A portable device for collecting natural exhalation condensate of a person embedded in a mask

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of medical diagnosis auxiliary equipment, and particularly relates to a mask embedded natural human exhaled air condensate portable collection device, which comprises a mask and a collection mechanism, the collection mechanism is clamped on the mask through a clamping assembly, and the collection mechanism is in communication with the inner cavity of the mask; the collection mechanism comprises a shell, the shell is clamped with the clamping assembly, the shell is fixedly connected with a condensing assembly and a heat dissipation assembly inside, the condensing assembly is fixedly connected with the heat dissipation assembly, the condensing assembly is close to the mask, the heat dissipation assembly is located on the side of the condensing assembly away from the mask, and the condensing assembly and the heat dissipation assembly are electrically connected with a power supply. When the application is used, the user can collect the condensate of exhaled air in a natural breathing mode, so that the use is convenient and efficient, and the device is convenient to carry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical diagnostic auxiliary equipment technology, and in particular relates to a portable device for collecting condensate from natural exhaled breath embedded in a mask. Background Technology

[0002] Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) is a biological sample obtained by condensing aerosols / droplets and their contents from the lining fluid of the lower respiratory tract, including the alveoli and bronchi, after exhalation through the mouth and nose. Analyzing substances such as NO, H2O2, interleukins, cytokines, nucleic acids, and exosomes in EBC can reveal physiological and pathological changes in the respiratory system and even other organs, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and tumors. Furthermore, the exhaled breath of individuals infected with respiratory pathogens contains a large number of droplets / aerosols carrying pathogens / nucleic acids (such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, influenza virus, and novel coronavirus), and EBC holds promise as a new and more readily available source of samples for detecting lower respiratory tract pathogens. EBC samples have significant clinical application value in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of respiratory diseases.

[0003] Existing EBC collection devices vary significantly in portability, user suitability, ease of operation, instrument / consumable cost, and collection efficiency due to differences in cooling methods (temperature), condensation interfaces, saliva processing, and exhalation methods. Firstly, some larger EBC collection devices use compressors or high-power cooling modules to achieve sub-zero or even lower condensation chamber temperatures to improve condensate collection efficiency. However, these devices are inconvenient, bulky, and expensive, hindering widespread adoption and personal use. Secondly, existing condensation collectors are typically commercially available 50ml or other sizes of plastic centrifuge tubes. These consumables are not designed for condensation and suffer from drawbacks such as excessively thick tube walls and poor surface hydrophobicity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable device for collecting condensate from natural exhaled breath embedded in a mask, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Users can collect condensate from their exhaled breath through natural breathing, achieving the goals of convenient and efficient use and easy portability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0006] A portable device for collecting condensate from naturally exhaled breath embedded in a face mask includes a face mask and a collection mechanism. The collection mechanism is snapped onto the face mask via a snap-fit ​​component and is connected to the inner cavity of the face mask.

[0007] The collection mechanism includes a housing, inside which a heat dissipation component is fixedly connected. A condensation component is inserted into the side of the heat dissipation component near the mask. The heat dissipation component and the condensation component are fitted together. The condensation component is snapped into the snap-fit ​​component. The heat dissipation component is electrically connected to a power source.

[0008] Preferably, the mask has a fixed opening on its side wall, and the snap-fit ​​assembly includes an outer frame that passes through the fixed opening, one side of the outer frame extending into the inner cavity of the mask and snapping with an inner frame, and the condensation assembly passing through the outer frame and snapping with the inner frame.

[0009] Preferably, the condensation assembly includes a condenser, which is inserted into the heat dissipation assembly on the side near the mask, and one side of the condenser passes through the housing and the outer frame and is snapped into the inner frame.

[0010] Preferably, the heat dissipation component includes a cooling semiconductor, which is snapped into the inner wall of the housing. The cooling end of the cooling semiconductor is fitted to the condenser. The cooling semiconductor is electrically connected to the power supply. The heating end of the cooling semiconductor is fixedly connected to a heat sink. A cooling fan is provided on the side of the heat sink away from the cooling semiconductor. The cooling fan is electrically connected to the power supply and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the condenser includes an ultra-thin condensation generating plate, which is inserted into the refrigeration semiconductor. One side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate is attached to the refrigeration end of the refrigeration semiconductor. A mounting frame is fixedly connected to the side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate away from the refrigeration semiconductor. A second buckle is fixedly connected to the mounting frame through the side wall of the outer frame. A second slot is provided on the inner frame, and the second buckle engages with the second slot.

[0012] Preferably, a cooling cavity is formed on the side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate away from the refrigeration semiconductor. The cooling cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the mask. Several vertically arranged support beams are formed on the side of the cooling cavity away from the mounting frame. The support beams are arranged at equal intervals. The cooling cavity is connected to the mounting frame. The bottom end of the cooling cavity penetrates the ultra-thin condensation generating plate. A gas mixer is snapped into the mounting frame. The gas mixer extends into the cooling cavity. Several gas mixing chambers are formed at the end of the gas mixer that extends into the cooling cavity. The gas mixing chambers are arranged horizontally and at equal intervals from top to bottom.

[0013] Preferably, one side of the ultrathin condensation generating plate is connected to an outlet, and the outlet is connected to the gas mixing chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the shell has an exhaust port on the side away from the mask, and a top cover is fixedly connected to the exhaust port.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0016] The device of this invention can be embedded in a mask worn by the collector, making it simple, portable, stable, and efficient. During use, the collector operates it with a single button, exhaling (blowing / coughing) and inhaling naturally. It simultaneously collects condensate from both the mouth and nose, avoiding the discomfort and saliva contamination risks associated with mouth-held collection methods used in existing devices. The mask also filters the air, preventing interference from inhaled air with the contents of the condensate. Warm, moist exhaled air passes through the condensation component, which quickly gathers it into small droplets, which then form larger droplets for collection. The condensation component is powered by an electric motor, making it easy to carry and use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition mechanism of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the condenser of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the gas flow and heat exchange within the gas mixing chamber of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a temperature distribution diagram of the cooling semiconductor of the present invention at a certain instant within 30 seconds;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser in Example 2;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser from another perspective in Example 2;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of gas flow in Example 2.

[0029] The components are as follows: 1. Collection mechanism; 2. Outer frame; 3. Mask; 4. Wire; 5. Power adapter; 6. Power bank; 7. Condenser; 8. Inner frame; 9. Fixed opening; 10. Refrigeration semiconductor; 11. Heat sink; 12. Cooling fan; 13. Housing; 14. Top cover; 15. Gas mixer; 16. Ultra-thin condensation plate; 17. Support beam; 18. One-way valve; 19. Outlet; 20. Second buckle; 21. First slot; 22. Third slot; 23. Metal foam block; 24. Three-dimensional through hole; 25. Metal surface. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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, and 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.

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Reference Figures 1-8 The present invention provides a portable device for collecting condensate from natural exhaled breath embedded in a mask, comprising a mask 3 and a collection mechanism 1. The collection mechanism 1 is snapped onto the mask 3 via a snap-fit ​​component, and the collection mechanism 1 is connected to the inner cavity of the mask 3.

[0034] The collection mechanism 1 includes a housing 13, inside which a heat dissipation component is fixedly connected. A condensation component is inserted into the side of the heat dissipation component near the mask 3. The heat dissipation component and the condensation component are fitted together. The condensation component is snapped into the snap-fit ​​component. The heat dissipation component is electrically connected to a power source.

[0035] The device of this invention can be embedded in the mask 3 worn by the collector. It is simple, portable, stable, and efficient. During use, the collector operates it with a single button, exhaling (blowing / coughing) and inhaling naturally. This allows for the simultaneous collection of condensate from either the mouth or nose, avoiding the discomfort and saliva contamination risks associated with mouth-held collection methods used in existing devices. Simultaneously, the mask 3 filters the air, preventing interference from inhaled air with the contents of the condensate. The warm, moist exhaled air passes through the condensation component, which quickly condenses it into small droplets, which then further form larger droplets for collection.

[0036] The side wall of the housing 13 has several heat dissipation windows for better heat dissipation. The condensation component is connected to a collector, and the heat dissipation component is electrically connected to a power source via a wire 4. The power source is preferably a power adapter 5 or a portable power bank 6, which provides power to the condensation component and the heat dissipation component.

[0037] Further optimization of the design: a fixed opening 9 is provided on the side wall of the mask 3; the snap-fit ​​component includes an outer frame 2 that passes through the fixed opening 9; one side of the outer frame 2 extends into the inner cavity of the mask 3 and snaps into an inner frame 8; and the condensation component passes through the outer frame 2 and snaps into the inner frame 8.

[0038] The outer frame 2 has a second slot fixedly connected to its side wall, and the inner frame 8 has a corresponding second buckle. The outer frame 2 and the inner frame 8 clamp the mask 3 between them by engaging the second slot and the second buckle.

[0039] The design is further optimized so that the condensation component includes a condenser 7, which is inserted into the heat dissipation component on the side near the mask 3. One side of the condenser 7 passes through the housing 13 and the outer frame 2 and is snapped into the inner frame 8.

[0040] In a further optimized design, the heat dissipation component includes a cooling semiconductor 10, which is snapped into the inner wall of the housing 13. The cooling end of the cooling semiconductor 10 is fitted to the condenser 7. The cooling semiconductor 10 is electrically connected to a power source. The heating end of the cooling semiconductor 10 is fixedly connected to a heat sink 11. A cooling fan 12 is provided on the side of the heat sink 11 away from the cooling semiconductor 10. The cooling fan 12 is electrically connected to a power source and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 13.

[0041] The cooling semiconductor 10 is preferably a small electrothermal cooling semiconductor, and the heat sink 11 is preferably a copper heat sink. A cooling fan 12 dissipates heat from the heating end of the cooling semiconductor 10, achieving a continuous and efficient low-temperature state on the surface of the condenser 7. Within 30 seconds of the device being turned on, at a certain instant, the surface temperature of the cooling end of the cooling semiconductor 10 drops by more than 30°C, with the lowest temperature approaching 0°C, and the surface temperature distribution is uniform. This overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies that use a pre-cooling medium as the condensation surface, such as poor low-temperature effect and short maintenance time.

[0042] In a further optimized design, the condenser 7 includes an ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16, which is inserted into the cooling semiconductor 10. One side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 is attached to the cooling end of the cooling semiconductor 10. A mounting frame is fixed to the side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 away from the cooling semiconductor 10. A second buckle 20 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame through the side wall of the outer frame 2. A second slot is provided on the inner frame 8, and the second buckle 20 engages with the second slot.

[0043] The cooling semiconductor 10 has a third buckle on the side near the mask 3. The ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 has three corresponding third slots 22, which are arranged in a U-shape. The ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 is inserted into the side of the cooling semiconductor 10 near the mask 3 and fits against the cooling semiconductor 10. The connection between the cooling semiconductor 10 and the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 is completed by the third slots 22 and the third buckle.

[0044] In a further optimized design, a cooling cavity is provided on the side of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 away from the refrigeration semiconductor 10. The cooling cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the mask 3. Several vertically arranged support beams 17 are provided on the side of the cooling cavity away from the mounting frame. The support beams 17 are arranged at equal intervals. The cooling cavity is connected to the mounting frame. The bottom end of the cooling cavity passes through the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16. A gas mixer 15 is snapped into the mounting frame. The gas mixer 15 extends into the cooling cavity. Several gas mixing chambers are provided at the end of the gas mixer 15 that extends into the cooling cavity. The gas mixing chambers are arranged horizontally and at equal intervals from top to bottom.

[0045] A first slot 21 is provided on the side wall of the mounting frame. One end of the gas mixer 15 is fixedly connected to a first buckle, which engages in the first slot 21. A one-way valve 18 is fixedly connected to the side of the gas mixer 15 that extends into the cooling chamber. The one-way valve 18 is preferably a Tesla one-way valve structure and is set to contact the support beam 17.

[0046] After the warm, moist exhaled air enters the condenser 7 through the inlet at the upper end of the gas mixer 15, it comes into contact with and undergoes heat conduction on the surface of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 at a low temperature. The air is then agitated by the one-way valve 18, creating a turbulent flow that further promotes contact and heat exchange with the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16, accelerating the formation of a continuous condensation film. The highly hydrophobic surface with a 3D guide groove structure increases the contact and heat exchange between the warm, moist exhaled air and the low-temperature condensation surface, causing the continuous condensation film to rapidly aggregate into small droplets, which further form larger droplets and eventually settle into the bottom collection chamber. This effectively exposes the condensation generating surface, ensuring continuous and efficient condensation.

[0047] The scheme is further optimized by having an outlet 19 connected to one side of the ultra-thin condenser plate 16, which is connected to the gas mixing chamber.

[0048] The hot, humid exhaled air enters the condenser 7 through the inlet. The condensate passes through the condensation surface of the ultra-thin condensation generating plate 16 and exits through the outlet 19. It then enters an external collector or is directly connected to a relevant content or indicator detection device or reagent.

[0049] In a further optimized design, the shell 13 has an exhaust port on the side away from the mask 3, and a top cover 14 is fixedly connected to the exhaust port.

[0050] Example 2:

[0051] Reference Figure 9-11 The difference between the condenser in this embodiment and that in the first embodiment is that the condenser 7 includes a metal surface 25, one side of which is attached to the cooling end of the cooling semiconductor 10, and a metal foam block 23 is fixedly connected to the other side of the metal surface 25. The metal foam block 23 is provided with a plurality of interconnected three-dimensional through holes 24.

[0052] The surface of the three-dimensional through-hole 24 is the condensation generating surface. When the hot and humid exhaled air enters the low-temperature three-dimensional through-hole 24 structure, the hot and humid exhaled air comes into full contact and heat exchange with the low-temperature three-dimensional through-hole 24 inner surface in a turbulent manner, which accelerates the formation of a condensation film on the surface. At the same time, the strong hydrophobic surface with a three-dimensional structure modified by polytetrafluoroethylene promotes the rapid aggregation of the condensation film into small droplets, which further form large droplets and finally settle to the bottom collection cavity, thereby effectively exposing the condensation generating surface and ensuring continuous and efficient condensation.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0054] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable device for collecting natural exhaled breath condensate of a person embedded in a mask, characterized in that, Including a mask (3) and a collection mechanism (1), the collection mechanism (1) is clamped on the mask (3) through a clamping assembly, and the collection mechanism (1) is communicated with the inner cavity of the mask (3); The collection mechanism (1) includes a shell (13), the shell (13) is fixedly connected with a heat dissipation assembly inside, the heat dissipation assembly is inserted with a condensation assembly on the side close to the mask (3), the heat dissipation assembly and the condensation assembly are arranged in close contact, the condensation assembly is clamped with the clamping assembly, and the heat dissipation assembly is electrically connected with the power supply; The condensation assembly includes a condenser (7), the condenser (7) is inserted on the side of the heat dissipation assembly close to the mask (3); the heat dissipation assembly includes a refrigeration semiconductor (10), the refrigeration end of the refrigeration semiconductor (10) is arranged in close contact with the condenser (7); the condenser (7) includes an ultrathin condensation generation plate (16), the ultrathin condensation generation plate (16) is inserted with the refrigeration semiconductor (10), one side of the ultrathin condensation generation plate (16) is in close contact with the refrigeration end of the refrigeration semiconductor (10); a cooling cavity is formed on the side of the ultrathin condensation generation plate (16) away from the refrigeration semiconductor (10), the cooling cavity is communicated with the inner cavity of the mask (3), the mounting frame is fixedly connected to the side of the ultrathin condensation generation plate (16) away from the refrigeration semiconductor (10), a plurality of vertically arranged support cross beams (17) are formed on the side of the cooling cavity away from the mounting frame, the plurality of support cross beams (17) are arranged at equal intervals, the cooling cavity is communicated with the mounting frame, the bottom end of the cooling cavity penetrates through the ultrathin condensation generation plate (16), the gas mixer (15) is clamped in the mounting frame, the gas mixer (15) extends into the cooling cavity, a plurality of gas mixing cavities are formed on the end of the gas mixer (15) extending into the cooling cavity, the plurality of gas mixing cavities are horizontally arranged, and the plurality of gas mixing cavities are arranged at equal intervals from top to bottom; The condenser (7) includes a metal surface (25), one side of the metal surface (25) is in close contact with the refrigeration end of the refrigeration semiconductor (10), and the other side of the metal surface (25) is fixedly connected with a metal foam block (23), and a plurality of three-dimensional through holes (24) are formed in the metal foam block (23) and are communicated with each other.

2. The portable device for collecting the condensate of natural exhalation according to claim 1, wherein, A fixing opening (9) is formed in the side wall of the mask (3), the clamping assembly includes an outer frame (2) penetrating in the fixing opening (9), one side of the outer frame (2) extends into the inner cavity of the mask (3) and is clamped with an inner frame (8), and the condensation assembly penetrates through the outer frame (2) and is clamped with the inner frame (8).

3. The portable device for collecting the condensate of natural exhalation according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the condenser (7) penetrates through the shell (13), the outer frame (2) and is clamped with the inner frame (8).

4. The portable device for collecting the condensate of human exhaled breath embedded in a mask according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration semiconductor (10) is clamped with the inner side wall of the shell (13), the refrigeration semiconductor (10) is electrically connected with the power supply, the heat generation end of the refrigeration semiconductor (10) is fixedly connected with the cooling fin (11), the cooling fin (11) is provided with the cooling fan (12) on the side away from the refrigeration semiconductor (10), the cooling fan (12) is electrically connected with the power supply, and the cooling fan (12) is fixedly connected with the inner side wall of the shell (13).

5. The portable device for collecting the condensate of human exhaled breath embedded in a mask according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting frame is fixedly connected with a second buckle (20) on the side wall of the outer frame (2), and the inner frame (8) is provided with a second clamping groove.

6. The portable device for collecting the condensate of natural exhalation air embedded in a mask according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the ultra-thin condensation generation plate (16) is communicated with an outlet (19), and the outlet (19) is communicated with the gas mixing cavity.

7. The portable device for collecting the condensate of exhaled breath according to claim 1, wherein, The shell (13) is provided with an exhaust port away from the mask (3), and the exhaust port is fixedly connected with a top cover (14).

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