Oscillating positive pressure exhaust device

Abstract

An oscillating positive pressure exhaust device includes a housing, a top cover, and an oscillating mechanism. The housing includes a bottom wall and an upper surrounding wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an opening and an inclined surface extending downward around the opening. The top cover connects to the surrounding wall and, together with the bottom wall and the surrounding wall, defines an accommodating space. The oscillating mechanism is pivotally mounted on the housing and located in the accommodating space. The oscillating mechanism includes a swing member, a first counterweight at one end of the swing member, and a second counterweight at the other end of the swing member. The swing member has a swing arm, a first swing block connected to one end of the swing arm for mounting the first counterweight, and a second swing block connected to the other end of the swing arm for mounting the second counterweight and located at the opening. The second swing block can movably close the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device, and more particularly to an oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with increasingly severe air pollution and a significant increase in environmental allergens, modern people are highly susceptible to respiratory problems such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to excessive secretions in the lungs and airways. While coughing is usually sufficient to loosen and expel these secretions from the respiratory tract, for the aforementioned patients, coughing alone is often insufficient to clear the obstruction. To address the problem of secretion buildup, current treatments, in addition to medication, often incorporate OPEP (Open-Pulse Effusion Therapy). OPEP works by using expiratory pressure oscillations in the mouth during exhalation to separate the obstructed airway and loosen the secretions causing bronchial obstruction, allowing patients to cough up the thicker secretions, thus achieving airway cleansing and preventing lung obstruction.

[0003] Currently, Acapella (an airflow oscillation device) is commonly used in clinical practice as a treatment method. It mainly uses magnets to control the resistance of the user's exhalation. Due to its complex internal structure and large size, it is not easy to clean. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the existing PEP, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an oscillating positive pressure device that can be actuated by exhalation.

[0005] Therefore, the oscillating positive pressure exhaust device of the present invention includes:

[0006] The outer casing includes a bottom wall and an upper surrounding wall extending upward from the bottom wall, the bottom wall having an opening and having an inclined surface extending downward around the opening;

[0007] The top cover, connecting to the enclosure wall, together with the bottom wall and the enclosure wall, defines the accommodating space; and

[0008] An oscillation mechanism is pivotally mounted on the housing and located in the accommodating space. The oscillation mechanism includes a swing member, a first counterweight at one end of the swing member, and a second counterweight at the other end of the swing member. The swing member has a swing arm, a first swing block connected to one end of the swing arm for the first counterweight, and a second swing block connected to the other end of the swing arm for the second counterweight and located at the opening. The second swing block can movably close the opening.

[0009] In the oscillating positive pressure device of the present invention, the second swing block is conical with its tip facing the opening.

[0010] In the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention, the angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the axial section is between 53 degrees and 73 degrees, and the angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the inclined surface is between 10 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0011] In the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention, the angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the inclined surface is between 16 degrees and 24 degrees.

[0012] The oscillating positive pressure device of the present invention has a first accommodating groove formed by the first oscillating block of the oscillating member for accommodating the first counterweight block, and a second accommodating groove formed by the second oscillating block of the oscillating member for accommodating the second counterweight block. The oscillating mechanism also includes a first cover that closes the first accommodating groove and a second cover that closes the second accommodating groove.

[0013] The oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention has a first swing block having a plurality of first retaining ribs that abut against the first counterweight and are located in the first receiving groove, and a second swing block having a plurality of second retaining ribs that abut against the second counterweight and are located in the second receiving groove.

[0014] The oscillating positive pressure device for exhalation described in this invention further includes two pivot columns that protrude outward from the swing arm, and the bottom wall forms two pivot seats for pivoting the pivot columns.

[0015] The oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention has a swing arm that extends in the front-back direction. The ratio of the distance between the center of gravity of the first counterweight and the pivot column in the front-back direction to the distance between the center of gravity of the second counterweight and the pivot column in the front-back direction is 5:7.

[0016] The oscillating positive pressure device of the present invention has a top cover with multiple vent holes, the total area of ​​which accounts for less than 50% of the area of ​​the top cover.

[0017] In the oscillating positive pressure exhaust device of the present invention, the density of both the first counterweight and the second counterweight is greater than 2 g / cm³. 3 .

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the second swing block of the oscillating mechanism can movably close the opening. When the user exhales, the second swing block is raised and the opening is opened. The gas in the accommodating space moves towards the opening by the downward tilting design of the inclined surface. At this time, the second swing block closes the opening again, generating oscillating air pressure, which can be transmitted to the respiratory tract to cause it to expand and contract. Through the continuous operation of the oscillating mechanism, the secretions attached to the respiratory tract are loosened, making it easier for the user to cough them up. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the oscillating positive pressure exhaust device of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 It is by Figure 1 The cross-sectional view obtained by the secant line IV-IV shows the oscillating mechanism in the closed position;

[0023] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows the oscillation mechanism in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention provides an embodiment of an oscillating positive pressure exhalation device suitable for assisting a user in loosening secretions attached to the respiratory tract for coughing. The oscillating positive pressure exhalation device includes a housing 1, a top cover 2, and an oscillating mechanism 3.

[0026] See Figures 2 to 4The outer casing 1 includes a bottom wall 11, a surrounding wall 12 extending upward from the bottom wall 11 along a vertical direction D3, and an air tube 13 connecting the bottom wall 11 and extending downward along the vertical direction D3. The bottom wall 11 forms an opening 111 and has an inclined surface 112 surrounding the opening 111 and two pivot seats 113 protruding upward in the vertical direction D3. The inclined surface 112 and the opening 111 are generally funnel-shaped, and their cross-sectional area in the vertical direction D3 decreases from top to bottom. The pivot seats 113 are used for pivoting the oscillation mechanism 3. The top cover 2 connects to the surrounding wall 12 and, together with the bottom wall 11 and the surrounding wall 12, defines an accommodating space S. The top cover 2 has four vent holes 21 extending along a front-rear direction D1 and spaced apart from each other. The ventilation holes 21 are located near the opening 111. It is preferable that the total area of ​​the ventilation holes 21 is less than 50% of the area of ​​the top cover 2. In this embodiment, the total area is less than 5 square centimeters, but this is not a limitation. The number and extension direction of the ventilation holes 21 are not limited to the form of this embodiment.

[0027] The oscillation mechanism 3 is pivotally mounted on the outer casing 1 and located in the accommodating space S. The oscillation mechanism 3 includes a swing member 31, a first counterweight 32 disposed at one end of the swing member 31, a second counterweight 33 disposed at the other end of the swing member 31, a first cover 34 disposed above the first counterweight 32, and a second cover 35 disposed above the second counterweight 33. The swing member 31 has a swing arm 311 extending along the front-rear direction D1, two pivot posts 312 protruding outward from the swing arm 311 in a left-right direction D2, a first swing block 313 connecting one end of the swing arm 311 for the first counterweight 32, and a second swing block 314 connecting the other end of the swing arm 311 for the second counterweight 33 and located at the opening 111. The pivot posts 312 are pivotally mounted on the pivot seat 113. The first swing block 313 is generally cylindrical, with a recess forming a first receiving groove 313a for accommodating the first counterweight 32, and having four first retaining ribs 313b respectively abutting against the first counterweight 32 and located in the first receiving groove 313a. The second swing block 314 is generally conical with its tip facing the opening 111, with a recess forming a second receiving groove 314a for accommodating the second counterweight 33, and having four second retaining ribs 314b respectively abutting against the second counterweight 33 and located in the second receiving groove 314a. The first cover 34 and the second cover 35 respectively close the first receiving groove 313a and the second receiving groove 314a. The first retaining rib 313b and the second retaining rib 314b enable the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 to be fixedly placed in the first receiving groove 313a and the second receiving groove 314a in a tight fit.

[0028] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The oscillation mechanism 3 is pivotable relative to the housing 1 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the side surface of the second swing block 314 abuts against the inclined surface 112 to close the opening 111, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown. The oscillating mechanism 3 can pivot upwards at one end to reach the open position. In the open position, the first swing block 313 pivots downwards to abut against the bottom wall 11, while the second swing block 314 pivots upwards to separate from the inclined surface 112 and open the opening 111, as shown. Figure 5 As shown.

[0029] The first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 are both selected with a density greater than 2 g / cm³. 3 Made of the material, and the weight is selected by actual measurement and the optimal adjustment interval is 1-4G (that is, the weight range of the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 is preferably 1-4 grams). If the oscillation mechanism 3 is to form a more stable oscillation effect, the first counterweight and the second counterweight are preferably of the same weight.

[0030] Furthermore, since the angle α between the side surface of the second swing block 314 and the axial section affects the Coanda effect of the gas flow direction, it is preferable to configure it between 53 and 73 degrees. Further testing has shown that a range of 58 to 68 degrees can also be selected, thereby achieving better operational performance. On the other hand, since the angle β between the side surface of the second swing block 314 and the inclined surface 112 also affects the swing amplitude of the oscillation mechanism 3, it is preferable to configure it between 10 and 30 degrees, and even more preferably between 16 and 24 degrees.

[0031] Flow and weight test

[0032] The preferred selection relationship mentioned above can be referred to in Table 1 below. Here, it is mainly based on simulating the expiratory flow rate of a normal adult, which is 5 to 30 liters per minute, and maintaining a static expiratory pressure in the range of 8 to 18 cmH2O. For those skilled in the art, when the change in expiratory pressure (corresponding to the amplitude) is at a frequency of 10 to 40 Hz, the oscillation of 5 to 20 cmH2O can make the treatment most effective. In Table 1, A to D correspond to the different setting conditions of the included angle β of the oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of the present invention, which are 16.75 degrees, 20 degrees, 23.3 degrees and 26.5 degrees in sequence. The counterweights represent the weight selection of the first counterweight block 32 and the second counterweight block 33 (unit: grams). Table 1 shows the oscillation frequency (abbreviated as Hz, unit: seconds / time) under different expiratory flow rates (unit: liters per minute (LPM)). Under different expiratory flow rates, different frequencies can be obtained by selecting the counterweights, and the oscillation frequency can decrease when the weight of the counterweights increases. Furthermore, Table 2 shows the amplitude variation (abbreviated as PA, unit: cmH2O) under different simulated expiratory flow rates (unit: liters per minute (LPM)). It can be understood that by adjusting the weight of the counterweight, when the weight of the counterweight increases, the amplitude can have a stable increasing trend, thereby improving the oscillation effect.

[0033] Table 1

[0034]

[0035] Table 2

[0036]

[0037]

[0038] It is worth mentioning that, in order to reduce the overall size of the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention, the center of gravity of the first counterweight 32, the center of gravity of the pivot column 312, and the center of gravity of the second counterweight 33 are not collinear in the front-rear direction D1. Furthermore, to further balance the weight of the first swing block 313 and the second swing block 314, and reduce the compensation of the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33, the ratio of the distance between the center of gravity of the first counterweight 32 and the pivot column 312 in the front-rear direction D1 to the distance between the center of gravity of the second counterweight 33 and the pivot column 312 in the front-rear direction D1 is 5:7, which in this embodiment is 10mm:14mm, but is not a limitation.

[0039] The operation of the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention is as follows: The trachea 13 of the outer casing 1 can be connected to a breathing tube (not shown) for the user to hold in their mouth. Each time the user exhales, the exhaled air can push the second swing block 314 upward through the breathing tube and the trachea 13, thereby driving the oscillating mechanism 3 to pivot from the closed position to the open position. At this time, the gas in the accommodating space S is designed with a cross-sectional area that decreases from top to bottom due to the inclined surface 112 and the second swing block 314, which in turn generate the Coanda Effect, causing the gas to flow toward the opening 111. At this time, the second swing block 314 closes the opening downward, generating oscillating air pressure, which helps to loosen the secretions in the respiratory tract (especially the bronchi of the lungs), making it easier for the user to cough up the secretions. Under the continuous action of the user's exhaled air, the oscillating mechanism 3 will oscillate back and forth between the closed position and the open position, continuously generating oscillation during the operation time. Understandably, since it has been previously stated that the oscillation frequency of the oscillation mechanism 3 can be changed by adjusting the weights of the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation mechanism 3 tends to decrease as the weights of the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 increase. Furthermore, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation mechanism 3 can also be changed by adjusting the distance between the center of gravity of the first counterweight 32 and the pivot column 312 in the front-rear direction D1, and the distance between the center of gravity of the second counterweight 33 and the pivot column 312 in the front-rear direction D1, depending on the desired oscillation frequency provided by the oscillation mechanism 3.

[0040] It should be noted that the first cover 34 and the second cover 35 are mainly used in this invention to cover the surfaces of the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33. In addition to preventing them from falling off during the vibration process, they further smooth the surface, reduce airflow turbulence, reduce the problem of secretion residue, and make them easier to clean. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 are respectively tightly fitted with the first retaining rib 313b and the second retaining rib 314b and are respectively fixedly accommodated in the first receiving groove 313a and the second receiving groove 314a. If it is necessary to reduce the use of materials and reduce the structural complexity, the number of the first retaining rib 313b and the second retaining rib 314b can also be reduced or omitted in other embodiments. As long as the first receiving groove 313a and the second receiving groove 314a are respectively set to be slightly smaller than the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33, the first counterweight 32 and the second counterweight 33 can also be fixedly accommodated in the first receiving groove 313a and the second receiving groove 314a in a tightly fitted manner.

[0041] The oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with a spray device as disclosed in Taiwan Patent No. I706797. The air tube 13 of the outer shell 1 can also be connected to a breathing tube (not shown) for the user to hold in their mouth and connect to the spray device. During the user's breathing, the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention also operates during exhalation, generating oscillations to facilitate the coughing up of secretions in the respiratory tract. At the same time, part of the exhaled air is diverted to the spray device to drive the drug delivery mechanism to close. When the user inhales, the drug delivery mechanism of the spray device is turned on, and the operation of the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention is paused, thereby repeating the operation between inhalation and exhalation.

[0042] In summary, the oscillating positive pressure exhalation device of the present invention, through the second swing block 314 of the oscillating mechanism 3, can movably close the opening 111. When the user exhales, causing the second swing block 314 to rise and open the opening 111, the gas in the accommodating space S advances toward the opening 111 due to the downward tilting design of the inclined surface 112 and the second swing block 314, driving the second swing block 314 downward to close the opening 111, generating oscillating air pressure, which can be transmitted to the respiratory tract to cause it to expand and contract. Furthermore, through the continuous operation of the oscillating mechanism 3, secretions attached to the respiratory tract are loosened, making it easier for the user to cough up the secretions. Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is indeed achieved.

[0043] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A positive expiratory pressure device of oscillatory type, characterized in that, The oscillation-type positive expiratory pressure device comprises: a housing including a bottom wall and a surrounding wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the bottom wall being formed with an opening and having an inclined surface extending downwardly and obliquely around the opening; a top cover connected to the surrounding wall and jointly defining a containing space with the bottom wall and the surrounding wall; and an oscillation mechanism pivotally arranged in the containing space of the housing, the oscillation mechanism including a swing member, a first counterweight arranged at one end of the swing member, and a second counterweight arranged at the other end of the swing member, the swing member having a swing arm, a first swing block connected to one end of the swing arm for arranging the first counterweight, and a second swing block connected to the other end of the swing arm for arranging the second counterweight and located at the opening, the second swing block movably closing the opening. The weights of the first counterweight and the second counterweight are variable to adjust the oscillation frequency of the oscillation mechanism. The second swing block is conical and has a pointed end facing the opening.

2. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 1, wherein: The included angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the axis section is between 53 degrees and 73 degrees, and the included angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the inclined surface is between 10 degrees and 30 degrees.

3. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 2, wherein: The included angle between the side surface of the second swing block and the inclined surface is between 16 degrees and 24 degrees.

4. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 3, wherein: The first swing block of the swing member is recessed to form a first containing groove for containing the first counterweight, the second swing block of the swing member is recessed to form a second containing groove for containing the second counterweight, and the oscillation mechanism further includes a first cover closing the first containing groove and a second cover closing the second containing groove.

5. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 1, wherein: The first swing block is formed with a plurality of first retaining ribs abutting the first counterweight and located in the first containing groove, and the second swing block is formed with a plurality of second retaining ribs abutting the second counterweight and located in the second containing groove.

6. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 5, wherein: The swing member further includes two pivot columns protruding outwardly from the swing arm, and the bottom wall is formed with two pivot seats for pivotally arranging the pivot columns.

7. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 1, wherein: The swing arm extends in a front-rear direction, the distance between the center of gravity of the first counterweight and the pivot columns in the front-rear direction is in a ratio of 5:7 to the distance between the center of gravity of the second counterweight and the pivot columns in the front-rear direction.

8. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 7, wherein: The top cover is formed with a plurality of air holes, and the total area of the air holes accounts for less than 50% of the cover area of the top cover.

9. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 1, wherein: ​ 10. The oscillating positive expiratory pressure device of claim 1, wherein: The density of the first counterweight and the second counterweight is greater than 2 g / cm 3 .

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