Device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing. The device comprises a human model and a control system. The human model comprises a head model and a torso model. The head model comprises an oral component and a nasal component. The oral component comprises an oral simulation model, an oral trachea, and an oral atresia. The nasal component comprises a nasal simulation model, a nasal trachea, and a nasal atresia. The torso model is provided with a simulated lung and a main trachea. The control system circuit connects and controls the simulated lung, oral atresia, and nasal atresia to simulate coughing and sneezing. The device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing simulate the structure of the human oral and nasal cavities and can simulate the airflow state of human coughing and sneezing at different intensities, providing a solution for realistically simulating the airflow movement process during human coughing and sneezing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the medical and health field, and in particular to a device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, major public health incidents involving airborne transmission via droplets have occurred internationally. According to statistics, there are over 200 viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses worldwide, and respiratory diseases cause up to 4 million deaths annually, accounting for 7% of the world's total deaths. While the spread of the novel coronavirus has gradually subsided, other respiratory viruses can still be transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of viral transmission and preventing the widespread spread of public infectious diseases among the population is a key task in controlling these epidemics. Coughing and sneezing are the primary means of spreading respiratory viruses. To better study the transmission and movement characteristics of respiratory viruses, there is an urgent need for devices that simulate human coughing and sneezing. Existing devices that simulate human coughing and sneezing use solenoid valves to control the flow of exhaled air from the trachea, but these valves have resistance and cannot accurately reproduce the flow of cough air. Others use nozzles to inject air, but this cannot simulate the elastic contraction of the glottal muscles during a cough, resulting in distortion. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can simulate the airflow during a cough and sneeze. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for simulating human coughing and sneezing, which can restore the airflow state during the human body coughing and sneezing.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention discloses a device for simulating human coughing and sneezing, comprising a human body model and a control system.

[0005] The human body model includes a head model and a torso model.

[0006] The torso model is provided with a simulated lung and a main trachea; the simulated lung is provided with a pressure sensor for collecting the gas pressure in the simulated lung; the air inlet and outlet of the simulated lung are connected to the first end of the main trachea; the second end of the main trachea extends into the head model.

[0007] The head model is provided with an oral component and a nasal component; the oral component includes an oral simulation model, an oral trachea and an oral atresia; the first end of the oral trachea is connected to the main trachea; the second end of the oral trachea is open and is provided in the oral simulation model; gas is ejected outwardly by utilizing the second end of the oral trachea, and the ejected gas is ejected from the oral simulation model at high speed; the oral atresia is clamped outside the oral trachea, and is used to realize the conduction and closing of the oral trachea, simulating the elastic contraction of the muscles at the human glottis to control the conduction and closing of the glottis; the oral simulation model includes teeth and tongue, and the lower jaw of the mouth can be manually opened and closed to adjust the opening angle of the mouth.

[0008] The nasal assembly includes a nasal simulation model, a nasal trachea and a nasal atresia; the nasal atresia is connected to the second end of the main trachea, and the nasal atresia is connected to the nasal trachea, and is used to control the conduction and shutoff of the airflow in the nasal trachea and the main trachea, simulating the opening and closing of the epiglottis to control the conduction and shutoff of the airflow when a person sneezes.

[0009] The simulated lung is connected to the control system circuit. Under the control of the control system, the simulated lung inhales a preset amount of gas, generates a preset intrapulmonary pressure, and achieves an initial exhaled gas speed under different lung pressures.

[0010] The control system circuit is connected to and controls the simulated lung, the oral atresia, and the nasal atresia, and is used to obtain cough parameters and sneeze parameters, calculate operating parameters based on the cough parameters and sneeze parameters, and control the operation of the device that simulates human coughing and sneezing.

[0011] As an optional embodiment, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the nasal airway is 1 to 1.5 cm; the nasal airway is divided into a horizontal section of the nasal airway and a downward oblique section of the nasal airway; the first end of the horizontal section of the nasal airway is connected to the main airway through the nasal atresia; the second end of the horizontal section of the nasal airway is connected to the first end of the downward oblique section of the nasal airway; the second end of the downward oblique section of the nasal airway is open, and the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the downward oblique section of the nasal airway is 45° to 50° downward in the horizontal direction.

[0012] As an optional embodiment, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the nasal cavity atresia is composed of a first pneumatic cylinder and a piston arranged at one end of the first pneumatic cylinder. The first pneumatic cylinder moves under the control of a control system. When the first pneumatic cylinder is inflated, the piston moves downward, and the nasal cavity trachea is closed; when the first pneumatic cylinder is deflated, the piston moves upward, and the nasal cavity trachea is opened.

[0013] As an optional embodiment, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the oral airway is a silicone airway with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 cm; the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the oral airway is 14° to 20° downward from the horizontal direction.

[0014] As an optional embodiment, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the oral lock includes a base, and an oral trachea frame, a guide rod and two oppositely arranged second pneumatic cylinders arranged on the base, and two arc clamps are provided on the opposite surfaces of the two second pneumatic cylinders; the oral trachea frame is used to support the oral trachea; the second pneumatic cylinder moves under the control of a control system; the two second pneumatic cylinders drive the two arc clamps to move relative and toward each other to realize the opening and closing of the oral trachea.

[0015] As an optional implementation, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the oral simulation model has teeth and a tongue, and the lower jaw can be manually opened and closed to adjust the opening angle of the oral cavity.

[0016] As an optional implementation, in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the simulated lung is provided with an injection port; the injection port is used to inject substances contained in the exhaled airflow when a human body coughs and sneezes.

[0017] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a method for simulating a human cough, based on the device for simulating a human cough and sneeze disclosed in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention. The method for simulating a human cough comprises:

[0018] K1. The control system acquires cough parameters; the cough parameters include cough tidal volume, cough reflex intensity, cough reflex interval, cough frequency, continuous cough option, and number of cyclic coughs M; the continuous cough option is 1 or 0, indicating a continuous cough or a discontinuous cough, respectively; the number of cyclic coughs M is a positive integer not less than 1;

[0019] K2. The control system calculates cough operating parameters based on the cough parameters; the cough operating parameters include simulated lung inspiration time, simulated lung expiration time, and the cough pressure value P1 in the lungs;

[0020] K3. Performing a cough inhalation process according to the cough operating parameters, including: closing the nasal occlusion, opening the oral occlusion, and inhaling the simulated lung, with external air passing through the oral trachea and the main trachea into the simulated lung; after the simulated lung inhales air that reaches the cough tidal volume, closing the oral occlusion;

[0021] K4. Performing a cough gas compression process, including: performing a compression operation on a simulated lung; and stopping compression when the control system detects, using the pressure sensor, that the pressure in the simulated lung reaches the cough pressure value P1 in the lung;

[0022] K5, determine whether the continuous cough option is 0, and obtain the first judgment result;

[0023] If the first judgment result is yes, execute step K6;

[0024] If the first judgment result is no, the control system executes a continuous coughing process, including:

[0025] The oral cavity seal is opened, and after a preset amount of gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea, the oral cavity seal is closed. After the control system monitors that the pressure in the simulated lung reaches half of the cough pressure value P1 in the lung, the oral cavity seal is opened again, and gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea until the air in the simulated lung is emptied;

[0026] K6. Performing a coughing and exhaling process, including: opening the oral cavity closure, and ejecting gas from the second end of the oral trachea until the air in the simulated lung is emptied;

[0027] K7, Update the number of cough cycles , determine whether the number of coughs M is 0, and obtain a second judgment result;

[0028] If the second judgment result is yes, then end;

[0029] If the second judgment result is no, then execute steps K3 to K7.

[0030] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention discloses a method for simulating a human sneeze, based on the device for simulating a human cough and sneeze disclosed in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, comprising:

[0031] P1. The control system obtains sneeze parameters; the sneeze parameters include sneeze tidal volume, sneeze intensity and sneeze number N;

[0032] P2, the control system calculates the sneeze operating parameters according to the sneeze parameters; the cough operating parameters include the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lungs;

[0033] P3. Performing a sneeze inhalation process according to the sneeze operating parameters, including: closing the nasal occlusion, opening the oral occlusion, and inhaling the simulated lung. External air enters the simulated lung through the oral trachea and the main trachea. When the simulated lung inhales air to the sneeze tidal volume, the oral occlusion is closed.

[0034] P3, performing a sneeze gas compression process, including: controlling the simulated lung to perform a compression operation, and stopping compression when the control system detects that the pressure in the simulated lung reaches the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lung;

[0035] P4: Perform the sneezing and exhaling process, including: opening the nasal cavity, expelling gas from the nasal cavity through the trachea, simulating the complete exhalation of all lung gas to complete a sneeze;

[0036] P5. Update the number of sneezes , determine whether the number of coughs N is 0, and obtain a third judgment result;

[0037] If the third judgment result is yes, then end;

[0038] If the third judgment result is no, steps P2 to P5 are triggered to be executed.

[0039] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0040] The present invention discloses a device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing. The device comprises a human model and a control system. The human model comprises a head model and a torso model. The head model comprises an oral component and a nasal component. The oral component comprises an oral simulation model, an oral trachea, and an oral atresia. The nasal component comprises a nasal simulation model, a nasal trachea, and a nasal atresia. The torso model is provided with a simulated lung and a main trachea. The control system circuit connects and controls the simulated lung, oral atresia, and nasal atresia to simulate coughing and sneezing. The device for simulating human coughing and sneezing provided by the present invention simulates the structure of the human oral and nasal cavities and can simulate the airflow state of human coughing and sneezing at different intensities. This provides a solution for realistically simulating the airflow movement process during human coughing and sneezing, and provides strong support for studying the transmission of viruses through respiratory droplets or aerosols. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for simulating human coughing and sneezing disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating and humidifying nasal cavity simulation model disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a nasal atresia structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an oral atresia structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] 1-Human body model, 2-Control system;

[0047] 11-head model, 111-oral simulation model, 112-oral trachea, 113-oral atresia, 114-nasal simulation model, 115-nasal trachea, 116-nasal atresia, 117-temperature and humidity sensor, 118-heating plate, 119-ultrasonic atomizer, 120-water tank, 1161-first pneumatic cylinder, 1162-piston, 1131-base, 1132-oral trachea holder, 1133-guide tube, 1134-second pneumatic cylinder, 1135-arc clip;

[0048] 12-body model, 121-simulated lung, 1211-injection port, 122-main trachea, 123-pressure sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] Introduction to the background knowledge of the present invention.

[0051] The respiratory system is the collective name for the organs that exchange gases between the human body and the external environment. The respiratory system's primary function is to exchange gases with the external environment, inhaling oxygen and exhaling a mixture of gases containing carbon dioxide through metabolism. In addition to ensuring normal gas exchange, the respiratory system also regulates the temperature and humidity of the respiratory gases and protects against and removes foreign matter from the respiratory system.

[0052] Respiratory system composition.

[0053] The respiratory system can be divided into the respiratory tract and the lungs, which can be further divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract primarily includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx, while the lower respiratory tract primarily includes the trachea, bronchi, and branches of the lung bronchi. The nose is the starting point of the respiratory tract, primarily responsible for regulating the temperature and humidity of respiratory gases. The pharynx, on the other hand, belongs to both the respiratory and digestive systems. The oral cavity in the digestive system occasionally plays a role in actual breathing, and the oral and nasal passages intersect with the pharynx.

[0054] Overview of the respiratory process. The human respiratory process can be divided into nasal breathing and mouth breathing. Under normal circumstances, nasal breathing is the process of gas exchange between the lungs and the outside world through the nasal cavity. The respiratory process is divided into two steps: inspiration and exhalation. When the human body inhales, the respiratory muscles contract, the chest cavity and lungs expand, and outside air enters the alveoli. The capillary tissue metabolism produces carbon dioxide. At this time, the pressure inside the lungs is less than the external atmospheric pressure. When the human body exhales, the respiratory muscles relax, the chest cavity and lungs contract, and the lungs expel carbon dioxide and other gases from the body. The pressure inside the lungs is greater than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0055] The breathing process parameters are as follows:

[0056] (a) Tidal volume: refers to the volume of air inhaled or exhaled each time a person is at rest. The normal tidal volume range for a person is 400-500 ml.

[0057] (b) Respiratory rate: refers to the number of breaths a person takes per minute. One inhalation and one exhalation is one breath. The normal respiratory rate of an adult at rest is about 12-20 breaths / min. The respiratory rate of an adult female is about 2-3 breaths / min faster than that of an adult male. The respiratory rate of an elderly person is about 1-2 breaths / min slower than that of a young person. The respiratory rate of an infant is about 30 breaths / min.

[0058] (c) Respiratory ratio: refers to the time ratio of an inhalation to an exhalation process. The ratio of inhalation to exhalation time is about 1:(1.5-2), and the inhalation time is about 0.8-1.4 s.

[0059] (d) End-tidal CO2 content: refers to the proportion of carbon dioxide in the gas during exhalation. Under normal circumstances, the CO2 content in the exhaled gas of the human body is about 4% of the tidal volume.

[0060] The human coughing process.

[0061] Coughing is a defense mechanism of the respiratory tract during respiration. It begins with forceful inhalation, filling the lungs with air. Next, the muscles at the glottis elastically contract, closing it. The intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract, and when the intrapulmonary pressure reaches approximately 40 kPa, the glottis suddenly opens. The diaphragm rapidly contracts, ejecting air from the lungs at high speed through the mouth. This exhaled air expels material from the respiratory tract, creating a cough. The coughing process can be divided into the inhalation phase, the compression phase, and the exhalation phase. The parameters of the coughing process vary depending on age, gender, and other factors.

[0062] The human sneezing process.

[0063] When the receptors in the nasal mucosa are stimulated, the human body will sneeze, and the respiratory tract will respond in succession. Rapid inhalation will fill the lungs with gas, the epiglottis will close, the expiratory muscles in the chest and abdomen will tighten in a spasmodic contraction, and the pressure in the lungs will increase. When the pressure reaches a high enough level, the vocal cords will relax, the epiglottis will open, and the exhaled gas will rush out of the nasal cavity rapidly. The thrust of the mucus will expel the irritant from the nasal cavity.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device that simulates human coughing and sneezing.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the device for simulating human coughing and sneezing includes: a human body model 1 and a control system 2.

[0067] The human body model 1 includes a head model 11 and a torso model 12 .

[0068] The torso model 12 is provided with a simulated lung 121 and a main airway 122; a pressure sensor 123 is provided in the simulated lung 121 for collecting the gas pressure in the simulated lung 121; the air inlet and outlet of the simulated lung 121 are connected to the first end of the main airway 122; the second end of the main airway 122 extends into the head model 11.

[0069] The head model 11 is provided with an oral component and a nasal component; the oral component includes: an oral simulation model 111, an oral trachea 112 and an oral atresia 113; the first end of the oral trachea 112 is connected to the main trachea 122; the second end of the oral trachea 112 is open and is provided in the oral simulation model 111; the second end of the oral trachea 112 is used to eject gas outward, and the ejected gas is ejected from the oral simulation model 111 at high speed; the oral atresia 113 is clamped outside the oral trachea 112 and is used to realize the conduction and shutoff of the oral trachea 112, simulating the elastic contraction of the muscles at the human glottis to control the conduction and shutoff of the glottis; the oral simulation model 111 includes teeth and tongue, and the lower jaw can be manually opened and closed to adjust the angle of oral opening.

[0070] The nasal cavity assembly includes: a nasal cavity simulation model 114, a nasal cavity airway 115, and a nasal cavity atresia 116; the nasal cavity atresia 116 is connected to the second end of the main airway 122, and the nasal cavity atresia 116 is connected to the nasal cavity airway 115 to control the conduction and shutoff of airflow in the nasal cavity airway 115 and the main airway 122, simulating the opening and closing of the epiglottis to control the flow of air during a sneeze.

[0071] The simulated lung 121 is connected to the control system 2 circuit. Under the control of the control system 2, the simulated lung 121 inhales a preset amount of gas, generates a preset intrapulmonary pressure, and achieves the initial exhaled gas speed under different lung pressures;

[0072] The control system 2 circuit is connected to and controls the simulated lung 121, the pressure sensor 123, the oral cavity blockage 113 and the nasal cavity blockage 116, and is used to obtain cough parameters and sneeze parameters, calculate operating parameters based on the cough parameters and sneeze parameters, and control the operation of the device that simulates human coughing and sneezing.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the diameter of the nasal airway 115 is 1 to 1.5 cm; the nasal airway 115 is divided into a horizontal section and a downward oblique section; the first end of the horizontal section is connected to the main airway 122 through the nasal atresia 116; the second end of the horizontal section is connected to the first end of the downward oblique section; the second end of the downward oblique section is open, and the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the downward oblique section is 45° to 50° downward from the horizontal direction.

[0074] Preferably, the nasal airway 115 has a diameter of 1 cm.

[0075] Preferably, the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the lower oblique section of the nasal trachea is 45° downward from the horizontal direction.

[0076] In another optional embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a nasal atresia structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The nasal atresia 116 comprises a first pneumatic cylinder 1161 and a piston 1162 disposed at one end of the first pneumatic cylinder 1161. First pneumatic cylinder 1161 moves under the control of control system 2. When first pneumatic cylinder 1161 is inflated, piston 1162 moves downward, closing nasal airway 115. When first pneumatic cylinder 1161 is deflated, piston 1162 moves upward, opening nasal airway 115. The structure provided by this embodiment occupies a small space, is simple to control, and is easily installed on the head of a respiratory simulator.

[0077] In another optional embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the nasal cavity simulation model is also equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor 117, a heating plate 118, and an ultrasonic atomizer 119. The ultrasonic atomizer 119 is connected to a water tank 120. The temperature and humidity sensor 117 is used to detect the temperature and humidity in the nasal cavity; the heating plate 118 is used to heat the respiratory gas in the nasal cavity; and the ultrasonic atomizer 119 is used to humidify the nasal cavity. The ultrasonic atomizer 119 atomizes water and mixes it with the inhaled moisture, achieving a relative humidity of >80%. The temperature and humidity sensor 117 measures the moisture and controls the ultrasonic atomizer 119.

[0078] In another optional embodiment, the oral air tube 112 is a silicone air tube with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 cm; the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the oral air tube 112 is 14° to 20° downward from the horizontal direction.

[0079] Preferably, the oral trachea has a diameter of 2.5 cm.

[0080] Preferably, the outflow angle of the gas ejected from the second end of the oral airway is 14° downward from the horizontal direction.

[0081] It should be noted that some scholars have conducted research on the opening area of ​​the oral cavity and nasal cavity during human breathing, cough reflex and sneezing reflex. Among them, in the literature Study on the initial velocity distribution of exhaled air from coughing and speaking[J](Kwon SB, Park J,Jang J, et al. Chemosphere,2012, 87(11): 1260-1264), Kwon used a PIV instrument to measure the mouth opening angle during human cough reflex; in the literature Flow dynamics and characterization of acough[J](Gupta JK, Lin CH, Chen Q. Indoor air, 2009, 19(6): 517-525), Gupta used visualized smoke and a 120 Hz camera to measure the angle and opening area of ​​the oral cavity and nasal cavity during volunteers' breathing and cough reflex; in the literature Human exhalation characterization with the aid of schlieren imaging technique[J](Xu C, Nielsen PV, Liu L, et al . Building and Environment, 2017, 112(5): 190-199), Xu used Schlieren imaging to measure the angle of exhaled air from the human nasal cavity. Based on the above literature, the opening area during nasal breathing is 0.56-0.71 square centimeters, while the opening area of ​​the mouth during coughing is 4 square centimeters. The researchers found that due to the longitudinal asymmetry of the oral structure, the outflow angle of the mouth is approximately 14° downward from the horizontal, while the outflow angle of the nasal cavity is approximately 45° downward from the horizontal. Based on these data, a 1 cm diameter trachea is preferred for the nasal cavity, while a 2.5 cm diameter trachea is preferred for the oral cavity, with the tracheal outlet angle adjusted accordingly.

[0082] In another optional embodiment, Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of an oral lock structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The oral lock 113 comprises a base 1131, an oral airway support 1132 mounted on the base 1131, a guide rod 1133, and two opposing second pneumatic cylinders 1134. Two arc-shaped clips 1135 are provided on opposing surfaces of the two second pneumatic cylinders 1134. The oral airway support 1132 supports the oral airway 112. The second pneumatic cylinders 1134 move under the control of a control system 2. The two second pneumatic cylinders 1134 drive the two arc-shaped clips 1135 to move relative to and toward each other, thereby opening and closing the oral airway 112. When the second pneumatic cylinders 1134 are energized, the arc-shaped clips 1135 move forward to clamp the oral airway 112, closing it. Conversely, the oral airway 112 remains open.

[0083] It should be noted that, through multiple experiments, it has been verified that the arc-shaped clip has the best clamping and sealing effect under high-pressure conditions inside the trachea due to its small contact area with the trachea, compared with clips of other shapes. It can clamp the trachea for a long time without damaging it, has a short reaction time, and has achieved good technical results.

[0084] In another optional embodiment, the first pneumatic cylinder 1161 and the second pneumatic cylinder 1134 are controlled by solenoid valves.

[0085] In another optional embodiment, the oral simulation model 111 has teeth and a tongue, and the lower jaw can be opened and closed manually to adjust the opening angle of the oral cavity.

[0086] In another optional embodiment, the simulated lung 121 is provided with an injection port 1211 ; the injection port 1211 is used to inject substances contained in the exhaled airflow when a human body coughs or sneezes.

[0087] In another optional embodiment, the tidal volume of the simulated lung 121 is in the range of 1500 to 2300 ml; and the release time of the simulated exhalation is controllable in the range of 0.2 s to 0.3 s.

[0088] In another optional embodiment, the control system 2 includes a human-computer interaction unit and a PLC unit (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0089] The communication between the human-machine interaction unit and the PLC unit adopts wireless communication;

[0090] The human-computer interaction unit is used to obtain and set various parameters during the simulated person's cough reflex and sneeze reflex, observe changes in data such as the simulated person's respiratory tidal volume, respiratory gas temperature and humidity, and query historical data.

[0091] The PLC unit connects to the simulated lung, pressure sensor, oral atresia, and nasal atresia components, controlling them to perform designated actions based on operating parameters. The slave PLC unit includes digital input ports, analog input ports, and digital output ports. It utilizes a master-slave communication protocol. When a master station controls multiple slave stations, each slave station requires a single corresponding address. Once the master station identifies the slave station address of the controlled device, it can then identify the received data.

[0092] Example 2

[0093] This embodiment describes a method for simulating a human cough. Based on the apparatus for simulating a human cough and sneeze disclosed in the first embodiment, the method may include the following steps:

[0094] K1, control system 2 obtains cough parameters; the cough parameters include cough tidal volume, cough reflex intensity, cough reflex interval, cough frequency, continuous cough option and cycle cough number M; the continuous cough option is 1 or 0, indicating a continuous cough or a discontinuous cough, respectively; the cycle cough number M is a positive integer not less than 1;

[0095] K2. Based on the cough parameters, the control system 2 calculates cough operating parameters; the cough operating parameters include simulated lung inspiration time, simulated lung expiration time, and the cough pressure value P1 in the lungs;

[0096] K3. Perform a cough inhalation process according to the cough operating parameters, including closing the nasal atresia 116, opening the oral atresia 113, and inhaling the simulated lung 121. External air enters the simulated lung 121 through the oral trachea 112 and the main trachea 122. After the simulated lung 121 inhales air that reaches the cough tidal volume, the oral atresia 113 is closed.

[0097] K4. Performing a cough gas compression process, including: performing a compression operation on the simulated lung 121; using the pressure sensor 123, the control system 2 stops compression when it detects that the pressure in the simulated lung 121 reaches the cough pressure value P1 in the lung;

[0098] K5, determine whether the continuous cough option is 0, and obtain the first judgment result;

[0099] If the first judgment result is yes, execute step K6;

[0100] If the first judgment result is no, the control system 2 executes a continuous coughing process, including:

[0101] The oral cavity lock 113 is opened, and after a preset amount of gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea 112, the oral cavity lock is closed. After the control system 2 monitors that the pressure in the simulated lung 121 reaches half of the cough pressure value P1 in the lung, the oral cavity lock 113 is opened again, and gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea 112 until the air in the simulated lung 121 is emptied;

[0102] K6. Coughing and exhaling gas, including: opening the oral cavity closure 113, and ejecting gas from the second end of the oral trachea 112 until the air in the simulated lung 121 is emptied;

[0103] K7, Update the number of cough cycles , determine whether the number of coughs M is 0, and obtain a second judgment result;

[0104] If the second judgment result is yes, then end;

[0105] If the second judgment result is no, then steps K3 to K7 are executed.

[0106] It should be noted that:

[0107] The control system closes the oral and nasal closures, creating a closed space inside the simulated lung. This controls the lung's contraction, resulting in a decrease in the volume of the cylinder and an increase in pressure, as shown by the gas balance equation P1V1=P2V2. Opening the oral and nasal closures changes the static state of the cylinder's gas to a dynamic state, with the gas being ejected from the nasal or oral cavity. Cough reflex intensity includes the instantaneous flow rate and duration of the cough reflex gas.

[0108] According to Bernoulli's equation, when the gas does not exchange heat with the outside world, and the friction loss between the gas and the pipe wall is not considered, the internal pressure kinetic energy of the cylinder is completely converted into the kinetic energy of the gas flow rate, and the instantaneous flow rate of the gas is The relationship equation is shown in formula (1).

[0109] (1)

[0110] Where, represents the tracheal equivalent area, is the gas density, is the flow coefficient, P represents the intrapulmonary pressure; is the standard atmospheric pressure. After obtaining the instantaneous gas flow rate, the intrapulmonary pressure is calculated according to formula (1).

[0111] Example 3

[0112] This embodiment describes a method for simulating a human sneeze, based on the apparatus for simulating a human cough and sneeze disclosed in the first embodiment, which may include the following steps:

[0113] P1, control system 2 obtains sneeze parameters; the sneeze parameters include sneeze tidal volume, sneeze intensity and sneeze number N;

[0114] P2, based on the sneeze parameters, the control system 2 calculates the sneeze operating parameters; the cough operating parameters include the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lungs;

[0115] P3. Perform a sneeze inhalation process based on the sneeze operating parameters, including closing the nasal atresia 116, opening the oral atresia 113, and inhaling the simulated lung 121. External air enters the simulated lung 121 through the oral trachea 112 and the main trachea 122. When the simulated lung 121 inhales air to the sneeze tidal volume, the oral atresia 113 is closed.

[0116] P3, performing a sneeze gas compression process, including: controlling the simulated lung 121 to perform a compression operation, and stopping the compression when the control system 2 detects that the pressure in the simulated lung 121 reaches the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lung;

[0117] P4, performing a sneezing exhalation process, including: opening the nasal cavity blockage 116, expelling gas from the nasal cavity through the trachea, simulating the complete exhalation of gas in the lungs 121, and completing a sneeze;

[0118] P5. Update the number of sneezes , determine whether the number of coughs N is 0, and obtain a third judgment result;

[0119] If the third judgment result is yes, then end;

[0120] If the third judgment result is no, steps P2 to P5 are triggered to be executed.

[0121] It should be noted that there are differences between the method of simulating a cough and the method of simulating a sneeze:

[0122] 1. The two methods have different air outlet locations. The method simulating a cough ejects gas through the oral trachea, while the method simulating a sneeze ejects gas through the nasal trachea.

[0123] 2. Depending on the cough and sneeze intensity values ​​to be simulated, the two methods require different intrapulmonary pressure values ​​and inhaled tidal volumes. The human sneeze reflex time is uncontrolled, so when the simulated intrapulmonary pressure reaches the set value during simulation, do not wait; directly open the nasal occlusion switch to exhale.

[0124] Finally, it should be noted that the device and method for simulating human coughing and sneezing disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features thereof may be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for simulating human coughing, based on a device for simulating human coughing and sneezing, characterized in that: The device for simulating human coughing and sneezing comprises a human body model (1) and a control system (2); The human body model (1) includes a head model (11) and a body model (12); The body model (12) is provided with a simulated lung (121) and a main trachea (122); the simulated lung (121) is provided with a pressure sensor (123); the air inlet and outlet of the simulated lung (121) are connected to the first end of the main trachea (122); the second end of the main trachea (122) extends into the head model (11); An oral cavity component and a nasal cavity component are provided in the head model (11); the oral cavity component includes an oral simulation model (111), an oral trachea (112) and an oral atresia (113); a first end of the oral trachea (112) is connected to the main trachea (122); a second end of the oral trachea (112) is open and provided in the oral simulation model (111); the oral atresia (113) is clamped outside the oral trachea (112) and is used to realize the conduction and shutoff of the oral trachea (112); The nasal cavity assembly includes a nasal cavity simulation model (114), a nasal cavity airway (115) and a nasal cavity atresia (116); the nasal cavity atresia (116) is connected to the second end of the main airway (122), and the nasal cavity atresia (116) is connected to the nasal cavity airway (115) to control the conduction and shutoff of the airflow between the nasal cavity airway (115) and the main airway (122); The control system (2) is connected to and controls the simulated lung (121), the oral cavity atresia (113), and the nasal cavity atresia (116), and is used to obtain cough parameters and sneeze parameters, calculate operating parameters based on the cough parameters and sneeze parameters, and control the operation of the device for simulating human coughing and sneezing; The method for simulating human coughing comprises: K1, the control system (2) obtains cough parameters; the cough parameters include cough tidal volume, cough reflex intensity, cough reflex interval, cough frequency, continuous cough option and cyclic cough number M; the continuous cough option is 1 or 0, representing continuous cough and discontinuous cough respectively; the cyclic cough number M is a positive integer not less than 1; K2, the control system (2) calculates cough operating parameters according to the cough parameters; the cough operating parameters include simulated lung inspiration time, simulated lung expiration time and lung cough pressure value P1; K3. Perform a cough inhalation process according to the cough operating parameters, including: closing the nasal cavity atresia (116), opening the oral cavity atresia (113), and inhaling the simulated lung (121), so that external gas enters the simulated lung (121) through the oral trachea (112) and the main trachea (122); after the simulated lung (121) inhales gas that reaches the cough tidal volume, closing the oral cavity atresia (113); K4, performing a cough gas compression process, comprising: performing a compression operation on the simulated lung (121); using the pressure sensor (123), the control system (2) stops compression when it detects that the pressure in the simulated lung (121) reaches the cough pressure value P1 in the lung; K5, determine whether the continuous cough option is 0, and obtain the first judgment result; If the first judgment result is yes, execute step K6; If the first judgment result is no, the control system (2) executes a continuous coughing process, including: The oral cavity lock (113) is opened, and after a preset amount of gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea (112), the oral cavity lock is closed. After the control system (2) monitors that the pressure in the simulated lung (121) reaches half of the cough pressure value P1 in the lung, the oral cavity lock (113) is opened again, and gas is ejected from the second end of the oral trachea (112) until the air in the simulated lung (121) is exhausted; K6. Performing a coughing and exhaling gas process, including: opening the oral cavity lock (113), and ejecting gas from the second end of the oral trachea (112) until the air in the simulated lung (121) is emptied; K7. Update the cyclic cough count M = M-1, determine whether the cough count M is 0, and obtain a second determination result; If the second judgment result is yes, then end; If the second judgment result is no, then execute steps K3 to K7.

2. A method for simulating human sneezing, using the device for simulating human coughing and sneezing as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The method for simulating human sneezing comprises: P1, the control system (2) obtains sneeze parameters; the sneeze parameters include sneeze tidal volume, sneeze intensity and sneeze number N; P2, the control system (2) calculates sneeze operating parameters based on the sneeze parameters; the cough operating parameters include the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lungs; P3. According to the sneeze operation parameters, a sneeze inhalation process is performed, including: the nasal cavity atresia (116) is closed, the oral cavity atresia (113) is opened, and the simulated lung (121) inhales air, and external air enters the simulated lung (121) through the oral trachea (112) and the main trachea (122). When the simulated lung (121) inhales air to the sneeze tidal volume, the oral cavity atresia (113) is closed; P3, performing a sneeze gas compression process, including: controlling the simulated lung (121) to perform a compression operation, and stopping compression when the control system (2) detects that the pressure in the simulated lung (121) reaches the sneeze pressure value P2 in the lung; P4, performing a sneezing exhalation process, including: opening the nasal cavity (116), expelling gas from the nasal cavity through the trachea, simulating the complete exhalation of gas in the lungs (121), and completing a sneeze; P5. Update the number of sneezes N = N-1, determine whether the number of coughs N is 0, and obtain a third determination result; If the third judgment result is yes, then end; If the third judgment result is no, steps P2 to P5 are triggered to be executed.

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