A handheld exhaled breath collection device

By incorporating an embedded rotary valve and a semiconductor cooling chip, the design solves the problems of inaccurate alveolar gas collection and inconvenience in existing exhaled breath collection devices, achieving efficient and accurate alveolar gas collection and miniaturization of the device, making it suitable for home and mobile environments.

CN111671472BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03SHENZHEN BREATHA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010621223.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-07-01
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2040-07-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing exhaled breath collection devices are difficult to effectively distinguish and collect alveolar gas, and there is a problem that gas residue affects the accuracy of data collected from the next subject. At the same time, the devices are not small and lightweight enough, the nitrogen purging procedure is complicated, and the large number of valves makes them inconvenient to carry.

Method used

The device employs an embedded rotary valve and a semiconductor cooling chip design. The rotary valve automatically switches the acquisition path, and the semiconductor cooling chip rapidly liquefies water vapor. Combined with a micro air pump and a backflushing mechanism, the air passage is quickly cleared. Sensors and a main processor are integrated to control the gas flow. The device is encapsulated in a lightweight housing.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient collection of alveolar gas, reduces gas residue, and features miniaturized and lightweight device, ensuring the accuracy and portability of the collected data, making it suitable for home and mobile use.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a handheld exhaled gas collecting device. The application comprises a gas inlet and outlet mechanism, a gas detection mechanism, a rotary valve and a gas collecting mechanism connected in sequence, and further comprises a sensor, a main processor and a back flushing mechanism. The sensor is arranged on the outer side of the gas detection mechanism and is used to detect the state parameters of inhaled air and transmit the collected data to the main processor. The back flushing mechanism is used to inhale external air and discharge the air from the gas inlet and outlet mechanism through an exhaled gas passage. The main processor can control the rotation of the rotary valve based on the state parameters of the inhaled air, thereby changing the on-off state of the exhaled gas passage. The gas inlet and outlet mechanism is used to filter water vapor in the exhaled gas. The gas collecting mechanism is used to externally connect a gas collecting container to complete the collection of the exhaled gas. The application has small gas resistance and light weight and is suitable for wide promotion in the field of exhaled gas detection technology.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of exhaled gas detection, and particularly relates to a handheld exhaled gas collection device. BACKGROUND

[0002] From the perspective of human respiration, the human inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, but neither is pure gas. The actual inhaled air contains water vapor and carbon dioxide according to different individual conditions, and the exhaled air of most people also includes nitrogen, oxygen, inert gas and other components. Human respiratory gas, as a reflection of the body's health condition, can reflect some important pathological symptoms, so human exhaled air can be used for various medical diagnostic techniques including exhaled air analysis.

[0003] Exhaled air is mainly composed of two parts, one part is the "dead space gas" from the upper respiratory tract without gas exchange with blood, and the other part is the gas from the deep alveoli which has undergone gas exchange with blood, called "alveolar gas", about 150ml. The main object of respiratory gas research is alveolar gas, and the dead space gas will dilute the concentration of disease markers in alveolar gas and also affect the effectiveness of respiratory gas analysis.

[0004] The existing technology has certain defects in collecting exhaled air, such as the "alveolar exhaled gas collection device" with the publication number CN207779768U, which can blow gas into a gas bag to complete a large sample experiment through multiple blowing results, but it cannot effectively distinguish between "dead space gas" and "alveolar gas", and the actual application effect is not good. The "handheld breath analyzer" with the publication numbers CN203465233U and CN103487479A collects the exhaled gas of the test subject into a gas chamber and then draws it to the collection end through a gas pump, and a one-way valve is arranged therebetween to ensure the single direction of the exhaled gas. The "alveolar exhaled gas collector" with the publication number CN204218935U adopts the same concept, which stores a part of the exhaled gas and then opens the switch to ensure that the collected alveolar gas will not return through the control action of the one-way valve. The "end-tidal sampling device" with the publication number CN205228882U adopts the same concept, but it ensures the quantitative collection of the collected gas through the cooperation of two-way valve one and two-way valve two. Although the above-mentioned patents can filter the dead space gas through the action of the sensor and then normally collect the alveolar gas, the gas chamber or pipeline inevitably has gas residues after collecting the alveolar gas of the first test subject, which may affect the collection data of the next test subject, and the respiratory gas of all test subjects cannot be effectively analyzed, so the subsequent analysis result is not accurate enough.

[0005] The use method of the gas sampling device for VOC detection in exhaled gas disclosed in the specification of the patent with the publication number CN 206756525U avoids residual gas pollution by repeatedly filling nitrogen into the gas sampling system through the gas blowing nozzle before sampling starts, but the nitrogen supply device is generally large in size and is limited to hospital use, which is not conducive to the miniaturization, domestication and mobility of the sampling device. At the same time, the nitrogen purge also needs to control the flow of nitrogen, and the program is relatively complex.

[0006] The patent with the publication number CN 110226931 A almost perfectly avoids the above-mentioned defects, but due to the use of multiple valve controls including "three-way valve", "first valve" and "second valve", the large-diameter electromagnetic valve has a large heat generation and a large overall weight, which is not convenient to carry and is not lightweight and miniaturized. At the same time, the large number of valves also means that there is more residual gas of the subject in the valve body, which will also lead to inaccurate data collection of the next subject. SUMMARY

[0007] According to the above technical problems, a handheld exhaled gas sampling device is provided. The present application mainly uses embedded rotary valve to effectively reduce the overall weight of the device, and uses semiconductor refrigeration sheet to quickly liquefy the water vapor after the subject exhales, effectively removing the water vapor in the exhaled gas. The technical means used in the present application are as follows:

[0008] A handheld exhaled gas sampling device, comprising a gas inlet and outlet mechanism, a gas detection mechanism, a rotary valve and a gas sampling mechanism connected in sequence, and an exhaled gas passage can be formed between each mechanism, further comprising a sensor, a main processor and a back flushing mechanism, the sensor is arranged on the outside of the gas detection mechanism, the sensor is used to detect the state parameters of the incoming gas and transmit the collected data to the main processor, the back flushing mechanism is used to inhale external air and discharge it from the gas inlet and outlet mechanism through the exhaled gas passage, the main processor can control the rotation of the rotary valve based on the state parameters of the incoming gas, thereby changing the on-off state of the exhaled gas passage, the gas inlet and outlet mechanism is used to filter the water vapor in the exhaled gas, and the gas sampling mechanism is used to connect an external gas sampling container to complete the sampling of the exhaled gas.

[0009] Further, the filtration of water vapor is completed by liquefying the water vapor. Specifically, the gas inlet and outlet mechanism comprises a blowing nozzle connecting part, a condensing part and a gas detection mechanism connecting part, the blowing nozzle connecting part is used to connect an external blowing nozzle, the condensing part is externally attached with a semiconductor refrigeration sheet for refrigeration, the semiconductor refrigeration sheet is electrically connected with the main processor, and the gas detection mechanism connecting part can be sleeved on the gas detection mechanism connecting part. The gas inlet and outlet mechanism is made of quartz material.

[0010] Further, the condensing part is provided with semiconductor refrigerating sheets on both sides outside the condensing part, and a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the condensing part in real time, a heat dissipation fin and a heat dissipation fan for dissipating heat of the semiconductor refrigerating sheets, one side of the semiconductor refrigerating sheet is a refrigerating end and the other side is a heat dissipation end, the refrigerating end of the semiconductor refrigerating sheet is attached to the quartz body, the heat dissipation end of the semiconductor refrigerating sheet is attached to the heat transfer end of the heat dissipation fin through heat-conducting silica gel, the heat dissipation end of the heat dissipation fin is provided with the heat dissipation fan, and the heat dissipation fan can adjust the rotating speed under the control of the main processor.

[0011] Further, the sensor comprises a CO2 sensor and / or a flow sensor.

[0012] Further, the rotating valve part comprises a rigid main body part and a valve body rotatable in the main body part, the main body part is provided with a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse blowback gas passage, the blowback gas passage is communicated with the longitudinal gas passage, and the bottom end of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collecting mechanism; the valve body comprises a first steering valve, and the gas collecting mechanism comprises a joint connected with a gas collecting container; the first steering valve is arranged between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the blowback gas passage; one end of the first steering valve is connected with a first motor, and the other side is provided with a positioning hole and passes through the main body part.

[0013] Further, the rotating valve part comprises a rigid main body part and a valve body rotatable in the main body part, the main body part is provided with a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse blowback gas passage, the blowback gas passage is communicated with the longitudinal gas passage, and the bottom end of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collecting mechanism; the valve body comprises a first steering valve and a second steering valve, wherein the first steering valve is arranged between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the blowback gas passage, the second steering valve is arranged between the blowback gas passage and the lower longitudinal gas passage, one end of the first steering valve is connected with a first motor, and the other side is provided with a positioning hole and passes through the main body part, one end of the second steering valve is connected with a second motor, and the other side is provided with a positioning hole and passes through the main body part, and the main body shape of the second steering valve is a cylinder.

[0014] Further, the first steering valve is shaped as a cylinder cut by at least one plane longitudinally, and further comprises a detection mechanism, the main body part is provided with a groove accommodating the detection mechanism, the detection mechanism is used for emitting light under the control of the main processor, and the rotating state of the steering valve is identified based on the state of the light penetrating the positioning hole, and the positioning hole of the first steering valve comprises a first positioning through hole penetrating the cutting surface and being a certain distance away from the gas passage of the first steering valve.

[0015] Further, a motor support frame is further arranged outside the valve body and the motor, the motor support frame is fixedly connected with the main body part, the outer diameter of the rotating shaft matches the inner diameter of the groove hole of the plastic valve body, and the material of the rotating valve body and the main body part is the same or different.

[0016] Further, the back flushing mechanism comprises a micro air pump, an exhaust port of the micro air pump is connected with the back flushing gas passage, and a filter for purifying air is installed between the back flushing gas passage and the exhaust port of the micro air pump.

[0017] Further, the exhaled gas passage, the rotary valve, the sensor, the main processor and the back flushing mechanism are all packaged in a main shell, the main shell comprises a first shell and a second shell, the second shell is detachably connected to the first shell, a recess for accommodating the filter is formed in the back of the first shell, the filter is connected to an output pipe section of the micro air pump through upper and lower connectors, a main support frame is arranged in the first shell, a main body of the main support frame is used for bearing a circuit board, a front surface of the main support frame is used for bearing a display screen, a through hole is further arranged in the back of the first shell, the through hole is used for connecting an external data line, a rechargeable battery is arranged in the first shell, and a charging port corresponding to the position of the rechargeable battery is further arranged on the first shell.

[0018] The gas passage of the present application has very small resistance, which ensures the comfort of the subject during the exhalation process, and the cooperation of the sensor, the main processor and the rotary valve can automatically switch the collection passage, so that the alveolar air of the subject can be effectively collected. The water vapor after the exhalation of the subject is rapidly liquefied by the semiconductor refrigeration sheet, which effectively removes the water vapor in the exhalation and reduces the excess components of the collected gas. The back flushing mechanism can quickly clean the gas in the airway, preventing the confusion of the exhalation of the next subject. The present application has light overall weight, is small and modular, and is suitable for wide promotion in the field of exhaled gas detection technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative labor.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a general structure module diagram of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a host part schematic diagram of the embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a gas in-out mechanism structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a main view diagram of the condensing part of the embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a side view structure schematic diagram of the condensing part of the embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the gas detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rotary valve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the rotary valve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the backflush structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is the circuit diagram of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 101, nozzle connection; 102, condenser; 103, gas detection mechanism connection; 104, nozzle; 105, semiconductor refrigeration chip; 106, cooling fan; 107, thermistor; 108, heat sink; 109, quartz connecting tube; 110, refrigeration module control board; 111, refrigeration module connection connector; 201, CO2 sensor; 202, flow / velocity sensor; 203, connecting angle connector; 204, sensor connection connector; 3, rotary valve; 301, optocoupler switch; 302, first diverting valve; 303, main body; 304, first motor; 305, motor support frame; 306, assembly nut; 401, sampler connector; 402, collection container connector; 501, miniature air pump; 502, backflush mechanism filter; 503, air pipe connection connector. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the application discloses a handheld exhaled gas collection device, the host body of the exhaled gas collection device comprises a gas inlet and outlet mechanism, a gas detection mechanism, a rotary valve 3 and a gas collection mechanism connected in sequence, an exhaled gas passage can be formed between each mechanism, further comprising a sensor, a main processor and a back flushing mechanism, the sensor is arranged on the outer side of the gas detection mechanism, the sensor is used for detecting the state parameters of the incoming air, and the collected data is transmitted to the main processor, the back flushing mechanism is used for inhaling external air and discharging it from the gas inlet and outlet mechanism through the exhaled gas passage, the main processor can control the rotation of the rotary valve based on the state parameters of the incoming air, thereby changing the on-off state of the exhaled gas passage, the gas inlet and outlet mechanism is used for filtering water vapor in the exhaled gas, and the gas collection mechanism is used for connecting an external gas collection container to complete the collection of exhaled gas, in the embodiment, the gas collection container can be a gas collection bag.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3 , 4 , the gas inlet and outlet mechanism comprises a blow nozzle connecting part, a condensing part and a gas detection mechanism connecting part connected in sequence, the blow nozzle connecting part 101 is used for connecting an external blow nozzle 104, in the embodiment, in order to reduce air resistance, the inner diameter of the blow nozzle connecting part 101 matches the outer diameter of the blow nozzle, and under the condition of ensuring smooth airflow, the blow nozzle can be effectively clamped on the blow nozzle connecting part. The condensing part 102 is externally attached with a semiconductor refrigeration sheet 105, and the gas detection mechanism connecting part can be sleeved on the gas detection mechanism connecting part 103. As a preferred embodiment, a preset bending angle exists in the rear section of the condensing part 102, so that the rear section of the condensing part, the gas detection mechanism connecting part, the gas detection mechanism and the gas collection mechanism are on the same straight line, which is convenient for the subject to hold, and the front section of the condensing part, the blow nozzle connecting part and the blow nozzle are on the same straight line, the preset bending angle is an obtuse angle, which is convenient for the subject to hold and exhale smoothly. As a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet and outlet mechanism is a connecting pipe 109 made of quartz, in order to facilitate processing and attachment of the semiconductor refrigeration sheet, the cross section of the condensing part as a whole is a polygon, and further can be a regular polygon with the same cross-sectional area. In the embodiment, the semiconductor refrigeration sheet is attached symmetrically on both sides of the condensing part in two groups.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5As shown, in addition to the thermoelectric cooler attached to both sides of the condenser section, there are also thermistors 107 for real-time measurement of the temperature of the condenser section 102, heat sinks 108 for dissipating heat from the thermoelectric cooler, and cooling fans 106. In this embodiment, the thermistors are high-precision thermistors with an accuracy of 1%, wrapped with insulating material. One side of the thermoelectric cooler is the cooling end, and the other side is the heat dissipation end. The cooling end of the thermoelectric cooler is attached to the quartz body, and the heat dissipation end of the thermoelectric cooler is attached to the heat transfer end of the heat sink through thermally conductive silicone. The cooling fan is placed on the heat dissipation end of the heat sink. The cooling fan has a speed adjustment function. Under the control of the main processor, the higher the fan speed, the more obvious the heat dissipation effect. The heat dissipation end of the heat sink has a grid-like metal serration. The overall thermoelectric cooler temperature control system consists of a closed-loop feedback network composed of the thermistors and the thermoelectric cooler. The refrigeration module control board 110 controls this device through a PID algorithm and is connected to the main processor through the refrigeration module connector 111. The temperature control accuracy can reach 0.01 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment, a 5V DC cooling fan can be selected. The fan has threaded holes, and the fans, semiconductor cooling chips and other mechanisms on both sides are fixed to the condenser section by tightening the bolts.

[0035] By adjusting the cooling temperature of the semiconductor refrigeration chip to the dew point temperature of water vapor at this atmospheric pressure, the water vapor exhaled by the subject can be rapidly liquefied at the front end of the condenser, effectively removing water vapor from the exhaled breath. Depending on the specific experimental requirements, the preset percentage of water vapor dehumidification and the cooling temperature will vary. In this embodiment, the cooling temperature is controlled between 10°C and -10°C, and the preset percentage of water vapor dehumidification is 50% to 80%, or higher.

[0036] After the alveolar air is collected from one subject and before the next subject's exhalation is collected, a heating device is provided on the condenser section to rapidly vaporize and condense the liquid water. In this preferred embodiment, each group of thermoelectric coolers consists of two units arranged in opposite directions. One thermoelectric cooler has its cooling end attached to the quartz body, and the other has its heat dissipation end attached to the quartz body. When the voltage is positive, one thermoelectric cooler cools; when the voltage is negative, one thermoelectric cooler heats. Alternatively, grooves to accommodate the heating element can be machined on both sides of the quartz body in the condenser section. The main processor controls the heating element to heat the water. While this improves the vaporization of water vapor, it also reduces the lifespan of the thermoelectric cooler. A suitable heating method should be selected based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] like Figure 6As shown, the sensor includes a CO2 sensor 201 and / or a flow sensor 202, which are respectively fixed to the main support of the gas detection mechanism via a connecting corner joint 203 and a sensor connecting joint 204. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide sensor adopts the principle of non-dispersive infrared, and the model can be C500 or C600. In this embodiment, the flow sensor can be a gas pressure sensor, such as MPXV7002DP. To facilitate sensor monitoring, the gas detection mechanism is made of transparent material, specifically plastic. Exhaled water vapor will produce breath when it encounters the plastic layer, so the liquefied water vapor indirectly enhances the detection accuracy of the sensor. To further enhance the detection accuracy, the contact side between the gas detection mechanism and the sensor probe is set as a light window structure, that is, a spherical / arc surface from the inside to the outside, or a convex lens surface that is thicker in the center and thinner at the edges according to a preset ratio, which has higher transparency. In this embodiment, the diameter of the gas passage is 4mm. In other embodiments, it can be adjusted within a certain range. In order to enhance the stability of the structure, plastic reinforcing ribs are fixed to the upper and lower sides of the light window. The plastic reinforcing ribs are square or semi-enclosed square or other stable structures, and one side is fixed to the main housing of the device or other stable mechanism.

[0038] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the rotary valve is one of the main innovations of this invention. Depending on the usage, it can be divided into two possible structural forms. Form A rotary valve includes a rigid main body 303 and a valve body that can rotate within the main body. The main body has a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse backflush gas passage. The backflush gas passage is connected to the longitudinal gas passage. The bottom of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collection mechanism. The valve body includes a first diverting valve 302. The gas collection mechanism includes a sampler connector 401. The gas collection container includes a collection container connector 402 that can be detachably connected to it. After the two are connected, breathing gas can be collected. The first diverting valve is located between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the backflush gas passage. One end of the first diverting valve is connected to the first motor 304, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body.

[0039] The B-type rotary valve includes a rigid main body and a valve body that can rotate within the main body. The main body has a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse backflush gas passage, which are connected to the longitudinal gas passage. The bottom of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collection mechanism. In this embodiment, the gas collection mechanism is connected to a detachable sampling bag to facilitate subsequent analysis of the sampled gas in the bag. The valve body includes a first diverter valve and a second diverter valve. The first diverter valve is located between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the backflush gas passage, and the second diverter valve is located between the backflush gas passage and the lower longitudinal gas passage. One end of the first diverter valve is connected to a first motor, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body. One end of the second diverter valve is connected to a second motor, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body. To facilitate fine-tuning of the rotation angle of the rotary valve body, this embodiment uses a geared motor. The specific reduction ratio can be selected according to actual conditions; for example, this embodiment uses models of 1:380 and 1:1000.

[0040] The first steering valve is a cylinder longitudinally cut by at least one plane. The second steering valve is also cylindrical in shape and includes a detection mechanism. A groove is formed in the main body to accommodate the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism emits light under the control of the main processor and identifies the rotation state of the steering valve based on the light's penetration through the positioning hole. The positioning hole of the first steering valve includes a first positioning through-hole that penetrates its cut surface and is at a certain distance from the air passage of the first steering valve. In this embodiment, the detection mechanism is an optocoupler switch. In optional embodiments, there may be one or two planes. If there are two planes, the two cut planes are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal section of the cylinder passing through its center, i.e., they are oblong. If the cylinder is cut by two planes, there can be one positioning hole. If it is cut by one plane, there can be at least two positioning holes. The second positioning hole is on the same plane as the first positioning hole and has a preset angle. In other optional embodiments, there can be more positioning holes for more accurate positioning, such as a third positioning hole. The third positioning hole is spatially perpendicular to the first positioning hole. The distance between the second positioning hole and the first positioning hole is different. That is, the second positioning hole is set on the side closer to the cutting surface or on the cylindrical body closer to the non-cutting surface.

[0041] A motor support frame is also provided on the outside of the valve body and motor. The motor support frame 305 is fixedly connected to the main body by a mounting nut 306. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft matches the inner diameter of the slot in the plastic valve body. The materials of the rotating valve body and the main body may be the same or different. If they are different, the main body can be made of PK material (polyketone) as the stator, and the rotating valve body can be made of plastic as the rotor. A metal rotating shaft is inlaid on the side connected to the motor. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft matches the inner diameter of the slot in the plastic valve body. In this embodiment, copper is selected as the rotor. The metal rotating shaft ensures sufficient rigidity and can also effectively prevent the motor's lubricating oil from flowing into the gas passage. If they are the same, other feasible materials, including ceramic, can be selected.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown, the backflush mechanism includes a miniature air pump 501, the exhaust port of which is connected to the backflush gas passage via an air pipe connector 503, and a backflush mechanism filter 502 for purifying air can also be installed therein.

[0043] like Figure 10 As shown, to better facilitate human-computer interaction, the entire device uses a full-color LED screen with touch functionality to display monitorable values ​​such as the condenser temperature and sensor readings. The LED screen not only displays information but also has touch functionality. By clicking on corresponding locations on the LED screen, different commands are issued. Specifically, when the "Collection" option is touched, the device first completes a self-test, meaning the rotary valve rotates at least one full turn. The detection mechanism determines its rotation position. Then, the semiconductor cooling chip operates, and the sensor detects the type of exhaled air. Once a preset standard is reached, the rotary valve rotates to a preset angle to begin collection. When the "Backflush" option is touched, the rotary valve rotates until the airway is clear, the backflush pump operates, and the heating mechanism of the condenser section operates. This can be adjusted to quick cleaning or high-intensity cleaning, with different cleaning times, or a preset backflush time can be set.

[0044] The entire device is encapsulated in a main housing, which also houses a lithium battery for powering the electrical components. In this embodiment, the main housing features a streamlined design for easy gripping, conforming to ergonomic principles. The upper end of the main housing is a mouthpiece connection, with a diameter either a customized version designed for actual use or a universal version conforming to the output diameter of most mouthpieces on the market. The main housing includes a first housing and a second housing, with the second housing detachably connected to the first housing. A groove for accommodating a filter is formed on the back of the first housing. The filter is connected to the output pipe of a micro air pump via upper and lower connectors. A main support frame is located inside the first housing; the aforementioned stabilizing mechanisms can be based on this main support frame. The main body of the main support frame supports the circuit board, while its front supports the display screen. A through hole is also provided on the back of the first housing for connecting an external data cable. The built-in main processor is upgradeable; technicians can upgrade the device through the data cable jack, thereby enabling the product to have more functions. The first housing contains a rechargeable battery, and the housing also has a charging port corresponding to the location of the rechargeable battery. In this embodiment, the standards for the rechargeable battery and the charger can refer to the national standard for mobile phone chargers.

[0045] Both the air pump and the drying air pump of the backflush mechanism can be 12V brushless motor air pumps with a flow rate range of 1000mL / min-2000mL / min. The filter of the backflush mechanism can be SMC ZFC54 or ZFC53, and the filter needs to be replaced after one month of continuous use. The quick connector female includes a female housing, which is integrally formed. The female housing is screwed to the air bag connecting nut 404 of the sampling air bag or the drying / charging base via external threads. The end of the screwed part is a flange, which can contact the pushing part of the quick connector male. Above the flange is an extension part that can extend into the quick connector male. The extension part is equipped with a sealing ring. The female housing contains the same spring core, which is similar in principle to the quick connector male.

[0046] The specific use of Embodiment 1 of this invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Before using the device, first reset the device via the LED screen, i.e., the flat side of the first rotary valve faces upward, the micro air pump of the backflush mechanism is turned off, and other electrical components are in standby mode. Step 2: Before the subject prepares to exhale, turn on the sensor and the semiconductor cooling chip. Step 3: Install the collection container, and after the subject installs the mouthpiece, exhale into the device. The exhaled air passes through the condensation section to remove most of the water vapor. Under the detection of the CO2 sensor and / or flow sensor, it is determined whether the exhaled air is dead space gas or alveolar gas. If it is dead space gas, it flows out of the device along the gas passage and the plane of the first diverting valve; if it is alveolar gas, the main processor controls the first rotary valve to form a passage for gas collection. Step 4: After reaching the preset target, remove the gas collection bag. Step 5: Before the next subject exhales, turn on the micro air pump, the air passage of the first rotary valve is vertical, and at the same time, turn on the heating mechanism to quickly remove the residual liquid in the condensation section.

[0047] The specific use of Embodiment 2 of this invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Before using the device, first reset the device via the LED screen, i.e., the flat side of the first rotary valve faces upward, the air hole of the second rotary valve is in a longitudinal (or transverse) state, the micro air pump of the backflush mechanism is turned off, and other electrical components are in standby mode. Step 2: Before the subject prepares to exhale, turn on the sensor and the semiconductor cooling chip. Step 3: After the subject installs the mouthpiece, exhale into the device. The exhaled air passes through the condensation section to remove most of the water vapor. Under the detection of the CO2 sensor and / or flow sensor, it is detected whether the exhaled air is dead space gas or alveolar gas. If it is dead space gas, it flows out of the device along the gas passage and the plane of the first diverting valve; if it is alveolar gas, the main processor controls the formation of a passage between the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve to collect gas. Step 4: After reaching the preset target, remove the gas collection bag. Step 5: Before the next subject exhales, turn on the micro air pump, the air passage of the first rotary valve is longitudinal, and the air passage of the second rotary valve is transverse. At the same time, turn on the heating mechanism to quickly remove the residual liquid in the condensation section. For options A and B above, the selected motor can also be a 5V DC motor or a stepper motor.

[0048] In this embodiment, the processor can be an STM32 embedded low-power chip based on an ARM core. There are several methods for determining the acquisition method in the above steps:

[0049] a) When the carbon dioxide concentration is higher than the specified threshold, the rotary valve rotates to collect exhaled air. The concentration threshold can be set to 2%.

[0050] b) Flow rate can be collected by integrating time and flow rate using a flow velocity sensor. The volume of the vented gas is set to 500mL-1000mL.

[0051] c) The rotation of the rotary valve is determined simultaneously by both flow rate and carbon dioxide concentration. Specifically, if the flow rate is in the range of 3L / min-4L / min and the carbon dioxide concentration is higher than 2%, the rotary valve is selected, and the data acquisition program is executed.

[0052] After the collection procedure is executed, the rotary valve is activated, allowing exhaled air to flow into the exhaled air sampling bag. In step 4, once the preset target is reached, the gas sampling bag is removed. The flow rate can be determined using a flow sensor, based on the bag's capacity. Typically, a 2L bag volume is selected, and the sampling bag is filled with 1L to reach the preset target.

[0053] Using a flow sensor, once the gas volume exceeds 1L in the sampling mode, the rotary valve rotates. In this non-sampling mode, exhaled air cannot be inflated into the bag.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld exhaled breath collection device, characterized in that, The device includes a gas inlet / outlet mechanism, a gas detection mechanism, a rotary valve, and a gas collection mechanism connected in sequence, forming an exhaled gas passage. It also includes a sensor, a main processor, and a backflush mechanism. The sensor is located on the outside of the gas detection mechanism and is used to detect the state parameters of the inhaled air and transmit the collected data to the main processor. The backflush mechanism draws in outside air and discharges it through the exhaled gas passage from the gas inlet / outlet mechanism. The main processor can control the rotary valve to rotate based on the state parameters of the inhaled air, thereby changing the on / off state of the exhaled gas passage. The gas inlet / outlet mechanism filters water vapor from the exhaled air, and the gas collection mechanism is connected to an external gas collection container to collect the exhaled air. The rotary valve is any of the following: A. The rotary valve part includes a rigid main body and a valve body that can rotate within the main body. The main body has a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse backflush gas passage. The backflush gas passage is connected to the longitudinal gas passage. The bottom end of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collection mechanism. The valve body includes a first diverter valve and a second diverter valve. The first diverter valve is located between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the backflush gas passage. The second diverter valve is located between the backflush gas passage and the lower longitudinal gas passage. One end of the first diverter valve is connected to a first motor, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body. One end of the second diverter valve is connected to a second motor, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body. The main body of the second diverter valve is cylindrical. B. The rotary valve part includes a rigid main body and a valve body that can rotate within the main body. The main body has a longitudinal gas passage and a transverse backflush gas passage. The backflush gas passage is connected to the longitudinal gas passage. The bottom of the longitudinal gas passage is the gas collection mechanism. The valve body includes a first diverting valve. The gas collection mechanism includes a connector connected to the gas collection container. The first diverting valve is located between the upper longitudinal gas passage and the backflush gas passage. One end of the first diverting valve is connected to the first motor, and the other side has a positioning hole that passes through the main body. The first steering valve is shaped like a cylinder longitudinally cut by at least one plane, and also includes a detection mechanism. The main body has a groove for accommodating the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism is used to emit light under the control of the main processor and to identify the rotation state of the steering valve based on the state of the light penetrating the positioning hole. The positioning hole of the first steering valve includes a first positioning through hole that penetrates its cut surface and is at a certain distance from the air passage of the first steering valve.

2. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas inlet and outlet mechanism filters water vapor by liquefying it. Specifically, the gas inlet and outlet mechanism includes a nozzle connection part, a condenser part, and a gas detection mechanism connection part. The nozzle connection part is used to connect an external nozzle. The condenser part is attached to the outside of a semiconductor cooling chip for cooling. The semiconductor cooling chip is electrically connected to the main processor. The gas detection mechanism connection part can be sleeved on the gas detection mechanism connection part. The gas inlet and outlet mechanism is made of quartz material.

3. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both sides of the condenser are equipped with semiconductor refrigeration chips, and a thermistor for real-time measurement of the condenser temperature is also provided. A heat sink and a cooling fan are also provided for dissipating heat from the semiconductor refrigeration chips. One side of the semiconductor refrigeration chip is a cooling end and the other side is a heat dissipation end. The cooling end of the semiconductor refrigeration chip is attached to the quartz body, and the heat dissipation end of the semiconductor refrigeration chip is attached to the heat transfer end of the heat sink through thermally conductive silicone. The cooling fan is placed on the heat dissipation end of the heat sink, and the speed of the cooling fan can be adjusted under the control of the main processor.

4. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensors include CO2 sensors and / or flow sensors.

5. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A motor support frame is also provided on the outside of the valve body and the motor. The motor support frame is fixedly connected to the main body. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft matches the inner diameter of the slot in the plastic valve body. The rotating valve body and the main body may be made of the same or different materials.

6. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The backflush mechanism includes a miniature air pump, the exhaust port of which is connected to the backflush gas passage, and a filter for purifying the air is also installed therebetween.

7. The handheld exhalation sampling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The exhaled gas passage, rotary valve, sensor, main processor, and backflush mechanism are all encapsulated within the main housing. The main housing includes a first housing and a second housing, with the second housing detachably connected to the first housing. A groove for accommodating a filter is formed on the back of the first housing. The filter is connected to the output pipe of the micro air pump via upper and lower connectors. A main support frame is provided inside the first housing. The main body of the main support frame is used to support the circuit board, and its front is used to support the display screen. A through hole is also provided on the back of the first housing for connecting an external data cable. A rechargeable battery is provided inside the first housing, and a charging port corresponding to the location of the rechargeable battery is also provided on the housing.

Citation Information

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