomizing cup is connected to the microporous plate through a liquid guiding channel. The atomizing cup is placed on the upper side of the microporous plate. The inner box is open, and a shell cover is provided on the top of the shell. The shell has a semi-circular opening, and the shell cover also has a semi-circular opening. The two semi-circular openings are joined together and placed around the spray nozzle.

9. The atomizing inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is located inside the housing and is connected to the operation panel, which is installed on the outside of the housing. A power module is installed inside the housing and is connected to the controller.

10. A method for atomized inhalation based on a flexible strain sensor, characterized in that, A nebulized inhalation device based on a flexible strain sensor, as described in any one of claims 1-9, comprises the following: A strain sensor was installed on the respiratory monitoring vest; The patient wore a respiratory monitoring vest; The strain sensor collects the patient's chest movement signals and sends them to the controller; The controller determines whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling based on chest movement signals. The controller controls the nebulizer to turn on or off based on the patient's breathing status, nebulizing when the patient inhales and stopping when the patient exhales.

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