Mobile high-frequency chest wall oscillation system with air cabin

Abstract

A high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system includes a garment configured to be worn around a user's chest, the garment housing at least one fluid compartment configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid compartment including a housing configured to be pulsated by the fluid.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 393,014, filed on July 28, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system, and in particular to a high frequency chest wall oscillation system with a fluid cabin.

[0004] Currently, there are approximately 30,000 patients with cystic fibrosis in the United States. Patients with cystic fibrosis are often treated with high-frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO). In addition, there are 4.3 million patients in the United States who are diagnosed with symptomatic bronchiectasis. These patients are also often treated with HFCWO.

[0005] HFCWO uses an inflatable garment that is attached to a pneumatic pulse generator through the trachea. The HFCWO system uses a high-frequency vibration machine to deliver chest physical therapy. This is accomplished by rapidly mechanically compressing the air in the fluid chamber of the pneumatic pulse generator. The compressed air is delivered to the garment through the trachea. The garment vibrates the chest to loosen mucus. The patient stops the pneumatic pulse generator at a predetermined time to cough or gasp.

[0006] Some existing HFCWO systems include a pneumatic pulse generator (APG) that rapidly inflates and deflates a garment around the torso of the person. Such systems require large amounts of air, which necessitates a large pneumatic pulse control unit. These systems are often immobile, and a small adult HFCWO system may require approximately 24.6 liters of air for one treatment cycle. Other existing systems are also heavy, prohibiting patient movement during use. For example, a voice coil actuator may account for approximately half of the overall weight. As patient targets shift toward older patients, there is a need to reduce the weight of HFCWO systems. In addition, certain HFCWO intensive therapies may be too intense for older patients. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure includes one or more of the appended claims and / or the following features, which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0008] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system includes a garment configured to be worn around a user's chest. The garment contains at least one fluid compartment configured to receive a fluid. At least one fluid compartment includes a shell. A chamber is formed by the shell. A dome is located in the chamber to reduce the volume of an air receiving portion in the chamber.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the blower can be configured to pressurize the fluid to produce a pressurized fluid. The blower can be contained in the garment. The control circuit can be configured to control the blower. The battery can be configured to power the control circuit, the blower, and the fluid pulsation generator. Each of the blower, the control circuit, and the battery is contained in the garment.

[0010] In a first aspect, optionally, at least one fluid compartment pocket may be formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment. The at least one fluid compartment may be contained in the at least one fluid compartment pocket. The size of the at least one fluid compartment pocket may be adapted so that the at least one fluid compartment may be movable within the at least one fluid compartment pocket to adjust the position of the at least one fluid compartment relative to the user's anatomical structure. The garment may include a rear portion, a left front portion, and a right front portion. The at least one fluid compartment may include a rear fluid compartment located in the rear portion. The left front fluid compartment may be located in the left front portion. The right front fluid compartment may be located in the right front portion. The at least one fluid compartment may include a plurality of fluid compartments in fluid communication with the blower. One of the plurality of fluid compartments may be fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

[0011] In a first aspect, ideally, the garment comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. At least one fluid compartment may be located between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer may be configured to be positioned against a user. The fastener of the at least one fluid compartment may be adjacent to the outer layer position. The movable membrane of the at least one fluid compartment may be adjacent to the inner layer position. The movable membrane of the at least one fluid compartment may be configured to pulsate against the user. The movable membrane of the at least one fluid compartment may be formed of a flexible material. The dome of the at least one fluid compartment may be positioned against the bottom plate of the shell. The diameter of the at least one fluid compartment may be greater than the thickness of the at least one fluid compartment. The fluid may be air.

[0012] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system includes a garment configured to be worn around a user's chest. The garment includes a rear portion. A left front portion extends from the rear portion. A right front portion extends from the rear portion. A blower is configured to pressurize a fluid to produce a pressurized fluid. The blower is housed in the rear portion of the garment. A plurality of fluid compartments are in fluid communication with a fluid pulsation generator. One of the plurality of fluid compartments is fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the control circuit may be configured to control the blower. The battery may be configured to power the control circuit, the blower, and the fluid pulsation generator. Each of the blower, the control circuit, and the battery is contained in the garment. A plurality of fluid chambers may include at least one rear fluid chamber located in the rear portion. At least one left front fluid chamber may be located in the left front portion. At least one right front fluid chamber may be located in the right front portion. At least one left front fluid chamber may be located in the fluid downstream of at least one rear fluid chamber. At least one right front fluid chamber may be located in the fluid downstream of at least one rear fluid chamber. At least one rear fluid chamber may include a rear upper fluid chamber and a rear lower fluid chamber. The rear upper fluid chamber may be located in the fluid downstream of the rear lower fluid chamber. At least one left front fluid chamber may include a left front upper fluid chamber and a left front lower fluid chamber. The left front upper fluid chamber may be located in the fluid downstream of the left front lower fluid chamber. At least one right front fluid chamber may include a right front upper fluid chamber and a right front lower fluid chamber. The right front upper fluid chamber may be located in the fluid downstream of the right front lower fluid chamber.

[0014] In a second aspect, optionally, a plurality of fluid compartments may include an upper fluid compartment and a lower fluid compartment. The pressurized fluid flow to the upper fluid compartment may be configured to be deactivated. A plurality of fluid compartments may be filled to a predetermined fluid pressure. A plurality of fluid compartment bags may be formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment. Each of the plurality of fluid compartments may be accommodated in one of the plurality of fluid compartment bags. The size of each of the plurality of fluid compartment bags may be adapted to allow the corresponding fluid compartment to be movable within the corresponding fluid compartment bag to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid compartment relative to the user's anatomical structure. A fluid pulsation generator may be configured to pulsate the pressurized fluid to pulsate the plurality of fluid compartments. Each of the plurality of fluid compartments may include a movable membrane configured to be pulsated by the pressurized fluid. Each of the plurality of fluid compartments may include an internal dome located in the chamber for reducing the volume of the air receiving portion in the chamber. The fluid may be air.

[0015] Additional features (including those listed above and / or those listed in the claims) may constitute patentable subject matter alone or in combination with any other features, and these additional features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the following exemplary embodiments illustrating the best way to implement the disclosed embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 For use Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a blower system of the illustrated system, the blower system being configured to be received in a garment;

[0019] Figure 3 For use Figure 1 a perspective side cutaway view of a fluid compartment of the illustrated system;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A side elevation view of the fluid compartment shown in the rest configuration;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 3 a side elevation view of the fluid compartment shown in an inflated configuration;

[0022] Figure 6 According to one embodiment, Figure 1 a front elevation view of a garment of the system shown;

[0023] Figure 7 According to another embodiment, Figure 1 a front elevation view of a garment of the system shown;

[0024] Figure 8 According to yet another embodiment, Figure 1 a front elevation view of a garment of the system shown;

[0025] Fig. 9 According to yet another embodiment, Figure 1 a front elevation view of a garment of the system shown;

[0026] Fig.10 According to another embodiment, Figure 1 a front elevation view of a garment of the system shown;

[0027] Fig.11 A front view of the target vibration zone of the garment described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The HFCWO device 10 of the present disclosure helps patients clear retained secretions. The device 10 uses high-frequency chest wall oscillation technology to expel mucus on the bronchial walls. The device 10 can also transfer secretions and mucus from small airways to large airways so that they can be cleared by coughing. Compared with existing devices, the device 10 is lighter and more comfortable, and can meet the needs of the bronchiectasis patient population (mainly elderly patients over 60 years old). Generally, the mucus viscosity of bronchiectasis patients is lower than that of cystic fibrosis patients. Accordingly, bronchiectasis patients may not need high intensity and high frequency. In addition, bronchiectasis patients are usually elderly women and may prefer the lower settings of the HFCWO device for better comfort. In addition, bronchiectasis most commonly affects the lower lobes of the patient's lungs. It should be understood that the device 10 can be used to treat cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases.

[0029] The device 10 includes eight fluid chambers for providing vibrations to the patient's chest wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid is air, but other fluids are also contemplated. The fluid chambers described herein include small fluid bags that provide concentrated vibration areas for the patient's upper and lower lobes. The fluid chambers can be inflated by a small blower and a microfluid pulsation generator powered by a small lithium-ion battery. The reason why the microfluid pulsation generator can be used is that the volume of the fluid chamber is much smaller than that of the existing HFCWO device. After power is turned on, the blower fills the fluid pulsation generator and the fluid chamber to a predetermined air pressure. When treatment begins, the fluid pulsation generator pulsates at a set frequency. Using fluid chambers instead of voice coil actuators can reduce the weight of the device. Compared with existing HFCWO devices, the fluid chambers can also provide more comfortable and gentler treatment.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , the device 10 includes a control circuit 12 having a mainboard 14. A battery 16 is electronically coupled to the mainboard 14 to power the device 10. The battery 16 can be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Other types of batteries are also contemplated. A controller 18 enables a user to control the device 10. The controller 18 enables a user to activate the device 10 and change the settings of the device 10. For example, the frequency and intensity of the device 10 can be changed with the controller 18. The blower 32 pressurizes a fluid (e.g., air) to produce a pressurized fluid. The controller 18 enables a user to change the speed of the blower 32, thereby changing the pressure of the pressurized fluid. The blower 32 is also configured to fill a plurality of fluid compartments 40 to a predetermined pressure. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the fluid chamber 40 is square and has dimensions of approximately 150 mm×150 mm×15 mm. Figure 1 The square fluid chamber 40 shown can be replaced by Figure 3 The fluid compartment 100 shown. The fluid system 20 also includes a fluid pulsation generator 34, which is also filled to a predetermined pressure by the blower 32. The fluid pulsation generator 34 is coupled to the blower 32 through a hose 50. The hose 52 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 to a plurality of hoses 54, and the plurality of hoses 54 extend to the fluid compartment 40 and are in fluid communication with the fluid compartment 40. The fluid pulsation generator 34 is configured to pulsate the pressurized fluid in the fluid compartment 40 at a predetermined frequency and intensity. In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 All components shown are sized and shaped to be accommodated in the garment worn by the patient described below.

[0031] Figure 2An embodiment of the device 10 is shown in which the fluid system 20 further includes an accumulator 50, which is fluidically coupled to the fluid chamber 40 via a hose 52. The accumulator 50 is sized and shaped to be accommodated in a garment worn by a patient as described below. The outlet 52 of the blower 32 is separated from the accumulator 50 via a solenoid valve 54. The solenoid valve 54 opens to allow fluid to be discharged from the blower 32 into the accumulator 50. The solenoid valve 54 controls the pressure, flow rate, and frequency of the fluid in the system 10. The inlet 56 of the blower 32 is separated from the accumulator 50 via a solenoid valve 58. The solenoid valve 58 opens to allow fluid to be drawn from the air accumulator 50 back to the blower 32. The inlet 60 is also in fluid communication with the inlet 56 and includes a valve 62 that regulates the flow of fluid into and out of the system 10. The outlet 64 includes a valve 66, the opening of which allows the system 10 to quickly release fluid. The valve 66 also regulates the internal pressure of the system. The valves described herein may be controlled by controller 18 to provide a predetermined fluid pressure and a predetermined fluid pulsation frequency and intensity.

[0032] Accordingly, the blower 32 supplies fluid to and extracts fluid from the accumulator 50. Solenoid valves 54 and 58 control the flow of fluid into and out of the accumulator 50. The accumulator 50 distributes fluid to the fluid chamber 40 through the hose 70. The fluid is distributed into the fluid chamber 40 at a predetermined pressure, frequency, and intensity, causing the fluid chamber to pulsate against the patient's chest, thereby loosening the mucus in the patient's lungs. Either hose 70 can be sealed when not in use. The sensor 72 can be used to provide feedback to the controller 18 regarding the pressure and temperature of the fluid.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 , the fluid compartment 100 can be connected with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fluid capsule 100 is used in conjunction with the device 10 shown. The diameter 130 of the fluid capsule 100 can be greater than the thickness 132 of the fluid capsule 100. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the diameter 130 of the fluid capsule 100 is 103 mm and the thickness 132 of the fluid capsule 100 is 25 mm. In other embodiments, the fluid capsule 100 has any suitable size. Multiple fluid capsules 100 are configured to be accommodated in the following clothing and receive fluid from the fluid system 20. Each fluid capsule 100 includes a shell 152. In an exemplary embodiment, the shell 152 is cylindrical. It should be understood that the shell 152 can have other shapes.

[0034] The flange 154 is positioned along the housing 152. The flange 154 includes a groove 156 that holds the fluid capsule 100 and allows the fluid capsule 100 to move in the fluid bag 250, as described below. The housing 152 is integrally formed with a base plate 160 that extends along the bottom of the fluid capsule 100. The movable membrane 104 is coupled to the housing 152 by the clamp 102. The movable membrane 104 can be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone. The movable membrane 104 is configured to be pulsated by the fluid system 20. The movable membrane 104 is in a rest position (such as Figure 4 As shown, the movable film 104 is deflated) and the inflated position (as shown Figure 5 The movable membrane 104 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the inner layer of the garment, as described below. The movable membrane 104 is configured to pulsate against the patient when the patient wears the garment. In some embodiments, the housing 152 includes a flexible material configured to pulsate between a rest position and an inflated position.

[0035] The hook and loop fastener 106 is coupled to the housing 152 and extends along the bottom plate 160 so that the fluid chamber 100 can be held in place within the fluid chamber bag 250, as described below. The chamber 110 includes an air receiving portion 112. The housing 152 includes an inlet 170 in fluid communication with the air receiving portion 112 of the chamber 110. An inner tube 172 of the inlet 170 is integrally formed with the inner ring 152. An outer tube 174 extends around the inner tube 172 and forms a groove 174 at an end 176 of the inlet 170. The hose 154 can be configured to be positioned in the groove 174. Alternatively, the hose 154 can be positioned above the outer tube 174.

[0036] The dome 120 is located in the chamber 110 and is positioned against the back plate 106. The dome 120 can be formed of polystyrene foam. Fluid flowing into the chamber 110 of the fluid chamber 100 fills the chamber 110 between the dome 120 and the movable membrane 104 to cause the movable membrane 104 to pulsate. The dome 120 reduces the volume of the air receiving portion 112 in the chamber 110, optimizing the inflation pressure of the movable membrane 104. An additional port 600 extends from the housing 152 so that an additional fluid chamber 100 can be coupled downstream of any fluid chamber 100, as described below. The additional port 600 can be sealed when not in use.

[0037] Reference Figure 6 , the garment 200 may be configured with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device shown is used in conjunction with the garment 200. The garment 200 is configured to be worn around a user's chest (not shown). Figure 6Shown is a front view of a garment 200 or the inside 202 of a garment 200. It should be understood that the relative outside (not shown) of the garment 200 is configured to be positioned against the user. The garment 200 includes a rear portion 210. A left front portion 212 extends from the rear portion 210. A right front portion 214 also extends from the rear portion 210. The rear portion 210 is configured to be positioned against the user's back. The left front portion 212 and the right front portion 214 are configured to wrap the user and position against the user's chest. A pair of back lapels 220 extend from the top edge 222 of the rear portion 210. The left lapels 224 extend from the top edge 226 of the left front portion 212. The right lapels 228 extend from the top edge 230 of the right front portion 214. In the case where the left front portion 212 and the right front portion 214 wrap the user, each back lapels 220 can be adjustably attached to one of the left lapels 224 and the right lapels 228 to fasten the garment 200 to the user. The back 220, the left 224 and the right 228 can include fastening mechanisms for fastening to each other. For example, the fastening mechanism can be a hook fastener. In other embodiments, the fastening mechanism can be a buckle, a snap, etc. The garment 200 has a left boundary 400, a right boundary 402, an upper boundary 404 and a lower boundary 406.

[0038] The garment 200 comprises an outer layer 240 and an inner layer 242 (represented by dotted lines). The inner layer 242 is configured to be positioned against the user. The control circuit 12 and the fluid system 20 are positioned adjacent to the bottom 244 of the rear portion 210. The control circuit 12 and the fluid system 20 are accommodated between the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 240. In the whole garment 200, the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 240 form a fluid compartment bag 250 that accommodates each fluid compartment 100. The size of each fluid compartment bag 250 is adapted to enable the corresponding fluid compartment 100 to move in the fluid compartment bag 250 to adjust the position of the fluid compartment 100 relative to the user's anatomical structure. That is, the edge 252 of the fluid compartment 250 is positioned in the groove 156 of the fluid compartment 100 to keep the fluid compartment 100 and allow the fluid compartment 100 to move back and forth in the fluid compartment 250. The fluid compartment 100 is fixed in place in the fluid compartment 250 by being coupled to the fastener 106 by a hook and loop fastener. The fluid bags 250 are arranged horizontally and allow the corresponding fluid chamber 100 to move horizontally. In this illustrative embodiment, the fluid bags 250 prevent the fluid chamber 100 from moving vertically. For example, Fig.11 Targeted vibration zones 260 for female anatomy are shown, with upper targeted vibration zone 262 positioned above a female breast and lower targeted vibration zone 264 positioned below a female breast. In one embodiment, all fluid bags 250 have substantially the same size and dimensions.

[0039] The fluid compartment pockets 250 include an upper left rear fluid compartment pocket 270, a lower left rear fluid compartment pocket 272, an upper right rear fluid compartment pocket 274, and a lower right rear fluid compartment pocket 276 in the rear portion 210 of the garment 200. The fluid compartment pockets 250 also include an upper left front fluid compartment pocket 280 and a lower left front fluid compartment pocket 282 in the left front portion 212 of the garment 200. An upper right front fluid compartment pocket 284 and a lower right front fluid compartment pocket 286 are positioned in the right front portion 214 of the garment 200.

[0040] A plurality of fluid chambers 100 are positioned in corresponding fluid chamber bags 250 and are in fluid communication with the blower 32 and the fluid pulsation generator 34. At the rear portion 210 of the garment 200, the upper left rear fluid chamber 300 is positioned in the upper left rear fluid chamber bag 270, and the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 is positioned in the lower left rear fluid chamber bag 272. At the rear portion 210 of the garment 200, the upper right rear fluid chamber 314 is positioned in the upper right rear fluid chamber bag 274, and the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 is positioned in the lower right rear fluid chamber bag 276. At the left front portion 212 of the garment 200, the upper left front fluid chamber 318 is positioned in the upper left front fluid chamber bag 280, and the lower left front fluid chamber 320 is positioned in the lower left front fluid chamber bag 282. In the right front portion 214 of the garment 200 , the upper right front fluid compartment 322 is positioned in the upper right front fluid compartment pocket 284 , and the lower right front fluid compartment 324 is positioned in the lower right front fluid compartment pocket 286 .

[0041] The fluid chamber 100 is positioned in the corresponding fluid chamber bag 250 so that the back plate 106 of the fluid chamber 100 is adjacent to the outer layer 240, and the movable membrane 104 of the fluid chamber 100 is adjacent to the inner layer 242. The fluid chamber 100 is positioned in the corresponding fluid chamber bag 250, so that the fluid chamber 100 can be positioned at a predetermined position for targeted treatment, thereby improving the efficacy. For example, the position of each individual fluid chamber 100 can be adjusted or moved in the fluid chamber bag 250 to better match the patient's body shape. Multiple fluid chambers 100 are configured to be filled to a predetermined fluid pressure before treatment. In certain embodiments, any selected individual fluid chamber 100 at the upper lobe of the patient's chest can be deactivated as needed. For example, the upper left rear fluid chamber 300, the upper right rear fluid chamber 314, the upper left front fluid chamber 318 and / or the upper right front fluid chamber 322 can be deactivated as needed.

[0042] A plurality of hoses 330 connect each fluid compartment 100 to the fluid pulsation generator 34. Some fluid compartments 100 are directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 via the hoses 330. Other fluid compartments 100 are positioned downstream of another fluid compartment 100 and are coupled via the hoses 330. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the hoses 330 is 10 mm. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, both the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 and the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 are directly coupled to the device 10 via respective hoses 500, 502, which extend outwardly along the lower boundary 406 toward the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402, respectively. The upper left rear fluid compartment 300 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 and is coupled via a hose 504, which extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid compartment 314 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 and is coupled via a hose 506, which extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. The upper left rear fluid compartment 300 is also in fluid communication with the upper right rear fluid compartment 314 via a hose 340. The lower left front fluid compartment 320 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 and is coupled via a hose 508, which extends along the lower boundary 406 toward the left boundary 400. The lower right front fluid compartment 324 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 and is connected by a hose 510 that extends along the lower boundary 406 toward the right boundary 402. The upper left front fluid compartment 318 is positioned downstream of the lower left front fluid compartment 320 and is coupled by a hose 512 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. In addition, the upper right front fluid compartment 322 is positioned downstream of the lower right front fluid compartment 324 and is coupled by a hose 514 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404.

[0043] Figure 7 Another configuration of the fluid compartment 100 is shown, wherein the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 and the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 are both directly coupled to the air accumulator 50 via respective hoses 530, 532, which extend along the lower boundary 406 toward the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402, respectively. The upper left rear fluid compartment 300 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 and is coupled via hose 534, which extends toward the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid compartment 314 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 and is coupled via hose 536, which extends toward the upper boundary 404. The lower left front fluid compartment 320 and the lower right front fluid compartment 324 are both directly coupled to the air accumulator 50 via respective hoses 538, 540, which extend along the lower boundary 406 toward the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402, respectively. Left upper front fluid compartment 318 is positioned downstream of left lower front fluid compartment 320 and is coupled via hose 542, which extends toward upper boundary 404. In addition, right upper front fluid compartment 322 is positioned downstream of right lower front fluid compartment 324 and is coupled via hose 544, which extends toward upper boundary 404.

[0044] Each of the upper left front fluid compartment 318, the upper right front fluid compartment 322, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, and the upper right rear fluid compartment 314 includes an additional port 600 to position more fluid compartments 100 downstream. The port 600 can be sealed when not in use. There is also a solenoid valve 558 in the corresponding hose upstream of each of the upper left front fluid compartment 318, the upper right front fluid compartment 322, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, and the upper right rear fluid compartment 314. The solenoid valve 558 is configured to cut off the fluid flow to the corresponding upper left front fluid compartment 318, the upper right front fluid compartment 322, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, and the upper right rear fluid compartment 314 when the corresponding fluid compartment 100 is not in use.

[0045] Figure 7 In the configuration of the garment 200, the garment 200 may include elastic segments 520 between the rear portion 210 and the left front portion 212 and between the rear portion 210 and the right front portion 214. The elastic segments 520 allow the garment 200 to fit the user more comfortably. It should be understood that the elastic segments may be included in any configuration of the garment 200. The garment 200 may also include a zipper 522 or other coupling mechanism that couples the left front portion 212 to the right front portion 214. The zipper 522 may be used in any embodiment of the garment 200.

[0046] Figure 8 Yet another configuration of the fluid compartment 100 is shown, in which the lower left rear fluid compartment 312, the lower right rear fluid compartment 316, the lower left front fluid compartment 320, and the lower right front fluid compartment 324 are all directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 through corresponding hoses 330. Hose 560 extends upward from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the upper boundary 404 to the lower left rear fluid compartment 312. Hose 562 extends upward from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the upper boundary 404 to the lower right rear fluid compartment 316. Hose 564 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400 to the lower left front fluid compartment 320. Hose 566 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402 to the lower right front fluid compartment 324.

[0047] The upper left rear fluid compartment 300 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312 via a hose 570 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid compartment 314 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid compartment 316 via a hose 572 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. The upper left front fluid compartment 318 is positioned downstream of the lower left front fluid compartment 320 via a hose 574 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. In addition, the upper right front fluid compartment 322 is positioned downstream of the lower right front fluid compartment 324 via a hose 576 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404.

[0048] Fig. 9Still another configuration of the fluid compartment 100 is shown, wherein the lower left rear fluid compartment 312, the lower right rear fluid compartment 316, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, and the upper right rear fluid compartment 314 are all directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 via respective hoses 330. The left hose 580 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400, and the right hose 582 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402. The lower left rear fluid compartment 312 is coupled to the left hose 580 via a hose 584, and the hose 584 extends downward toward the lower boundary 406. The lower right rear fluid compartment 316 is coupled to the right hose 582 via a hose 586, and the hose 586 extends downward toward the lower boundary 406. The upper left rear fluid compartment 300 is coupled to the left hose 580 via a hose 588, and the hose 588 extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. The right upper rear fluid compartment 314 is coupled to the right hose 582 via a hose 590 that extends upward toward the upper boundary 404 .

[0049] The lower left front fluid compartment 320 and the lower right front fluid compartment 324 are also directly coupled to the device 10 through corresponding hoses 330. Between the device 10 and the lower left front fluid compartment 320, the hose 592 extends along the lower boundary 406 toward the left boundary 400. Between the device 10 and the lower right front fluid compartment 324, the hose 594 extends along the lower boundary 406 toward the right boundary 402. The upper left front fluid compartment 318 is positioned downstream of the lower left front fluid compartment 320 and is coupled through the hose 596, and the hose 512 extends upward toward the upper boundary 404. In addition, the upper right front fluid compartment 322 is positioned downstream of the lower right front fluid compartment 324 and is coupled through the hose 598, and the hose 514 extends upward toward the upper boundary 406.

[0050] The device 10 includes a pair of upper ports 602 and a pair of lower ports 604 to attach additional fluid compartments 100. Each of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312, the lower right rear fluid compartment 316, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, and the upper right rear fluid compartment 314 includes an additional port 600 for positioning more rear fluid compartments 100 downstream. The upper left front fluid compartment 318 and the upper right front fluid compartment 322 also include additional ports 600. The ports 600, 602, 604 can be sealed when not in use.

[0051] Fig.10Still another configuration of the fluid compartment 100 is shown, in which each of the lower left rear fluid compartment 312, the lower right rear fluid compartment 316, the upper left rear fluid compartment 300, the upper right rear fluid compartment 314, the lower left front fluid compartment 320, the lower right front fluid compartment 324, the upper left front fluid compartment 318, and the upper right front fluid compartment 322 is directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 through a corresponding hose 330. The hose 620 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400 and the lower boundary 406 to the lower left rear fluid compartment 312. The hose 622 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402 and the lower boundary 406 to the lower right rear fluid compartment 316. The hose 624 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper left rear fluid compartment 300. Hose 626 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper right rear fluid compartment 314. Hose 628 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400 to the lower left front fluid compartment 320. Hose 630 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402 to the lower right front fluid compartment 324. Hose 632 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the left boundary 400 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper left front fluid compartment. Hose 634 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 toward the right boundary 402 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper right front fluid compartment 322. The lower left front fluid compartment 320 is also coupled to the upper left front fluid compartment 318 through a hose 636 extending between the upper boundary 404 and the lower boundary 406. The lower right front fluid compartment 324 is also coupled to the upper right front fluid compartment 322 through a hose 638 extending between the upper boundary 404 and the lower boundary 406. The lower left rear fluid compartment 312, the lower right rear fluid compartment 316, the upper left front fluid compartment 318, and the upper right front fluid compartment 322 also include additional ports 600, the operation of which is described above.

[0052] Device 10 provides a mobile vest with localized fluid chambers powered by rechargeable batteries. Device 10 includes eight individual fluid chambers that can be positioned at predetermined locations for targeted treatment, thereby helping to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. The position of each individual fluid chamber can be adjusted to better fit the patient's body shape. Reducing the volume of the fluid chamber helps to apply gentler treatment to the patient. In addition, the individual fluid chambers at the upper lobe can be deactivated when necessary. The advantage of using fluid chambers instead of voice coil actuators is that the fluid chambers are lighter and reduce the bulk weight of the device. The fluid chambers require less power and provide less intense treatment. The fluid chambers cover a smaller body surface area, which helps prevent discomfort and heat accumulation during treatment.

[0053] Compared to existing devices, the disclosed embodiments provide a lighter HFCWO device 10. Accordingly, the device 10 is more suitable for travel and easier to wear. However, different sizes of devices 10 can also be provided to make the device 10 suitable for various body types. The device 10 is also suitable for female body types and people with thin waists. The device 10 is suitable for use in any position during the patient's activities, so that the patient does not have to sit upright during use. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid cabin of the device 10 is softer and more comfortable than existing devices. In addition, the fluid cabin is also suitable for female anatomical structures. The target patients of the device 10 may include but are not limited to newly diagnosed patients, elderly patients, female patients, and thin patients. The device 10 is suitable for use by patients while sitting or walking in any room, and can be used multiple times a day.

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0055] 1. A high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising:

[0056] a garment configured to be worn about a chest of a user; and

[0057] at least one fluid compartment housed by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid compartment comprising:

[0058] case;

[0059] a chamber formed by the housing; and

[0060] A dome is located in the chamber to reduce the volume of the air receiving portion within the chamber.

[0061] 2. The system of clause 1, further comprising: a blower configured to pressurize the fluid to produce a pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is housed in the garment.

[0062] 3. The system according to clause 2, further comprising:

[0063] a control circuit configured to control the blower; and

[0064] a battery configured to power the control circuit, the blower and the fluid pulsation generator,

[0065] Wherein, each of the blower, the control circuit and the battery is housed in the garment.

[0066] 4. The system of clause 1, further comprising: at least one fluid compartment pocket formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment, wherein the at least one fluid compartment is contained within the at least one fluid compartment pocket.

[0067] 5. A system according to clause 4, wherein the size of the at least one fluid compartment bag is suitable to enable the at least one fluid compartment to move within the at least one fluid compartment bag to adjust the position of the at least one fluid compartment relative to the user's anatomy.

[0068] 6. The system of clause 1, wherein the garment comprises:

[0069] rear;

[0070] left front; and

[0071] right front;

[0072] Wherein, the at least one fluid compartment comprises:

[0073] a rear fluid compartment located in the rear portion;

[0074] a left front fluid compartment located in the left front portion; and

[0075] A right front fluid compartment is located in the right front portion.

[0076] 7. The system of clause 1, wherein the at least one fluid compartment comprises a plurality of fluid compartments in fluid communication with the blower.

[0077] 8. The system of clause 1, wherein one of the plurality of fluid compartments is fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

[0078] 9. The system of clause 1, wherein the garment comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the at least one fluid compartment is located between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the inner layer is configured to be positioned against the user.

[0079] 10. The system of clause 9, wherein the fastener of the at least one fluid compartment is adjacent to the outer location; and the movable membrane of the at least one fluid compartment is adjacent to the inner location.

[0080] 11. The system of clause 1, wherein the movable membrane coupled to the housing is configured to pulsate against the user.

[0081] 12. The system of clause 1, wherein the movable membrane to which the housing is coupled is formed of a flexible material.

[0082] 13. The system of clause 1, wherein a dome of the at least one fluid compartment is positioned against a floor of the housing.

[0083] 14. The system of clause 1, wherein a diameter of the at least one fluid compartment is greater than a thickness of the at least one fluid compartment.

[0084] 15. The system of clause 1, wherein the fluid is air.

[0085] 16. A high frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising:

[0086] A garment configured to be worn around a chest of a user, wherein the garment comprises:

[0087] rear;

[0088] a left front portion extending from the rear portion; and

[0089] a right front portion extending from the rear portion;

[0090] a blower configured to pressurize a fluid to produce a pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is housed in the garment; and

[0091] A plurality of fluid compartments are in fluid communication with the fluid pulsation generator, wherein one of the plurality of fluid compartments is fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

[0092] 17. The system according to clause 16, further comprising:

[0093] a control circuit configured to control the blower; and

[0094] a battery configured to power the control circuit, the blower and the fluid pulsation generator,

[0095] Wherein, each of the blower, the control circuit and the battery is housed in the garment.

[0096] 18. The system of clause 16, wherein the plurality of fluid compartments comprises:

[0097] at least one rear fluid compartment located in said rear portion;

[0098] at least one left front fluid compartment located in the left front portion; and

[0099] At least one right front fluid compartment is located in the right front portion.

[0100] 19. The system of clause 18, wherein the at least one left front fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the at least one rear fluid compartment.

[0101] 20. The system of clause 18, wherein the at least one right front fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the at least one rear fluid compartment.

[0102] 21. The system of clause 18, wherein the at least one rear fluid compartment comprises an upper rear fluid compartment and a lower rear fluid compartment, wherein the upper rear fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the lower rear fluid compartment.

[0103] 22. The system of clause 18, wherein the at least one left front fluid compartment comprises a left front upper fluid compartment and a left front lower fluid compartment, wherein the left front upper fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the left front lower fluid compartment.

[0104] 23. The system of clause 18, wherein the at least one right front fluid compartment comprises a right front upper fluid compartment and a right front lower fluid compartment, wherein the right front upper fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the right front lower fluid compartment.

[0105] 24. The system of clause 16, wherein the plurality of fluid compartments comprises:

[0106] an upper fluid tank; and

[0107] Lower fluid tank,

[0108] Wherein, the flow of pressurized fluid to the upper fluid compartment is configured to be disabled.

[0109] 25. The system of clause 16, wherein the plurality of fluid chambers are filled to a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0110] 26. The system according to clause 16 further includes: a plurality of fluid tank pockets formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment, wherein each of the plurality of fluid tanks is contained within one of the plurality of fluid tank pockets, wherein the size of each of the plurality of fluid tank pockets is suitable for enabling the corresponding fluid tank to move within the corresponding fluid tank pocket to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid tank relative to the user's anatomical structure.

[0111] 27. The system of clause 16, wherein the fluid pulsation generator is configured to pulsate the pressurized fluid to pulsate the plurality of fluid compartments.

[0112] 28. The system of clause 27, wherein each of the plurality of fluid compartments comprises a movable membrane configured to be pulsed by the pressurized fluid.

[0113] 29. The system of clause 28, wherein each of the plurality of fluid compartments comprises an internal dome configured to reduce a volume of an air receiving portion within the chamber.

[0114] 30. The system of clause 16, wherein the fluid is air.

[0115] 31. A high frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising:

[0116] a garment configured to be worn about a chest of a user; and

[0117] at least one fluid compartment housed by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid compartment comprising:

[0118] case;

[0119] a movable membrane coupled to the housing, configured to be pulsated by the fluid;

[0120] a chamber formed by the housing; and

[0121] A dome is located in the chamber to reduce the volume of the air receiving portion within the chamber.

[0122] Any theory, operating mechanism, proof or discovery described herein is intended to further deepen the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that the present disclosure be dependent on such theory, operating mechanism, illustrative embodiment, proof or discovery in any way. It should be understood that although the above content uses the words "preferable / preferably / preferred" to indicate that the feature may be more ideal, the feature is not an essential feature, and the embodiment lacking the feature can be deemed to fall within the scope of protection defined in the claims of the present disclosure.

[0123] When reading the claims, it should be understood that when the terms "a", "at least one", "at least a portion", etc. are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item unless otherwise stated in the claim. When the terms "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" are used, the item may include part and / or all of the item unless otherwise stated.

[0124] It should be understood that the present disclosure only illustrates and describes selected embodiments, but claims protection for all feasible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations and equivalents within the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in this specification or claims. Although the drawings and the above content specifically illustrate and describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than exhaustive, and the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific form disclosed. Other alternatives, modifications and variations should be clear to those skilled in the art. Moreover, although the present disclosure proposes multiple aspects and principles of the present invention, these aspects and principles do not have to be used in combination. In view of the various embodiments described above, there may be many combinations of aspects and principles.

Claims

1. A high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising: a garment configured to be worn about a chest of a user; as well as at least one fluid compartment housed by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid compartment comprising: case; a chamber formed by the housing; and A dome is located in the chamber to reduce the volume of the air receiving portion within the chamber.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A blower is configured to pressurize the fluid to generate a pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is housed in the garment.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: a control circuit configured to control the blower; and a battery configured to power the control circuit, the blower and the fluid pulsation generator, Wherein, each of the blower, the control circuit and the battery is accommodated in the clothing.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one fluid compartment pocket is formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment, wherein the at least one fluid compartment is contained in the at least one fluid compartment pocket.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one fluid compartment pocket is sized to enable the at least one fluid compartment to move within the at least one fluid compartment pocket to adjust the position of the at least one fluid compartment relative to the anatomy of the user.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The clothing includes: rear; left front; and right front; Wherein, the at least one fluid compartment comprises: a rear fluid compartment located in the rear portion; a left front fluid compartment located in the left front portion; and A right front fluid compartment is located in the right front portion.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one fluid compartment includes a plurality of fluid compartments in fluid communication with the blower.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: One of the plurality of fluid compartments is fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The garment includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the at least one fluid compartment is located between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the inner layer is configured to be positioned against the user.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The fastener of the at least one fluid compartment is adjacent to the outer layer location; and the movable membrane of the at least one fluid compartment is adjacent to the inner layer location.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The movable membrane coupled to the housing is configured to pulsate against the user.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The movable membrane to which the housing is coupled is formed of a flexible material.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: The dome of the at least one fluid compartment is positioned against the floor of the housing.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The diameter of the at least one fluid compartment is greater than the thickness of the at least one fluid compartment.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is air.

16. A high frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising: A garment configured to be worn around a chest of a user, wherein the garment comprises: rear; a left front portion extending from the rear portion; and a right front portion extending from the rear portion; a blower configured to pressurize a fluid to produce a pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is housed in the garment; and A plurality of fluid compartments are in fluid communication with the fluid pulsation generator, wherein one of the plurality of fluid compartments is fluidly downstream of another of the plurality of fluid compartments.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a control circuit configured to control the blower; and a battery configured to power the control circuit, the blower and the fluid pulsation generator, Wherein, each of the blower, the control circuit and the battery is accommodated in the clothing.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of fluid compartments include: at least one rear fluid compartment located in said rear portion; at least one left front fluid compartment located in the left front portion; and At least one right front fluid compartment is located in the right front portion.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The at least one left front fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the at least one rear fluid compartment.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein: The at least one right front fluid compartment is fluidly downstream of the at least one rear fluid compartment.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein: The at least one rear fluid compartment includes a rear upper fluid compartment and a rear lower fluid compartment, wherein the rear upper fluid compartment is fluidically downstream of the rear lower fluid compartment.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein: The at least one left front fluid compartment includes a left front upper fluid compartment and a left front lower fluid compartment, wherein the left front upper fluid compartment is fluidically downstream of the left front lower fluid compartment.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein: The at least one right front fluid tank package {HRBTL-23010-CNPT / 02146733v1} -3- The invention comprises a right front upper fluid chamber and a right front lower fluid chamber, wherein the right front upper fluid chamber is located fluidically downstream of the right front lower fluid chamber.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of fluid compartments include: an upper fluid tank; and Lower fluid tank, Wherein, the flow of pressurized fluid to the upper fluid compartment is configured to be disabled.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of fluid compartments are filled to a predetermined fluid pressure.

26. The system of claim 16, further comprising: A plurality of fluid tank pockets are formed between the outer layer of the garment and the inner layer of the garment, wherein each of the plurality of fluid tanks is contained within one of the plurality of fluid tank pockets, wherein each of the plurality of fluid tank pockets is sized to enable the corresponding fluid tank to move within the corresponding fluid tank pocket to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid tank relative to the user's anatomical structure.

27. The system of claim 16, wherein: The fluid pulsation generator is configured to pulsate the pressurized fluid to pulsate the plurality of fluid compartments.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein: Each of the plurality of fluid compartments includes a movable membrane configured to be pulsed by the pressurized fluid.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein: Each of the plurality of fluid compartments includes an internal dome configured to reduce a volume of an air receiving portion within the chamber.

30. The system of claim 16, wherein: The fluid is air.

31. A high frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising: a garment configured to be worn about a chest of a user; as well as at least one fluid compartment housed by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid compartment comprising: case; a movable membrane coupled to the housing, configured to be pulsated by the fluid; a chamber formed by the housing; and A dome is located in the chamber to reduce the volume of the air receiving portion within the chamber.

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