A portable vibration sputum removal device and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable vibrating sputum ejection device and a control method. The vibrating sputum ejection device comprises a ventilation tube for air flow during inhalation and exhalation, having a first end and a second end arranged relatively to each other, and the first end is used for the patient to bite; a vibration motor for generating different oscillation frequencies is arranged in close contact with the outer wall of the ventilation tube; a resistance regulator for adjusting the flow rate of pipeline air flow and external air flow is connected to the middle part of the ventilation tube; an airflow sensor for detecting the size of airflow is arranged in the ventilation tube; and a controller is also included. The airflow sensor and the vibration motor are both electrically connected to the controller, and the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor is controlled based on the flow rate detected by the airflow sensor. The present invention can not only effectively assist sputum ejection under normal exhalation flow rate, but also generate PEP and effective oscillation frequency under low exhalation flow rate, so as to help patients expectorate more effectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of sputum removal apparatus, and in particular to a portable vibration sputum removal apparatus and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) combines positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and airway oscillation (Oscillatory), which is achieved through an oscillating device and an adjustable expiratory resistance device, that is, a series of short-term occlusions of expiratory flow are performed using various mechanisms to produce oscillating airway pressure, shear force and flow waveforms, change the rheology of mucus, and improve mucus transport, prompting mucus to move to the central airway and upper airway. Then, the patient can force deep exhalation through the device or subsequent exhalation / coughing to promote the discharge of mucus.

[0003] Clinically, there are several types of OPEP devices at home and abroad:

[0004] 1. Flutter: It uses a stainless steel ball to roll up and down on a cone during exhalation, causing an interruption in the expiratory flow and generating a PEP of 10 to 40 cmH2O. The expiratory flow rate can range from 5-30 L / min, and the frequency of oscillation simulates the frequency of cilia beating and is determined by the angle at which the device is held; however, the device cannot generate PEP at lower expiratory flow rates (<5 L / min), so it is ineffective for patients with extremely severe obstructive pulmonary ventilation dysfunction. In addition, the device relies on the influence of gravity on the device and requires the patient's full cooperation to start;

[0005] 2. Acapella: It uses a weighted balance plug and a magnet to generate airflow oscillations, and adjusts the expiratory pressure and oscillation frequency through the dial on the tail vent. It can choose to adjust the expiratory resistance and oscillation frequency for each patient, and can be used with a mask or a respirator or a nebulizer; compared with Flutter, Acapella can produce more effective oscillations at lower airflows and a wider PEP range. However, if the patient is unable to exhale a high-flow airflow when the disease worsens, continuing to use the same model of Acapella will not be able to effectively expectorate;

[0006] 3. Aerobika: It uses a complex internal mechanism to open and close the ball valve to generate an oscillating airflow. The oscillation frequency generated by the device at a low expiratory flow rate (5L / min) is only 6HZ, which is lower than the effective oscillation frequency (11-15HZ). Therefore, it cannot be used for patients with an expiratory flow rate lower than 5L / min, such as patients with extremely severe COPD and bronchiectasis.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a portable vibrating expectoration device and a control method, which can not only effectively assist expectoration under normal expiratory flow rate, but also generate PEP and an effective oscillation frequency under low expiratory flow rate, so as to help patients expectorate more effectively. Summary of the invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a portable vibrating expectorant and a control method, aiming to solve the technical problems that the traditional OPEP device cannot generate high oscillation frequency under low flow rate exhalation state, has poor expectoration effect and is complicated to operate.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable vibrating sputum removal device, comprising:

[0010] A ventilator tube, used for airflow during inhalation and exhalation, having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, and the first end is used for the patient to bite;

[0011] A vibration motor is arranged on the outer wall of the ventilation pipe and is used to generate different oscillation frequencies;

[0012] A resistance regulator is connected to the middle of the vent pipe and is used to adjust the flow rate of the pipeline airflow and the external airflow;

[0013] An airflow sensor is arranged in the ventilation pipe and is used to detect the size of the airflow;

[0014] The controller is electrically connected to the airflow sensor and the vibration motor, and controls the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor based on the flow rate detected by the airflow sensor.

[0015] As a further improvement of the above scheme, a filter membrane is provided in the ventilation tube, which is arranged near the first end and is used to filter tiny particles in the air and filter the gas and saliva blown out by the patient, so as to effectively prevent the occurrence of cross infection.

[0016] As a further improvement of the above solution, the second end of the ventilation tube is also provided with an interface for connecting to an atomizing inhalation device.

[0017] As a further improvement of the above scheme, a one-way valve is further provided in the portion of the ventilation tube near the second end. When inhaling, the one-way valve opens, and air or atomized medicine is inhaled through the interface. When exhaling, the one-way valve closes.

[0018] As a further improvement of the above solution, the port at the first end of the ventilation tube is provided with a mouthpiece, which is convenient for the patient to bite when inhaling and exhaling.

[0019] As a further improvement of the above solution, the portable vibrating sputum remover also includes a sputum cup for collecting sputum of the patient, and the sputum cup is detachably arranged at the first end of the ventilation tube, and the mouthpiece cover is arranged therein.

[0020] As a further improvement of the above solution, the portable vibrating sputum removal instrument further comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a tubular shell arranged outside the ventilation tube and a handle connected to the tubular shell.

[0021] The vibration motor is arranged in the handle, and a battery electrically connected to the vibration motor is also arranged in the handle.

[0022] As a further improvement of the above solution, the position of the resistance regulator and the ventilation tube form a "Z"-shaped ventilation channel to generate positive exhalation pressure.

[0023] As a further improvement of the above solution, the resistance regulator is provided with multiple adjustment positions, each of which corresponds to a resistance value.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a control method for a portable vibrating sputum removal device, comprising a portable vibrating sputum removal device as provided in the first aspect, the steps comprising:

[0025] When the airflow sensor detects a flow rate > 5 L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller, and the controller controls the vibration motor to generate oscillation frequencies of different frequency bands according to the size of the airflow through the ventilation tube to loosen the sputum;

[0026] When the airflow sensor detects a flow rate <5L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller, and the controller controls the vibration motor to generate an oscillation frequency of a specific frequency band through the ventilation tube to loosen the sputum; the frequency of the specific frequency band is 10-15HZ;

[0027] Preferably, the frequency of the specific frequency band is 10 Hz, so as to achieve resonance with the bronchus and promote expectoration.

[0028] Since the present invention adopts the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0029] 1. A portable vibrating sputum removal device provided by the present invention comprises a ventilation tube, a vibration motor is arranged on the outer wall of the ventilation tube, an airflow sensor is arranged in the ventilation tube, and the airflow sensor and the vibration motor are both electrically connected to the controller, and the controller controls the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor based on the flow rate detected by the airflow sensor. Specifically, the greater the detected flow rate, the greater the amplitude of the vibration motor is controlled. When the flow rate is less than 5L / min, the controller defaults to the minimum flow rate, controls and triggers the vibration motor controller to generate 10 The oscillation frequency of HZ-15HZ is then transmitted to the patient's airway through the ventilation tube, and even to the small airway, to generate resonance, loosen the patient's sputum, and help them to better expel the sputum from the body; with such a setting, under normal expiratory flow rate, by controlling and increasing the amplitude of the vibration motor, it can effectively assist in sputum discharge. Under a low expiratory flow rate, the vibration motor is controlled to generate an oscillation frequency of 10HZ-15HZ, preferably adjusted to 10HZ, so as to achieve resonance with the patient's bronchus, still generate PEP and an effective oscillation frequency, and help patients expectorate more effectively.

[0030] 2. A portable vibrating sputum removal device provided by the present invention comprises a resistance regulator for adjusting the flow rate of pipeline airflow and external airflow, and the position of the resistance regulator forms a "Z"-shaped ventilation duct with the ventilation tube, so that the pressure generated by the airflow is in a closed state, which helps to generate a certain amount of expiratory positive pressure; in some embodiments, the resistance regulator is provided with multiple gears, specifically, preferably with 6 gears, and different positive pressures are generated by adjusting the conversion gear, thereby triggering the vibration motor to generate oscillations of different frequencies and amplitudes, which is conducive to the discharge of sputum at the distal and / or proximal end of the airway.

[0031] 3. The portable vibrating sputum removal device provided by the present invention also includes a housing, the housing includes a tubular shell arranged outside the ventilation tube and a handle connected to the tubular shell, the vibration motor is arranged in the handle, and a battery electrically connected to the vibration motor is also arranged in the handle; the setting of the housing, on the one hand, plays a protective role, and on the other hand, especially the setting of the handle, is convenient for patients to grasp to enhance the experience, compared with traditional devices such as Acapella, which are shuttle-shaped and not conducive to patients' grasping. The design of the handle also protects the motor and lithium battery to avoid damage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a perspective schematic diagram of a portable vibrating sputum removal device disclosed in the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of airflow of a portable vibrating sputum removal device disclosed in the present invention during inhalation;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of airflow of a portable vibrating sputum removal device disclosed in the present invention during exhalation;

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Ventilation tube; 11. Filter membrane; 12. Interface; 13. One-way valve; 14. Mouthpiece;

[0038] 2. Vibration motor; 3. Resistance adjuster; 4. Airflow sensor; 5. Controller; 6. Sputum cup; 7. Tubular shell; 8. Handle; 9. Battery.

[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the implementation methods and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0042] In addition, in the present invention, the descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in the field. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides a portable vibration expectorant, comprising:

[0046] The ventilation tube 1 is used for airflow during inhalation and exhalation, and has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other, and the first end is used for the patient to bite; specifically, the ventilation tube 1 is made of medical PVC;

[0047] A vibration motor 2 is arranged on the outer wall of the ventilation pipe 1 to generate different oscillation frequencies;

[0048] The resistance regulator 3 is connected to the middle of the ventilation pipe 1 and is used to adjust the flow rate of the airflow in the pipe and the external airflow;

[0049] An airflow sensor 4 is arranged in the ventilation pipe 1 and is used to detect the size of the airflow;

[0050] A controller 5, the airflow sensor 4 and the vibration motor 2 are both electrically connected to the controller 5, and the controller 5 controls the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor 2 based on the flow rate detected by the airflow sensor 4;

[0051] In the present invention, based on the airflow velocity detected by the airflow sensor 4, the frequency of the vibration motor 2 is adjusted by the controller 5, so that vibrations of different frequencies can be generated. Specifically, the greater the detected flow rate, the greater the amplitude of the vibration motor 2 is controlled. When the flow rate is less than 5L / min, the controller 5 defaults to the lowest flow rate, controls and triggers the vibration motor 2. The controller 5 generates an oscillation frequency of 10HZ-15HZ, and then transmits the oscillation to the patient's airway through the ventilation tube 1, until the small airway, to generate resonance, loosen the patient's sputum, and help him to better expel the sputum from the body; with such a setting, under normal expiratory flow rate, by controlling and increasing the amplitude of the vibration motor 2, sputum discharge can be effectively assisted. Under a low expiratory flow rate, the vibration motor 2 is controlled to generate an oscillation frequency of 10HZ-15HZ, preferably adjusted to 10HZ, so as to achieve resonance with the patient's bronchus, still generate PEP and an effective oscillation frequency, and help the patient to expectorate more effectively.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment, a filter membrane 11 is provided in the ventilation tube 1, which is arranged near the first end and is used to filter tiny particles in the air and filter the gas and saliva blown out by the patient, so as to effectively prevent the occurrence of cross infection;

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the filter membrane 11 is made of polypropylene (PP) fiber material to ensure that the pressure increment does not exceed the preset value at the rated flow rate, and can filter particles larger than 0.5 μm in the air with a filtration rate of not less than 90%, thereby ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the air and exhaled breath.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, the second end of the ventilation tube 1 is also provided with an interface 12 for connecting to an atomizing inhalation device; the setting of the interface 12, when the patient needs atomizing treatment, only needs to connect the atomizing inhalation pipeline through the interface 12, which provides convenience for the patient and does not need to use an additional atomizing device for atomizing treatment. Through the vibrating sputum removal instrument, atomizing treatment is performed while vibrating to remove sputum, killing two birds with one stone; when the patient does not need atomizing treatment, the interface 12 is connected to the air.

[0055] As a preferred embodiment, a one-way valve 13 is further provided in the portion of the ventilation tube 1 near the second end; when inhaling, the one-way valve 13 opens, and air or atomized medicine is inhaled through the interface 12, and when exhaling, the one-way valve 13 is closed; the setting of the one-way valve 13 creates a closed state when the patient exhales, forming a certain end-expiratory positive pressure.

[0056] As a preferred embodiment, a mouthpiece 14 is provided at the port at the first end of the ventilation tube 1, which is convenient for the patient to bite when inhaling and exhaling, and the mouthpiece 14 is made of medical PVC.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment, the portable vibrating sputum removal instrument further comprises a sputum cup 6 for collecting sputum of the patient, the sputum cup 6 is detachably arranged at the first end of the ventilation tube 1, and the mouthpiece 14 is covered therein;

[0058] Specifically, before expectoration by the portable vibrating expectoration instrument, the sputum cup 6 is first disassembled from the first end. During the process of expectoration by vibration, if the patient has sputum, it can be collected by the sputum cup 6. In this embodiment, the sputum cup 6 is marked with a scale value of 10ml-20ml. When the patient expectorates, it can be used to collect sputum, so as to observe the sputum volume and sputum properties, dynamically observe the expectoration situation, and make timely adjustments to the patient's treatment plan. The sputum cup 6 can be repeatedly rinsed and disinfected and used in conjunction with the portable vibrating expectoration instrument; it can also be configured as a disposable sputum cup 6 to prevent cross infection; in addition, before use, the sputum cup 6 also has the function of protecting the mouthpiece 14, so that the mouthpiece 14 remains clean and prevents contamination of the mouthpiece 14.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment, the portable vibrating sputum removal instrument further includes a housing, the housing including a tubular shell 7 arranged outside the ventilation tube 1 and a handle 8 connected to the tubular shell 7, the setting of the tubular shell 7 can effectively protect the ventilation tube 1, prevent the ventilation tube 1 from being broken or bumped, and extend the service life;

[0060] The vibration motor 2 is disposed in the handle 8, and a battery 9 electrically connected to the vibration motor 2 is also disposed in the handle 8;

[0061] The setting of the handle 8 can protect the vibration motor 2 and the battery 9 on the one hand, and is convenient for patients or medical staff to hold on the other hand. Compared with the shuttle-shaped design of existing devices such as Acapella, which is not conducive to patients' grasping, the present invention can effectively improve the experience by holding with the handle 8.

[0062] As a preferred embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 , wherein the arrow indicates the direction of airflow, when inhaling, the one-way valve 13 opens, and air or atomized medicine is inhaled through the interface 12; when exhaling, the one-way valve 13 closes, and the exhaled airflow is exhaled through the resistance regulator 3;

[0063] The position of the resistance regulator 3 forms a "Z"-shaped ventilation tube 1 with the ventilation tube 1, so that the pressure generated by the airflow is in a closed state, which helps to generate a certain amount of positive exhalation pressure; specifically, an opening is provided in the middle of the ventilation tube 1, and a resistance adjustment connecting tube is provided at the opening, and the resistance regulator 3 is arranged at the end of the resistance adjustment connecting tube, and the resistance regulator 3 includes a knob, and a movable paddle is connected to the rotating shaft of the knob. Correspondingly, a static paddle corresponding to the paddle is provided in the adjustment connecting tube, and an adjustment hole corresponding to the gear is provided on the static paddle, and the opening of the adjustment hole is adjusted by rotating the position of the movable paddle;

[0064] The resistance regulator 3 is provided with multiple adjustment positions, each corresponding to a resistance value; in the present embodiment, a total of 6 positions are provided, namely, positions 0-5; at position 0, the resistance is the smallest, and the air is connected to the outside air; at position 5, the resistance is the largest, and the flow volume between the pipeline airflow and the outside airflow is the smallest, thereby generating a greater airflow resistance, and so on, the resistance of positions 0-5 gradually increases;

[0065] When in use, according to the patient's condition, the resistance regulator 3 is adjusted to the corresponding gear position, and the airflow speed is detected by the airflow sensor 4, and the vibration motor 2 is adjusted and controlled to produce oscillations of appropriate frequency and amplitude, which can effectively discharge sputum from the distal and / or proximal end of the airway.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] The present invention also provides a control method for a portable vibrating sputum removal device, including a portable vibrating sputum removal device as provided in Example 1, the steps of which include:

[0068] When the airflow sensor 4 detects a flow rate > 5 L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller 5, and the controller 5 controls the vibration motor 2 to generate oscillation frequencies of different frequency bands through the ventilation tube 1 to loosen the sputum;

[0069] When the airflow sensor 4 detects a flow rate <5L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller 5, and the controller 5 controls the vibration motor 2 to generate an oscillation frequency of a specific frequency band through the ventilation tube 1 to loosen the sputum; the frequency of the specific frequency band is 10-15HZ;

[0070] Preferably, the frequency of the specific frequency band is 10 Hz, so as to achieve resonance with the bronchus and promote expectoration;

[0071] In the present invention, the patient's expiratory flow rate is detected by the airflow sensor 4, and the amplitude and frequency of the vibration motor 2 are adjusted based on the size of the respiratory flow rate, so as to achieve a good expectoration effect; especially for patients with severe lung function damage or patients in the terminal stage of respiratory diseases, it is impossible to achieve a higher expiratory flow rate, and traditional expectoration equipment cannot produce PEP at an expiratory flow rate (<5L / min), and the expectoration effect is very small, but for such patients, accompanied by the infection of lung pathogens, sputum cannot be discharged in time, which is easy to cause the disease to worsen; and the control method of the portable vibration expectoration device provided by the present invention is adopted. When the airflow sensor 4 detects a flow rate of <5L / min, the controller 5 regulates the vibration motor 2 to generate an oscillation frequency of about 10HZ, which can resonate with the patient's bronchi, so that the sputum in the body can be effectively discharged from the body, thereby improving the treatment effect; the present invention adopts a control method combining the airflow sensor 4 and the vibration motor 2 to break through the limitation of the airflow flow rate of traditional expectoration equipment.

[0072] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural changes made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable vibrating sputum removal device, characterized in that: include: A ventilator tube, used for airflow during inhalation and exhalation, having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, and the first end is used for the patient to bite; A vibration motor is arranged on the outer wall of the ventilation pipe and is used to generate different oscillation frequencies; A resistance regulator is connected to the middle of the vent pipe and is used to adjust the flow rate of the pipeline airflow and the external airflow; An airflow sensor is arranged in the ventilation pipe and is used to detect the size of the airflow; The controller is electrically connected to the airflow sensor and the vibration motor, and controls the oscillation frequency of the vibration motor based on the flow rate detected by the airflow sensor.

2. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the ventilation tube is also provided with an interface for connecting to an atomizing inhalation device.

3. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A one-way valve is also provided in the part of the ventilation tube near the second end. When inhaling, the one-way valve opens, and air or atomized medicine is inhaled through the interface. When exhaling, the one-way valve closes.

4. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The port at the first end of the ventilation tube is provided with a mouthpiece, which is convenient for the patient to bite when inhaling and exhaling.

5. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The portable vibrating sputum removal device also includes a sputum cup for collecting sputum of patients. The sputum cup is detachably arranged at the first end of the ventilation tube, and the mouthpiece cover is arranged therein.

6. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The portable vibrating sputum removal instrument further comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a tubular shell arranged outside the ventilation tube and a handle connected to the tubular shell. The vibration motor is arranged in the handle, and a battery electrically connected to the vibration motor is also arranged in the handle.

7. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The position of the resistance regulator forms a "Z"-shaped ventilation channel with the ventilation tube to generate positive exhalation pressure.

8. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The resistance regulator is provided with multiple adjustment positions, and each position corresponds to a resistance value.

9. A portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A filter membrane is provided in the ventilation tube, which is arranged near the first end and is used for filtering tiny particles in the air and filtering the gas and saliva blown out by the patient.

10. A control method for a portable vibrating sputum removal device, comprising a portable vibrating sputum removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The steps include: When the airflow sensor detects a flow rate > 5 L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller, and the controller controls the vibration motor to generate oscillation frequencies of different frequency bands according to the flow rate through the ventilation tube to loosen the sputum; When the airflow sensor detects a flow rate of <5L / min, the current flow rate value is fed back to the controller, and the controller controls the vibration motor to generate an oscillation frequency in a specific frequency band through the ventilation tube to loosen sputum; the frequency of the specific frequency band is 10-15HZ.

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