Mobile high-frequency chest wall oscillation system with air chamber

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 393,014, filed Jul. 28, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) system, and more particularly, to an HFCWO system having a fluid chamber.

[0004] Currently, there are approximately 30,000 cystic fibrosis patients in the United States. Cystic fibrosis patients typically undergo High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) treatment. In addition, there are 4.3 million patients in the United States diagnosed with symptomatic bronchiectasis. These patients also typically receive HFCWO treatment.

[0005] HFCWO uses an inflatable garment attached to a pneumatic pulse generator via a trachea. The HFCWO system performs chest physical therapy through high-frequency vibration machinery. This process is accomplished by rapidly mechanically compressing the air in a fluid chamber within 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 and coughs or pants.

[0006] Some existing HFCWO systems include a pneumatic pulse generator (APG) that can rapidly inflate and deflate a garment around the human torso. Such systems require a large amount of air and thus require a large pneumatic pulse control unit. These systems are typically immobile, and a treatment cycle for a small adult HFCWO system may require approximately 24.6 liters of air. Other existing systems are also heavy and prohibit patient movement during use. For example, a voice coil actuator may account for approximately half of the overall weight. As the patient population targets older patients, there is a need to reduce the weight of the HFCWO system. In addition, certain HFCWO intensive therapies may be too strenuous for older patients. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

[0008] According to a first aspect of embodiments 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 houses at least one fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. The at least one fluid chamber includes a housing. A chamber is formed by the housing. A dome is located in the chamber for reducing the volume of the air-receiving portion within the chamber.

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

[0010] In the first aspect, optionally, at least one fluid chamber pocket may be formed between an outer layer and an inner layer of the garment. The at least one fluid chamber may be housed within the at least one fluid chamber pocket. The size of the at least one fluid chamber pocket may be adapted such that the at least one fluid chamber may move within the at least one fluid chamber pocket to adjust the position of the at least one fluid chamber relative to the user's anatomy. The garment may include a rear portion, a left front portion, and a right front portion. The at least one fluid chamber may include a rear fluid chamber located in the rear portion. A left front fluid chamber may be located in the left front portion. A right front fluid chamber may be located in the right front portion. The at least one fluid chamber may include a plurality of fluid chambers in fluid communication with the blower. One of the plurality of fluid chambers may be downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in fluid.

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

[0012] According to a second aspect of embodiments 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 within the rear portion of the garment. A plurality of fluid chambers are in fluid communication with a fluid pulsation generator. One of the plurality of fluid chambers is downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in fluid.

[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 housed in the garment. The plurality of fluid compartments may include at least one rear fluid compartment located in the rear portion. At least one left front fluid compartment may be located in the left front portion. At least one right front fluid compartment may be located in the right front portion. At least one left front fluid compartment may be downstream of the fluid of at least one rear fluid compartment. At least one right front fluid compartment may be downstream of the fluid of at least one rear fluid compartment. At least one rear fluid compartment may include an upper rear fluid compartment and a lower rear fluid compartment. The upper rear fluid compartment may be downstream of the fluid of the lower rear fluid compartment. At least one left front fluid compartment may include an upper left front fluid compartment and a lower left front fluid compartment. The upper left front fluid compartment may be downstream of the fluid of the lower left front fluid compartment. At least one right front fluid compartment may include an upper right front fluid compartment and a lower right front fluid compartment. The upper right front fluid compartment may be downstream of the fluid of the lower right front fluid compartment.

[0014] In the second aspect, optionally, the 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. The plurality of fluid compartments may be filled to a predetermined fluid pressure. A plurality of fluid compartment pockets may be formed between the outer layer and the inner layer of the garment. Each of the plurality of fluid compartments may be housed within one of the plurality of fluid compartment pockets. The size of each of the plurality of fluid compartment pockets may be adapted such that the corresponding fluid compartment can move within the corresponding fluid compartment pocket to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid compartment relative to the user's anatomy. The 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 the features listed above and / or the features listed in the claims) may, alone or in combination with any other features, constitute patentable subject matter, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments that illustrate the best mode of the embodiments of the present disclosure below. Description of the Drawings

[0016] The following will be described in detail 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 is for Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the blower system for the system shown, the blower system being configured to be housed in the garment;

[0019] Figure 3 A three-dimensional side sectional view of a fluid chamber for the Figure 1 system shown;

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

[0021] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 A side elevation view of the fluid chamber shown in the inflated configuration;

[0022] Figure 6 Is a front elevation view of a garment for the Figure 1 system shown according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 Is a front elevation view of a garment for the Figure 1 system shown according to another embodiment;

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

[0025] Figure 9 Is a front elevation view of a garment for the Figure 1 system shown according to still another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 Is a front elevation view of a garment for the Figure 1 system shown according to yet another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 11 Is a front view of the target vibration area of the garment described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure's HFCWO device 10 aids a patient in clearing retained secretions. The device 10 uses high-frequency chest wall oscillation technology to dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls. The device 10 also transfers secretions and mucus from the small airways to the large airways, where they can be cleared by coughing. Compared to existing devices, the device 10 is lighter and more comfortable, meeting the needs of the bronchiectasis patient population (primarily elderly patients over 60 years old). Typically, the mucus viscosity of bronchiectasis patients is lower than that of cystic fibrosis patients. Accordingly, bronchiectasis patients may not require high intensity and high frequency. In addition, bronchiectasis patients are typically elderly women and may prefer the lower settings of the HFCWO device for better comfort. Further, 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] Device 10 includes eight fluid chambers for providing vibrations to a patient's chest wall. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid is air, although other fluids are contemplated. The fluid chambers described herein include small fluid bags that can provide focused vibration areas for the upper and lower lobes of the patient's lungs. The fluid chambers can be inflated by a small blower powered by a small lithium-ion battery and a microfluidic pulsation generator. The microfluidic pulsation generator can be used because the volume of the fluid chambers is much smaller than that of existing HFCWO devices. After power-on, the blower fills the fluid pulsation generator and the fluid chambers 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 a more comfortable and gentle treatment.

[0030] Referring Figure 1 , device 10 includes a control circuit 12 having a main board 14. A battery 16 is electronically coupled to the main board 14 to power 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 device 10. The controller 18 enables the user to activate device 10 and change the settings of device 10. For example, the frequency and intensity of device 10 can be changed with controller 18. A blower 32 pressurizes a fluid (such as air) to produce a pressurized fluid. The controller 18 enables the user to change the speed of the blower 32, and thus the pressure of the pressurized fluid can be changed. The blower 32 is also configured to fill a plurality of fluid chambers 40 to a predetermined pressure. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid chambers 40 are square and sized approximately 150 mm × 150 mm × 15 mm. It should be understood that Figure 1 the illustrated square fluid chambers 40 can be replaced with Figure 3 the fluid chambers 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 by a hose 50. A hose 52 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 to a plurality of hoses 54, which extend to and are in fluid communication with the fluid chambers 40. The fluid pulsation generator 34 is configured to pulsate the pressurized fluid in the fluid chambers 40 at a predetermined frequency and intensity. In one exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 the sizes and shapes of all the components shown are adapted to be accommodated in the following patient-worn garment.

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

[0032] Accordingly, the blower 32 supplies fluid to the accumulator 50 and draws fluid from the accumulator 50. The solenoid valve 54 and the solenoid valve 58 control the inflow and outflow of fluid to and from the accumulator 50. The accumulator 50 distributes fluid to the fluid chamber 40 via a 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 mucus in the patient's lungs. Any unused hose 70 can be sealed. A sensor 72 can be used to provide feedback to the controller 18 regarding the fluid pressure and temperature.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3 , the fluid chamber 100 can be used in conjunction with the device 10 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diameter 130 of the fluid chamber 100 can be greater than the thickness 132 of the fluid chamber 100. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the diameter 130 of the fluid chamber 100 is 103 mm and the thickness 132 of the fluid chamber 100 is 25 mm. In other embodiments, the fluid chamber 100 has any suitable dimensions. A plurality of fluid chambers 100 are configured to be accommodated in a garment described below and to receive fluid from the fluid system 20. Each fluid chamber 100 includes a housing 152. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 152 is in the shape of a cylindrical ring. It should be understood that the housing 152 can be in other shapes.

[0034] Flange 154 is positioned along housing 152. Flange 154 includes a groove 156 that holds fluid chamber 100 and allows fluid chamber 100 to move within fluid bladder 250, as described below. Housing 152 is integrally formed with a base plate 160 that extends along the bottom of fluid chamber 100. Movable membrane 104 is coupled to housing 152 by a clamp 102. Movable membrane 104 may be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone. Movable membrane 104 is configured to be pulsed by fluid system 20. Movable membrane 104 moves between a rest position (as Figure 4 shown, movable membrane 104 is deflated) and a bulged position (as Figure 5 shown). Movable membrane 104 is configured to be adjacent to the inner layer position of the garment, as described below. Movable membrane 104 is configured to pulse against a patient when the patient wears the garment. In some embodiments, housing 152 includes a flexible material configured to pulse between a rest position and a bulged position.

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

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

[0037] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, garment 200 may be configured to be used in conjunction with the devices shown. Garment 200 is configured to be worn around a user's chest (not shown). Figure 6A front view of the garment 200 or the inner side 202 of the garment 200 is shown. It should be understood that the opposite outer side (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 around the user and be positioned against the user's chest. A pair of rear flaps 220 extend from the top edge 222 of the rear portion 210. A left flap 224 extends from the top edge 226 of the left front portion 212. A right flap 228 extends from the top edge 230 of the right front portion 214. When the left front portion 212 and the right front portion 214 wrap around the user, each rear flap 220 is adjustably attached to one of the left flap 224 and the right flap 228 to fasten the garment 200 to the user. The rear flaps 220, the left flap 224, and the right flap 228 may include fastening mechanisms for fastening to each other. For example, the fastening mechanism may be a hook-and-loop fastener. In other embodiments, the fastening mechanism may be a snap, a buckle, 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 includes an outer layer 240 and an inner layer 242 (represented by a dashed line). 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 housed between the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 240. Throughout the garment 200, the inner layer 242 and the outer layer 240 form fluid compartments 250 that house the respective fluid compartments 100. The size of each fluid compartment 250 is adapted such that the corresponding fluid compartment 100 can move within the fluid compartment 250 to adjust the position of the fluid compartment 100 relative to the user's anatomy. That is, the edge 252 of the fluid bag 250 is positioned within the groove 156 of the fluid compartment 100 to hold the fluid compartment 100 and allow the fluid compartment 100 to move back and forth within the fluid bag 250. The fluid compartment 100 is fixed in place within the fluid bag 250 by being coupled to the fastener 106 through a hook-and-loop fastener. The fluid bags 250 are all arranged horizontally and allow the corresponding fluid compartments 100 to move horizontally. In this illustrative embodiment, the fluid bags 250 prevent the vertical movement of the fluid compartments 100. For example, Figure 11 Target vibration zones 260 for female anatomy are shown, where an upper target vibration zone 262 is positioned above the female breast and a lower target vibration zone 264 is positioned below the female breast. In one embodiment, all the fluid bags 250 have substantially the same size and dimensions.

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

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

[0041] The fluid chambers 100 are positioned in respective fluid chamber bags 250 such that the back plates 106 of the fluid chambers 100 are adjacent to the outer layer 240 and the movable membranes 104 of the fluid chambers 100 are adjacent to the inner layer 242. The fluid chambers 100 are positioned in respective fluid chamber bags 250 so that the fluid chambers 100 can be positioned at a predetermined position for targeted treatment, thereby improving the curative effect. For example, the position of each individual fluid chamber 100 can be adjusted or moved within the fluid chamber bag 250 to better match the patient's body shape. The plurality of fluid chambers 100 are configured to be filled to a predetermined fluid pressure before treatment. In some 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 chamber 100 to the fluid pulsation generator 34. Some fluid chambers 100 are directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 through the hoses 330. Other fluid chambers 100 are positioned downstream of another fluid chamber 100 and are coupled through the hoses 330. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the hose 330 is 10 mm. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 and the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 are both directly coupled to the device 10 through respective hoses 500, 502, and the hoses 500, 502 extend outwardly along the lower boundary 406 towards the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402 respectively. The upper left rear fluid chamber 300 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 and is coupled through a hose 504 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid chamber 314 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 and is coupled through a hose 506 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404. The upper left rear fluid chamber 300 is also in fluid communication with the upper right rear fluid chamber 314 via a hose 340. The lower left front fluid chamber 320 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 and is coupled through a hose 508 that extends along the lower boundary 406 towards the left boundary 400. The lower right front fluid chamber 324 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 and is connected through a hose 510 that extends along the lower boundary 406 towards the right boundary 402. The upper left front fluid chamber 318 is positioned downstream of the lower left front fluid chamber 320 and is coupled through a hose 512 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404. Additionally, the upper right front fluid chamber 322 is positioned downstream of the lower right front fluid chamber 324 and is coupled through a hose 514 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404.

[0043] Figure 7 Another configuration of the fluid chamber 100 is shown, in which the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 and the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 are both directly coupled to the air accumulator 50 through respective hoses 530, 532, and the hoses 530, 532 extend along the lower boundary 406 towards the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402 respectively. The upper left rear fluid chamber 300 is positioned downstream of the lower left rear fluid chamber 312 and is coupled through a hose 534 that extends towards the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid chamber 314 is positioned downstream of the lower right rear fluid chamber 316 and is coupled through a hose 536 that extends towards the upper boundary 404. Both the lower left front fluid chamber 320 and the lower right front fluid chamber 324 are directly coupled to the air accumulator 50 through respective hoses 538, 540, and the hoses 538, 540 extend along the lower boundary 406 towards the left boundary 400 and the right boundary 402 respectively. The upper left front fluid chamber 318 is positioned downstream of the lower left front fluid chamber 320 and is coupled through a hose 542 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404. Additionally, the upper right front fluid chamber 322 is positioned downstream of the lower right front fluid chamber 324 and is coupled through a hose 544 that extends upwardly towards the upper boundary 404.

[0044] Each of the left upper front fluid chamber 318, the right upper front fluid chamber 322, the left upper rear fluid chamber 300, and the right upper rear fluid chamber 314 includes an additional port 600 to position more fluid chambers 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 left upper front fluid chamber 318, the right upper front fluid chamber 322, the left upper rear fluid chamber 300, and the right upper rear fluid chamber 314. The solenoid valve 558 is configured to cut off the fluid flow to the corresponding left upper front fluid chamber 318, right upper front fluid chamber 322, left upper rear fluid chamber 300, and right upper rear fluid chamber 314 when the corresponding fluid chamber 100 is not in use.

[0045] Figure 7 In the configuration of, the garment 200 can 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 enable the garment 200 to fit the user more comfortably. It should be understood that the elastic segments can be included in any configuration of the garment 200. The garment 200 can also include a zipper 522 or other coupling mechanisms that couple the left front portion 212 to the right front portion 214. The zipper 522 can be used in any embodiment of the garment 200.

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

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

[0048] Figure 9Shows yet another configuration of the fluid chamber 100, in which the lower left rear fluid chamber 312, the lower right rear fluid chamber 316, the upper left rear fluid chamber 300, and the upper right rear fluid chamber 314 are all directly coupled to the fluid pulsation generator 34 through corresponding hoses 330. The left hose 580 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the left boundary 400, and the right hose 582 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the right boundary 402. The lower left rear fluid chamber 312 is coupled to the left hose 580 through the hose 584, and the hose 584 extends downward along the lower boundary 406. The lower right rear fluid chamber 316 is coupled to the right hose 582 through the hose 586, and the hose 586 extends downward along the lower boundary 406. The upper left rear fluid chamber 300 is coupled to the left hose 580 through the hose 588, and the hose 588 extends upward along the upper boundary 404. The upper right rear fluid chamber 314 is coupled to the right hose 582 through the hose 590, and the hose 590 extends upward along the upper boundary 404.

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

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

[0051] Figure 10Shows still another configuration of the fluid chamber 100, in which each of the lower left rear fluid chamber 312, lower right rear fluid chamber 316, upper left rear fluid chamber 300, upper right rear fluid chamber 314, lower left front fluid chamber 320, lower right front fluid chamber 324, upper left front fluid chamber 318, and upper right front fluid chamber 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 towards the left boundary 400 and the lower boundary 406 to the lower left rear fluid chamber 312. The hose 622 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the right boundary 402 and the lower boundary 406 to the lower right rear fluid chamber 316. The hose 624 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the left boundary 400 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper left rear fluid chamber 300. The hose 626 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the right boundary 402 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper right rear fluid chamber 314. The hose 628 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the left boundary 400 to the lower left front fluid chamber 320. The hose 630 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the right boundary 402 to the lower right front fluid chamber 324. The hose 632 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the left boundary 400 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper left front fluid chamber. The hose 634 extends from the fluid pulsation generator 34 towards the right boundary 402 and the upper boundary 404 to the upper right front fluid chamber 322. The lower left front fluid chamber 320 is also coupled to the upper left front fluid chamber 318 through a hose 636 extending between the upper boundary 404 and the lower boundary 406. The lower right front fluid chamber 324 is also coupled to the upper right front fluid chamber 322 through a hose 638 extending between the upper boundary 404 and the lower boundary 406. The lower left rear fluid chamber 312, lower right rear fluid chamber 316, upper left front fluid chamber 318, and upper right front fluid chamber 322 also include additional ports 600, for operation see above.

[0052] Device 10 provides a mobile vest, and its local fluid chambers can be powered by a rechargeable battery. Device 10 includes 8 separate fluid chambers, which can be positioned at predetermined positions for targeted treatment, thus helping to improve the treatment effect. The position of each separate fluid chamber can be adjusted to better fit the patient's body shape. Reducing the volume of the fluid chamber helps to apply a gentler treatment to the patient. In addition, the separate fluid chamber 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 in weight, reducing the unit weight of the device. The fluid chambers require less power and provide a lower intensity of treatment. The fluid chambers cover a smaller body surface area, helping to prevent discomfort and heat accumulation during treatment.

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

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention can 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 around a user's chest; and

[0057] At least one fluid chamber received by the garment and configured to receive fluid, the at least one fluid chamber comprising:

[0058] A housing;

[0059] A chamber formed by the housing; and

[0060] A dome located in the chamber for reducing the volume of the air-receiving portion in the chamber.

[0061] 2. The system according to clause 1, further comprising: a blower configured to pressurize the fluid to generate pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is received 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 a fluid pulsation generator,

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

[0066] 4. The system according to clause 1, further comprising: at least one fluid chamber pocket formed between an outer layer and an inner layer of the garment, wherein the at least one fluid chamber is received in the at least one fluid chamber pocket.

[0067] 5. The system according to clause 4, wherein the at least one fluid chamber bag is sized such that the at least one fluid chamber can move within the at least one fluid chamber bag to adjust the position of the at least one fluid chamber relative to the user's anatomical structure.

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

[0069] A rear portion;

[0070] A left front portion; and

[0071] A right front portion;

[0072] wherein the at least one fluid chamber comprises:

[0073] A rear fluid chamber, located in the rear portion;

[0074] A left front fluid chamber, located in the left front portion; and

[0075] A right front fluid chamber, located in the right front portion.

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

[0077] 8. The system according to clause 1, wherein one of the plurality of fluid chambers is downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in terms of fluid.

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

[0079] 10. The system according to clause 9, wherein the fastener of the at least one fluid chamber is adjacent to the outer layer in position; and the movable membrane of the at least one fluid chamber is adjacent to the inner layer in position.

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

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

[0082] 13. The system according to clause 1, wherein the dome of the at least one fluid chamber is positioned against the bottom plate of the housing.

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

[0084] 15. The system according to 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 user's chest, wherein the garment includes:

[0087] A rear part;

[0088] A left front part extending from the rear part; and

[0089] A right front part extending from the rear part;

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

[0091] A plurality of fluid chambers in fluid communication with a fluid pulsation generator, wherein one of the plurality of fluid chambers is downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in terms of fluid.

[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 supply power to 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 according to Clause 16, wherein the plurality of fluid chambers includes:

[0097] At least one rear fluid chamber located in the rear part;

[0098] At least one left front fluid chamber located in the left front part; and

[0099] At least one right front fluid chamber located in the right front part.

[0100] 19. The system according to Clause 18, wherein the at least one left front fluid chamber is downstream of the at least one rear fluid chamber in terms of fluid.

[0101] 20. The system according to Clause 18, wherein the at least one right front fluid chamber is downstream of the at least one rear fluid chamber in terms of fluid.

[0102] 21. The system according to clause 18, wherein the at least one rear fluid chamber includes an upper rear fluid chamber and a lower rear fluid chamber, and wherein the upper rear fluid chamber is downstream of the lower rear fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

[0103] 22. The system according to clause 18, wherein the at least one left front fluid chamber includes an upper left front fluid chamber and a lower left front fluid chamber, and wherein the upper left front fluid chamber is downstream of the lower left front fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

[0104] 23. The system according to clause 18, wherein the at least one right front fluid chamber includes an upper right front fluid chamber and a lower right front fluid chamber, and wherein the upper right front fluid chamber is downstream of the lower right front fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

[0105] 24. The system according to clause 16, wherein the plurality of fluid chambers includes:

[0106] an upper fluid chamber; and

[0107] a lower fluid chamber,

[0108] wherein the pressurized fluid flow directed to the upper fluid chamber is configured to be deactivated.

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

[0110] 26. The system according to clause 16, further comprising: a plurality of fluid chamber pockets formed between an outer layer and an inner layer of the garment, wherein each of the plurality of fluid chambers is received within one of the plurality of fluid chamber pockets, and wherein the size of each of the plurality of fluid chamber pockets is adapted such that the corresponding fluid chamber can move within the corresponding fluid chamber pocket to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid chamber relative to the user's anatomy.

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

[0112] 28. The system according to clause 27, wherein each of the plurality of fluid chambers includes a movable membrane configured to be pulsated by the pressurized fluid.

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

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

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

[0116] a garment configured to be worn around a user's chest; and

[0117] at least one fluid chamber received by the garment and configured to receive fluid, the at least one fluid chamber comprising:

[0118] a housing;

[0119] a movable membrane coupled to the housing and configured to be pulsed by the fluid;

[0120] a chamber formed by the housing; and

[0121] a dome located in the chamber for reducing the volume of the air-receiving portion in 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 the present disclosure is not intended to rely on such theory, operating mechanism, illustrative embodiments, proof, or discovery in any way. It should be understood that although the above uses words such as "preferable / preferably / preferred" to indicate that the described features may be more desirable, such features are not essential features, and embodiments lacking such features may be considered to fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present disclosure.

[0123] When reading the claims, it should be appreciated that when using words such as "a", "at least one", "at least a portion", etc., it is not intended to limit the claims to only one item, unless otherwise stated in the claims. When using phrases such as "at least a portion" and / or "a portion", the item may include part and / or all of the items, unless otherwise stated.

[0124] It should be understood that the present disclosure only illustrates and describes selected embodiments, but claims all feasible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents within the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the present specification or claims. Although the accompanying drawings and the above specifically illustrate and describe 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 forms disclosed. Those skilled in the art should be aware of other alternatives, modifications, and variations. Moreover, although the present disclosure presents multiple aspects and principles of the present invention, these aspects and principles do not necessarily need to be used in combination, and given the various embodiments 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 around a user's chest; and at least one fluid chamber received by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid chamber comprising: a housing; a chamber formed by the housing; and a dome located in the chamber for reducing the volume of the air-receiving portion in the chamber.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a blower configured to pressurize the fluid to produce a pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is received 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 a fluid pulsation generator, wherein each of the blower, the control circuit, and the battery is received in the garment.

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

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the size of the at least one fluid chamber pocket is adapted such that the at least one fluid chamber can move within the at least one fluid chamber pocket to adjust the position of the at least one fluid chamber relative to the user's anatomical structure.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the garment comprises: a rear portion; a left front portion; and a right front portion; wherein the at least one fluid chamber comprises: a rear fluid chamber located in the rear portion; a left front fluid chamber located in the left front portion; and a right front fluid chamber located in the right front portion.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid chamber comprises a plurality of fluid chambers in fluid communication with a blower.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of fluid chambers is downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in terms of fluid flow.

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

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein fasteners of the at least one fluid chamber are adjacent to the outer layer in position; and a movable membrane of the at least one fluid chamber is adjacent to the inner layer in position.

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

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

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dome of the at least one fluid chamber is positioned against the bottom plate of the housing.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the at least one fluid chamber is greater than the thickness of the at least one fluid chamber.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is air.

16. A high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising: A garment configured to be worn around a user's chest, wherein the garment comprises: A rear portion; 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 pressurized fluid, wherein the blower is housed within the garment; and A plurality of fluid chambers in fluid communication with a fluid pulsation generator, wherein one of the plurality of fluid chambers is downstream of another of the plurality of fluid chambers in terms of fluid flow.

17. The system according to 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 housed within the garment.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein, the plurality of fluid chambers comprises: At least one rear fluid chamber located in the rear portion; At least one left front fluid chamber located in the left front portion; and At least one right front fluid chamber located in the right front portion.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, the at least one left front fluid chamber is downstream of the at least one rear fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein, the at least one right front fluid chamber is downstream of the at least one rear fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

21. The system according to claim 18, wherein, the at least one rear fluid chamber comprises a rear upper fluid chamber and a rear lower fluid chamber, wherein the rear upper fluid chamber is downstream of the rear lower fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

22. The system according to claim 18, wherein, the at least one left front fluid chamber comprises a left front upper fluid chamber and a left front lower fluid chamber, wherein the left front upper fluid chamber is downstream of the left front lower fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

23. The system according to claim 18, wherein, the at least one right front fluid chamber comprises a right front upper fluid chamber and a right front lower fluid chamber, wherein the right front upper fluid chamber is downstream of the right front lower fluid chamber in terms of fluid flow.

24. The system according to claim 16, wherein, the plurality of fluid chambers comprises: An upper fluid chamber; and A lower fluid chamber, wherein the flow of pressurized fluid to the upper fluid chamber is configured to be deactivated.

25. The system according to claim 16, wherein, the plurality of fluid chambers are filled to a predetermined fluid pressure.

26. The system according to claim 16, further comprising: A plurality of fluid chamber pockets formed between an outer layer and an inner layer of the garment, wherein each of the plurality of fluid chambers is housed within one of the plurality of fluid chamber pockets, and wherein the size of each of the plurality of fluid chamber pockets is adapted such that the corresponding fluid chamber can move within the corresponding fluid chamber pocket to adjust the position of the corresponding fluid chamber relative to the user's anatomy.

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

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

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein, each of the plurality of fluid chambers includes an internal dome configured to reduce the volume of the air-receiving portion within the chamber.

30. The system according to claim 16, wherein, the fluid is air.

31. A high frequency chest wall oscillation system, comprising: a garment configured to be worn around a user's chest; and at least one fluid chamber received by the garment and configured to receive a fluid, the at least one fluid chamber including: a housing; a movable membrane coupled to the housing and configured to be pulsed by the fluid; a chamber formed by the housing; and a dome located within the chamber for reducing the volume of the air-receiving portion within the chamber.

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