A non-invasive nasal cavity warming and humidifying function detector and a detection method

Abstract

The application provides a non-invasive nasal cavity warming and humidifying function detector and a detection method. The detector comprises: a gas supply part, the gas supply part comprising a gas supply channel, an air charging part arranged at one end of the gas supply channel, a first nose plug arranged at the other end of the gas supply channel, and a first temperature and humidity sensor arranged in the gas supply channel; a gas return part, the gas return part comprising a gas return channel, a second nose plug arranged at one end of the gas return channel, and a second temperature and humidity sensor arranged in the gas return channel; a mouth blowing air flow control part, the mouth blowing air flow control part comprising a mouth blowing air flow collecting part and a controller; the mouth blowing air flow collecting part, the air charging part, the first temperature and humidity sensor and the second temperature and humidity sensor are connected with the controller; wherein the mouth blowing air flow collecting part is used for collecting a mouth blowing air flow signal of a human body blowing air through the mouth, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the air charging part according to the mouth blowing air flow signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of otolaryngology testing technology, and in particular to a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing instrument and testing method. Background Technology

[0002] The human nasal cavity begins at the nostrils and connects posteriorly to the nasopharynx. The nasal cavity is divided into left and right nasal cavities by the nasal septum, which converge in the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx connects to the oropharynx. The nasal cavity is covered by a mucous membrane containing secretory glands and abundant blood vessels, especially the inferior turbinate, which has a thicker mucous membrane and rich blood vessels beneath it. This membrane warms and humidifies inhaled air. Studies have shown that the nasal cavity can raise the temperature of inhaled air from approximately 20°C at the nostrils to 35°C in the nasopharynx. Inhaled air can reach a humidity of 98% by the time it reaches the subglottic region, essentially meeting the requirements for protecting the lower respiratory tract and preventing irritation and damage caused by directly inhaling cold, dry air. To ensure the humidifying function of the mucous membrane, the nasal mucosa produces approximately 1-2 liters of mucus daily, 95% of which is water. The warming and humidifying functions of the nasal cavity are mainly achieved by the nasal septum and the inferior turbinate mucosa.

[0003] Excessive removal of the nasal turbinates due to various causes, or turbinate atrophy caused by certain diseases, can lead to decreased nasal resistance and weakened nasal warming and humidification functions, resulting in "empty nose syndrome." Patients with "empty nose syndrome" experience nasal congestion and dryness in the nasal cavity and / or nasopharynx and pharynx. Some patients also experience a feeling of suffocation, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, purulent nasal discharge, bloody secretions, foul odor, and decreased sense of smell, significantly reducing their quality of life. However, currently, there is a lack of specialized instruments for detecting nasal warming and humidification functions, both domestically and internationally, making it impossible to objectively assess the symptoms and condition of "empty nose syndrome" patients. Only some researchers in medical laboratories use temperature and humidity probes inserted deep into the nasal cavity and nasopharynx for research purposes, but this method can cause nasal bleeding, nasal pain, and a foreign body sensation in the nasal cavity, causing physical and psychological suffering to patients. Developing a non-invasive, non-traumatic, and easy-to-use instrument for detecting nasal warming and humidification functions has broad application prospects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing instrument and testing method.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problem that existing nasal cavity heating and humidification detection functions require inserting the probe deep into the nasal cavity and nasopharynx for detection, which causes physical and mental discomfort to patients.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device includes: an air supply component, comprising an air supply channel, an inflation component disposed at one end of the air supply channel, a first nasal plug disposed at the other end of the air supply channel, and a first temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air supply channel; an air return component, comprising an air return channel, a second nasal plug disposed at one end of the air return channel, and a second temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air return channel; and a mouth airflow control component, comprising a mouth airflow acquisition component and a controller; the mouth airflow acquisition component, the inflation component, the first temperature and humidity sensor, and the second temperature and humidity sensor are all connected to the controller; wherein, the mouth airflow acquisition component is used to acquire the mouth airflow signal of air blown through the mouth by a human body, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the inflation component according to the mouth airflow signal.

[0008] Furthermore, the mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device includes an airflow tube, a mouthpiece connected to the airflow tube, and a mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device disposed within the airflow tube, wherein the mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device is connected to the controller.

[0009] Furthermore, the mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device is a gas pressure sensor or a wind turbine and a speed sensor matched with the wind turbine, and the gas pressure sensor or speed sensor is connected to the controller.

[0010] Furthermore, flexible hoses are provided between the air supply channel and the first nasal plug, and between the air return channel and the second nasal plug.

[0011] Furthermore, the first and second nasal plugs are detachably connected to their corresponding tubing.

[0012] Furthermore, the detector also includes a humidifier and a heating element disposed in the air supply channel, both of which are connected to the controller; the humidifier and the heating element are located on the side of the first temperature and humidity sensor away from the first nasal plug.

[0013] Furthermore, the detector also includes an air extraction component disposed at the end of the return air channel away from the second nasal plug. The air extraction component is connected to the controller and is used to extract the gas in the return air channel to the outside.

[0014] Furthermore, the detector also includes a second inflation component located at the end of the air return channel away from the second nasal plug. Both the inflation component and the second inflation component are fans driven by a drive motor, and the drive motor is connected to the controller.

[0015] Furthermore, when air is blown into the mouth airflow collection device, the inflation device and the second inflation device can be selectively activated; or, the inflation device and the second inflation device can be activated simultaneously and the corresponding drive motors can rotate in opposite directions, and the corresponding drive motors can change their rotation direction simultaneously.

[0016] Furthermore, a humidifier and a heating element are also provided in the return air channel, and both the humidifier and the heating element are connected to the controller; the humidifier and the heating element are located on the side of the second temperature and humidity sensor away from the second nasal plug.

[0017] A non-invasive method for detecting nasal cavity heating and humidification function, using the aforementioned detection instrument, includes the following steps:

[0018] Turn on the detector;

[0019] Push the first and second nasal plugs into the nasal vestibule from the nostrils respectively.

[0020] When air is continuously blown through the mouth airflow acquisition device, the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx is blocked by the raised soft palate, with only the posterior ends of the two nasal cavities open in the nasopharynx, while the inflation device is controlled to inflate the air supply channel.

[0021] The initial airflow flows sequentially through the air supply channel, the first nasal plug, both nasal cavities, the second nasal plug, and the return air channel before flowing out; the first temperature and humidity sensor in the air supply channel collects the initial average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 entering the nasal cavity, and the second temperature and humidity sensor in the return air channel collects the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after the nasal cavity is heated and humidified.

[0022] Calculate the differences ΔT and ΔRH between the initial average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 and the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after heating and humidification. Compare the differences ΔT and ΔRH with the parameter standards to determine whether the nasal cavity humidification and heating function is normal.

[0023] Furthermore, the detection method according to claim 11 is characterized by further comprising the following steps:

[0024] Change the direction of airflow within the nasal cavity;

[0025] By blowing air again through the mouth airflow collection device, the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx is closed, and only the posterior ends of the two nasal cavities are connected to each other in the nasopharynx. At the same time, the inflation device is controlled to inflate the air supply channel.

[0026] The humidity sensor collects the average temperature and humidity T2 and the average humidity RH2 of the initial gas, and the temperature and humidity sensor collects the average temperature and humidity t2 and the average humidity rh2 after the gas has been heated and humidified in the nasal cavity.

[0027] Compare the differences Δt and Δrh between the initial gas's average temperature T2 and average humidity RH2 and the nasal cavity heated and humidified gas's average temperature t2 and average humidity rh2.

[0028] The humidification and heating function of the nasal cavity is judged to be normal by calculating the sum or average of the differences △T and △RH with the differences △t and △rh.

[0029] Furthermore, the blowing time is TQ. The average temperature and humidity of the initial gas and the average temperature and humidity after heating and humidification are calculated by selecting the temperature and humidity data corresponding to time tq. Here, tq and TQ are both time periods, with tq located in the middle of TQ.

[0030] Furthermore, the method of changing the direction of airflow in the nasal cavity includes: switching the nasal cavities connected by the first nasal plug and the second nasal plug, or inflating the nasal cavity through the return air channel while not inflating the nasal cavity through the supply air channel.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its beneficial effects are as follows:

[0032] (1) The present invention ingeniously utilizes the fact that when air is blown through the mouth, the soft palate rises and closes the passage from the nasopharynx to the oropharyngeal cavity, and the left and right nasal cavities form a loop at the posterior nasal opening. Therefore, air can enter through one nostril and exit through the other nostril. The temperature and humidity difference between the incoming and outgoing air can be calculated to evaluate the comprehensive heating and humidification effect of both nasal cavities, without being affected by the airflow in the oral cavity and trachea. Moreover, it does not require the instrument to be inserted deep into the patient's nasopharynx and oral cavity, achieving non-invasive testing and painless testing for the patient. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the inflation component is controlled by the blowing action, which serves as a foolproof mechanism to prevent the patient from stopping blowing during the test, causing the soft palate to descend, resulting in air from the oral cavity or trachea mixing into the nasal cavity and being detected, thus leading to inaccurate test data.

[0033] (2) The nasal plug of the present invention is provided with a flexible tube between the air supply channel and the air return channel, and the nasal plug and the flexible tube are detachably connected. On the one hand, it is convenient to replace the nasal plug and prevent cross-contamination of bacteria between patients. On the other hand, the direction of airflow in the two nasal cavities can be changed by crossing the flexible tube (i.e., from the left nostril into the left nasal cavity, around the nasopharynx and out of the right nasal cavity and right nostril, or from the right nostril into the right nasal cavity, around the nasopharynx and out of the left nasal cavity and left nostril). This makes it easier to detect the heating and humidification function data of the nasal cavity when air enters the nasal cavity from different nostrils, thereby making the detection data more accurate.

[0034] (3) The present invention provides an air extraction device at the exhaust end of the return air channel, which further improves the power of gas flow in the nasal cavity and makes the airflow in the nasal cavity smoother.

[0035] (4) The present invention is provided with an inflation component at the exhaust end of the return air channel, and with the support of electronic circuit, when air is blown into the mouth airflow collection component, the inflation component and the second inflation component can be selectively activated. Thus, during the secondary detection (changing the direction of air flow in the two nasal cavities), there is no need to exchange the nasal plugs. Instead, the other inflation component can be selectively activated to complete the direction of airflow, thereby realizing the detection of air entering the nasal cavity from different nostrils and the data on the nasal cavity's heating and humidification functions. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function detection method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is another flowchart of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function detection method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function tester provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. At this time, a heating element and a humidification element are provided in the air supply channel.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function tester provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. At this time, an air extraction component is provided at the end of the air return channel.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function tester provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. At this time, a second inflation component is provided at the end of the return air channel, and heating and humidifying components are provided in both the air supply channel and the return air channel.

[0042] Illustration:

[0043] Air supply channel-11; First temperature and humidity sensor-12; First nasal plug-13; Inflation component-14; Heating component-15; Humidifying component-16; Hose-17;

[0044] Return air channel-21; Second temperature and humidity sensor-22; Second nasal plug-23; Air extraction component-24; Second inflation component-25; Second heating component-26; Second humidifying component-27;

[0045] Airflow tube-31; mouthpiece-32; mouth airflow signal acquisition device-33. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. 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.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] See Figure 1 A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device includes an air supply component, an air return component, and an oral airflow control component. The air supply component includes an air supply channel 11, an inflation component 14 disposed at one end of the air supply channel 11, a first nasal plug disposed at the other end of the air supply channel 11, and a first temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air supply channel 11. The inflation component 14 inputs initial gas into one end of the air supply channel 11. The initial gas enters the nasal cavity through the first nasal plug 13 via the air supply channel 11. Before entering the nasal cavity, the first temperature and humidity sensor 12 collects the average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 of the initial gas.

[0049] The air return device includes an air return channel 21, a second nasal plug 23 disposed at one end of the air return channel 21, and a second temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air return channel 21. Initial air enters the nasal cavity from one nostril, is humidified and heated by both nasal cavities, exits from the other nostril, and then enters the air return channel 21 through the second nasal plug 23. The second temperature and humidity sensor 22, disposed within the air return channel 21, collects the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 of the air after being heated and humidified by both nasal cavities. By subtracting T1 and RH1 from t1 and rh1, the nasal cavity heating and humidification data can be obtained. This data is then compared with the standard values ​​stored in the instrument to determine whether the patient has "empty nose syndrome".

[0050] The oral airflow control device includes an oral airflow acquisition unit and a controller (not shown). The oral airflow acquisition unit, the inflation unit 14, the first temperature and humidity sensor 12, and the second temperature and humidity sensor 12 are all connected to the controller. The oral airflow acquisition unit is used to collect the oral airflow signal from the human body. The controller controls the opening and closing of the inflation unit 14 based on the oral airflow signal. It should be noted that controlling the opening and closing of the air pump based on the sensor signal is a common control method in the field of automatic control, and will not be elaborated here. It is understood that the instrument has a power module to supply power to the controller, various sensors, and the inflation unit 14. In some examples, the detector may also be equipped with a display screen connected to the controller, which can clearly and intuitively show the changes in data during the detection process and the final data.

[0051] According to human anatomy, the two nasal cavities and the pharynx converge at the nasopharynx, forming a three-way junction. When exhaling through the mouth, the soft palate rises, closing the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx. This means that only the two nasal cavities are connected in the nasopharynx, ensuring that air flows in from one nostril and out from the other, without entering the pharynx. This ensures that the temperature and humidity of the gas collected by the second temperature and humidity sensor 12 are only the result of humidification and warming through the nasal cavity. Similarly, when the user stops exhaling, the airflow signal collected by the mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device is weak or nonexistent, falling below the threshold for the controller to open the inflation device 14. Consequently, the controller shuts off the inflation device 14 and the first and second temperature and humidity sensors 12. Simultaneously, the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx opens.

[0052] The mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device includes an airflow tube 31, a mouthpiece 32 connected to the airflow tube 31, and a mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device disposed in the airflow tube 31. The mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device 33 is connected to the controller. In this embodiment, the mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device 33 is a gas pressure sensor or a wind turbine and a speed sensor matched with the wind turbine. The gas pressure sensor or speed sensor is connected to the controller.

[0053] In this embodiment, flexible tubes are provided between the air supply channel 11 and the first nasal plug 13, and between the air return channel 21 and the second nasal plug 23, facilitating smooth communication between the air supply channel 11 / air return channel 21 and the nasal cavity. It is understood that the first nasal plug 13 and the second nasal plug 23 are detachably connected to their corresponding flexible tubes, making it easy to replace the nasal plugs and ensuring greater hygiene during testing. The mouthpiece 32 is also detachably connected to the airflow tube 31. After each patient's use and before the next patient's use, a clean disposable mouthpiece 32 is used, thus avoiding cross-infection of various bacteria and viruses between patients. It should be noted that the nasal plugs and flexible tubes have heat preservation and humidity control functions to ensure that the temperature and humidity of the airflow passing through the nasal plugs and flexible tubes are not affected by the external environment or are minimally affected.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 This embodiment provides a detection method for detecting the heating and humidification function of the nasal cavity using the detector of Embodiment 1.

[0056] First, we will conduct the first step of the test. We will test the airflow entering the nasal cavity from nostril A, bypassing the nasopharynx, and then exiting through the opposite side, namely nostril B. In other words, the airflow is first warmed and humidified by nasal cavity A, and then warmed and humidified by nasal cavity B, resulting in the desired temperature and humidity.

[0057] S1. The patient should rest in the rest room for a period of time to avoid excessive fluctuations in physical data caused by exercise / activity.

[0058] S2. Turn on the detector, supply power to the controller, sensors and inflation component 14, and the instrument enters standby mode.

[0059] S3. Install / replace the disposable nasal plug and instruct the patient on how to wear it correctly, so that the nasal cavity is connected to the air supply channel 11 / air return channel 21.

[0060] S4. Install / replace disposable mouthpiece 32, hold mouthpiece 32 and blow air into airflow tube 31. The passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx is closed by the raised soft palate, and only the nasal cavities on both sides are open. At the same time, control the inflation component 14 to inflate the air supply channel.

[0061] S5. The airflow sequentially flows through the air supply channel 11, the first nasal plug 13, one nasal cavity bypassing the nasopharynx to the other nasal cavity, the second nasal plug 23, and the return air channel 21 before exiting. The first temperature and humidity sensor 12 in the air supply channel 11 collects the average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 of the initial gas, and the second temperature and humidity sensor 12 in the return air channel 21 collects the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after heating and humidifying the nasal cavity. Assuming the blowing time period is TQ, where TQ is a time set representing a certain moment to another, the calculation of the average temperature and humidity of the initial gas and the average temperature and humidity of the humidified and heated gas are both performed using data within the time period tq. The time period tq is located in the middle of the time period TQ, meaning that the data at the beginning and end of the blowing process are not used to calculate the average temperature and humidity of the initial gas and the average temperature and humidity after heating and humidifying.

[0062] S6. Calculate the differences between the initial average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 and the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after heating and humidification, ΔT and ΔRH.

[0063] After a short rest, the second step of the test is conducted. The airflow enters the nasal cavity of side B through nostril B, bypasses the nasopharynx, and then flows out through the nasal cavity and nostril of side A. That is, the airflow is first warmed and humidified by the nasal cavity of side B, and then warmed and humidified by the nasal cavity of side A, resulting in the desired temperature and humidity.

[0064] S7. The first nasal plug 13 and the second nasal plug are inserted into the nasal vestibule interchangeably. For example, during the first measurement, the first nasal plug 13 opens the left nasal cavity and the second nasal plug 23 opens the right nasal cavity. In this measurement, the first nasal plug 13 opens the right nasal cavity and the second nasal plug 23 opens the left nasal cavity. That is, the direction of airflow in the nasal cavity is changed.

[0065] S8. Repeat S4 and S5. The average temperature and humidity of the initial gas are T2 and RH2. The temperature and humidity sensors collect the average temperature and humidity t2 and RH2 after the gas has been heated and humidified in the nasal cavity. The difference between the average temperature Δt and the average humidity Δrh of the two measurements is obtained.

[0066] S9. Determine if the nasal cavity's humidification and heating function is normal. Add or average the temperature and humidity difference values ​​(△T, △RH) measured the first time and the temperature and humidity difference values ​​(△t, △rh) measured the second time, and then compare them with the disease classification parameter values ​​stored in the instrument to confirm whether the nasal cavity's humidification and heating function is normal and the severity of functional deficiency.

[0067] It is important to note that before samples and finished products leave the factory, the standard parameters for the range of differences, such as the normal range, the range of slightly missing parameters, and the range of severely missing parameters, are recorded in the controller. For example, if N samples of normal healthy individuals are collected, including the range of differences for those with normal nasal heating and humidification functions and the range of differences for those with abnormal nasal heating and humidification functions, the standards for normal, abnormal, or missing nasal heating and humidification functions are defined through the accumulation of a large amount of sample data and recorded in the controller.

[0068] It is understandable that it is also possible to measure the airflow from one nasal cavity to the other nasal cavity only once, that is, to obtain only the difference △T and △RH or the difference △t and △rh can be used for a rough judgment. In order to make the test results more accurate, this embodiment adopts the method of initial gas flowing into the nasal cavity from different sides and testing twice and calculating the average value.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] The detection method of Example 2 is adopted. This example is a further improvement on Example 1.

[0071] See Figure 4 To further improve detection accuracy, this embodiment also includes a humidifier 16 and a heater 15 within the air supply channel 11, both connected to the controller. The humidifier 16 and heater 15 are located on the side of the first temperature and humidity sensor 12 furthest from the first nasal plug 13. The first temperature and humidity sensor 12 transmits the initial gas temperature and humidity data to the controller. Based on the received data, the controller adjusts the air humidity using the humidifier 16 and the air temperature and humidity using the heater 15. This ensures that the initial gas temperature and humidity T1 and RH1 collected by the first temperature and humidity sensor 12 remain within a relatively stable, suitable, and comfortable range, preventing interference from environmental factors and ensuring accurate detection even under different environments, thereby improving detection accuracy and reliability.

[0072] Example 4

[0073] See Figure 5 The detection method in Example 2 of this embodiment is a further improvement upon Example 1 or Example 3. In this embodiment, an air extraction component 24 is provided at the end of the air return channel 21 away from the second nasal plug 23. The air extraction component 24 is connected to a controller. When the patient begins to blow air, the controller controls the inflation component 14 and the air extraction component 24 to start working simultaneously. The addition of the air extraction component 24 increases the power source for airflow, making the airflow in the nasal cavity smoother. In this embodiment, the inflation component 14 can be an air pump and the air extraction component 24 can be an air extraction pump, or the inflation component 14 can be a blower fan and the air extraction component 24 can be an exhaust fan.

[0074] Example 5

[0075] See Figure 6 This embodiment is a further improvement on the basis of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 3.

[0076] In this embodiment, a second inflation component 25 is provided at the end of the return air channel 21 away from the second nasal plug 23. In this embodiment, both the inflation component and the second inflation component 25 connected by the air supply channel 11 are fans driven by a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the controller, and the controller drives the fan to rotate and deliver air by controlling the rotation of the drive motor.

[0077] The detector in this embodiment differs slightly from that in Embodiment 2 in its detection method. In the first test, only the fan on the air supply channel 11 is activated to blow air into the nasal cavity. The air is heated and humidified in the nasal cavity and then exits from the other nasal cavity, passing through the return air channel 21 and the non-operating second inflator 25. Since the second inflator 25 is a fan, there are gaps between the blades for airflow. In the second test, there is no need to replace the nasal plug. Instead, a button is pressed to activate the second inflator 25 and deactivate the inflator 14. Air is then blown into the nasal cavity from one nostril of the second inflator 25. After being heated and humidified in both nasal cavities, the air exits from the other nostril, passing through the air supply channel 11 and the non-operating inflator 14. Similarly, the inflator 14 is a fan, and there are gaps between the blades for airflow.

[0078] When air is blown into the airflow collection device, the inflation device 14 and the second inflation device 25 can be selectively activated. This can be achieved by controlling the opening and closing of the control signal line sent by the controller to the drive motor, or by controlling the opening and closing of the power supply line of the drive motor. This is a very common technique in electronic circuits and will not be elaborated here.

[0079] In this embodiment, a second heating element 26 and a second humidifying element 27 can be provided in the return air channel to keep the initial gas temperature entering the nasal cavity from the side of the second inflation element 25 within a stable and appropriate range, so as to avoid the temperature and humidity data being interfered with by environmental factors and thus improve the detection accuracy.

[0080] Example 6

[0081] This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment five.

[0082] Both the inflator 14 and the second inflator 25, connected by the air supply channel 11, are fans driven by motors. The motors are connected to a controller, which controls the motors to rotate the fans and deliver air. The difference lies in that, during use, the inflator 14 and the second inflator 25 operate simultaneously, with their fan blades rotating in opposite directions, thus one provides airflow while the other provides ventilation. When air needs to enter from the other nasal cavity, there's no need to switch the nasal plugs. Instead, the wiring of the motors corresponding to the inflator 14 and the second inflator 25 is changed via a button, causing the motors to reverse, thus changing the airflow from ventilation to ventilation and vice versa. The motors here are stepper motors. Changing the rotation direction of the stepper motor can be achieved by changing its wiring, such as swapping A+ and A-. This technique of using a stepper motor to rotate forward and reverse, thereby switching the fan between ventilation and ventilation, is a common technique in the field of electronic circuits.

[0083] The non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device of the present invention cleverly utilizes the human body structure. When blowing air, the passage from the nasopharynx to the throat is closed by the soft palate. That is, when the user blows air through the mouth, only the two nasal cavities are connected in the nasopharynx, thus ensuring that air can only flow into the nasal cavity from one nostril and flow out from the other nostril, without entering the throat. This ensures that the gas temperature and humidity collected by the second temperature and humidity sensor 12 is only the result after heating and humidification by both nasal cavities, and can thus be used to evaluate the nasal cavity's heating and humidification function. Controlling the opening and closing of the inflation component through the blowing action is very convenient, requiring no instrument to penetrate the patient's nasal cavity and oral cavity, achieving non-invasive testing and causing no pain to the patient.

[0084] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept by means of the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device, characterized in that, include: An air supply device, comprising an air supply channel, an inflation device disposed at one end of the air supply channel, a first nasal plug disposed at the other end of the air supply channel, and a first temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air supply channel; The air return device includes an air return channel, a second nasal plug disposed at one end of the air return channel, and a second temperature and humidity sensor disposed within the air return channel; A mouth-blowing airflow control device, comprising a mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device and a controller; the mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device, the inflation device, the first temperature and humidity sensor, and the second temperature and humidity sensor are all connected to the controller; The mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device is used to collect the mouth-blowing airflow signal of the human body through the mouth, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the inflation device according to the mouth-blowing airflow signal. When a person blows air through their mouth, the passage from the nasopharynx to the throat is blocked by the raised soft palate, with only the back ends of the nasal cavities on both sides opening in the nasopharynx, ensuring that airflow only flows within the nasal cavities on both sides.

2. The non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mouth-blowing airflow acquisition device includes an airflow tube, a mouthpiece connected to the airflow tube, and a mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device disposed in the airflow tube. The mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device is connected to the controller.

3. The non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mouth-blowing airflow signal acquisition device is a gas pressure sensor or a wind turbine and a speed sensor matched with the wind turbine. The gas pressure sensor or speed sensor is connected to the controller.

4. The non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Flexible hoses are provided between the air supply channel and the first nasal plug, and between the air return channel and the second nasal plug.

5. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first and second nasal plugs are detachably connected to their corresponding tubing.

6. The non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a humidifier and a heating element disposed in the air supply channel, both of which are connected to the controller; the humidifier and the heating element are located on the side of the first temperature and humidity sensor away from the first nasal plug.

7. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes an air extraction device disposed at the end of the return air channel away from the second nasal plug, the air extraction device being connected to the controller, and the air extraction device being used to extract the gas in the return air channel to the outside.

8. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second inflation component disposed at the end of the air return channel away from the second nasal plug. Both the inflation component and the second inflation component are fans driven by a drive motor, and the drive motor is connected to the controller.

9. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When air is blown into the mouth airflow collection device, the inflation device and the second inflation device can be selectively activated; or, the inflation device and the second inflation device can be activated simultaneously and the corresponding drive motors can rotate in opposite directions, and the corresponding drive motors can change their rotation direction at the same time.

10. A non-invasive nasal cavity heating and humidification function testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The return air channel is also equipped with a humidifier and a heating element, both of which are connected to the controller; the humidifier and the heating element are located on the side of the second temperature and humidity sensor away from the second nasal plug.

11. A non-invasive method for detecting nasal cavity heating and humidification function, characterized in that, Using the detector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the detection method includes the following steps: Turn on the detector; Push the first and second nasal plugs into the nasal vestibule from the nostrils respectively. When air is continuously blown through the mouth airflow acquisition device, the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx is blocked by the raised soft palate, with only the posterior ends of the two nasal cavities open in the nasopharynx, while the inflation device is controlled to inflate the air supply channel. The initial airflow flows sequentially through the air supply channel, the first nasal plug, both nasal cavities, the second nasal plug, and the return air channel before flowing out; the first temperature and humidity sensor in the air supply channel collects the initial average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 entering the nasal cavity, and the second temperature and humidity sensor in the return air channel collects the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after the nasal cavity is heated and humidified. Calculate the differences ΔT and ΔRH between the initial average temperature T1 and average humidity RH1 and the average temperature t1 and average humidity rh1 after heating and humidification. Compare the differences ΔT and ΔRH with the parameter standards to determine whether the nasal cavity humidification and heating function is normal.

12. The detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Change the direction of airflow within the nasal cavity; By blowing air again through the mouth airflow collection device, the passage from the nasopharynx to the pharynx is closed, and only the posterior ends of the two nasal cavities are connected to each other in the nasopharynx. At the same time, the inflation device is controlled to inflate the air supply channel. The humidity sensor collects the average temperature T2 and average humidity RH2 of the initial gas, and the temperature and humidity sensor collects the average temperature t2 and average humidity rh2 after the gas has been heated and humidified in the nasal cavity. Compare the differences Δt and Δrh between the initial gas's average temperature T2 and average humidity RH2 and the gas's average temperature t2 and average humidity rh2 after nasal heating and humidification. The humidification and heating function of the nasal cavity is judged to be normal by calculating the sum or average of the differences △T and △RH with the differences △t and △rh.

13. The detection method according to any one of claims 11-12, characterized in that, The blowing time is TQ. The average temperature and humidity of the initial gas and the average temperature and humidity after heating and humidification are calculated by selecting the temperature and humidity data corresponding to time tq. Here, tq and TQ are time periods, and tq is located in the middle of TQ.

14. The detection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method of changing the direction of airflow in the nasal cavity includes: switching the nasal cavities connected by the first nasal plug and the second nasal plug, or inflating the nasal cavity through the return air channel while not inflating the nasal cavity through the supply air channel.

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