Sputum excretion nursing device for pulmonary infection of old people and use method of sputum excretion nursing device
The intelligent sputum expectoration device, which uses multi-mode vibration to promote expectoration and biomimetic cough stimulation, solves the problem of difficult sputum removal in elderly people with lung infections, and achieves personalized and safe sputum removal and infection control.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Elderly patients often have thick sputum after lung infection, which is difficult to clear effectively using conventional sputum expectoration methods, leading to a worsening of the infection. Existing technologies lack integrated systems and dynamic response mechanisms.
The intelligent sputum expectoration device, which combines a multi-mode vibration-promoting module and a biomimetic cough stimulation, includes a wearable vest, a miniature vibration motor, a cough-simulating air sac, and a respiratory monitoring module, to achieve personalized and safe sputum expectoration care.
It achieves efficient, safe, and comfortable sputum clearance, reduces the risk of infection, and improves sputum clearance efficiency and infection control capabilities.
Smart Images
Figure CN121647952A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an intelligent sputum expectoration care device and its usage method specifically designed for elderly patients with lung infections. Background Technology
[0002] Due to physiological characteristics such as weakened immunity, reduced respiratory function, and diminished cough reflex, elderly individuals often experience increased sputum viscosity after lung infection, making it easier for the sputum to remain deep in the lungs. Conventional sputum expectoration methods are often ineffective in clearing infectious secretions, which can easily lead to worsening of the infection, respiratory failure, and even multiple organ dysfunction. Current clinical sputum expectoration methods suffer from problems such as lack of specificity, low level of automation, and inability to simultaneously address infection control and sputum expectoration.
[0003] Existing technologies lack an integrated system that combines sputum expectoration, infection status monitoring, and treatment assistance, especially lacking a dynamic response mechanism for changes in sputum characteristics and the impact of inflammatory responses on respiratory function under infection conditions. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a sputum expectoration care device for elderly patients with lung infections and its method of use. This device can intelligently assess sputum status and employs a combination of physical sputum expectoration and biomimetic cough stimulation to achieve safe, effective, and comfortable personalized sputum expectoration care, making it particularly suitable for elderly patients to use in hospital or home environments.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A sputum expectoration care device for lung infections in the elderly includes a main control unit, a wearable vest, a multi-mode vibration-promoting module, a bionic cough stimulation module, a respiratory monitoring and assessment module, and a human-computer interaction unit.
[0007] The wearable vest is designed to be worn close to the patient's chest, and its inner side has multiple flexible attachment areas corresponding to the main lobes of the patient's lungs.
[0008] The multi-mode vibration-induced drainage module is integrated within the wearable vest and includes multiple independently controlled micro-vibration-induced drainage units. Each micro-vibration-induced drainage unit includes: a first vibration motor for generating high-frequency vibrations perpendicular to the body surface, with a frequency range of 10-30Hz, to loosen sputum adhering to the bronchial walls; and a second vibration motor for generating low-frequency directional fluctuations parallel to the body surface, with a frequency range of 2-8Hz, to simulate the shearing force within the airways during coughing, promoting the movement of sputum towards the main airway. The position of each micro-vibration-induced drainage unit corresponds to the flexible attachment area.
[0009] The biomimetic cough stimulation module includes an inflatable airbag positioned at the Adam's apple on a wearable vest, a miniature air pump, and a pressure sensor. When inflated, the inflatable airbag provides gentle, momentary pressure stimulation to the trachea and throat, simulating the triggering process of a cough reflex.
[0010] The respiratory monitoring and assessment module includes a matrix respiratory sensor array and a sputum sound acquisition microphone integrated into a wearable vest. The matrix respiratory sensor array is used to monitor the respiratory depth, frequency, and symmetry of each lung region in real time; the sputum sound acquisition microphone is used to acquire the characteristics of moist rales in cough sounds and breath sounds.
[0011] The main control unit is electrically connected to the multi-mode vibration-induced expectoration module, the bionic cough stimulation module, the respiratory monitoring and assessment module, and the human-computer interaction unit. The main control unit incorporates an intelligent algorithm for: automatically identifying key lung areas with sputum retention based on data from the respiratory monitoring and assessment module; formulating and dynamically adjusting multi-mode vibration-induced expectoration parameter combinations for different lung areas; controlling the bionic cough stimulation module to trigger the cough reflex at the appropriate time after the vibration-induced expectoration cycle ends; and quantitatively evaluating the effectiveness of a single sputum expectoration based on changes in breath sounds and respiratory parameters before and after coughing.
[0012] The human-computer interaction unit includes a display screen and buttons on the device body, as well as an interface for wireless communication with a mobile terminal App, used for parameter setting, mode selection, effect display and alarm prompts.
[0013] Furthermore, the flexible attachment area is made of medical-grade silicone material, and its surface is provided with a micro-liquid reservoir for coupling the ultrasonic gel to enhance vibration transmission.
[0014] Furthermore, the main control unit is also connected to a safety monitoring module, including a current sensor for preventing vibration overload and a patch-type temperature sensor for monitoring skin temperature. When the monitored value exceeds a preset safety threshold, it automatically stops working.
[0015] Furthermore, the device also includes a separate nebulizer interface that can be connected to an external nebulizer for nebulized drug inhalation before and after expectoration care.
[0016] The present invention also provides a method of using the above-mentioned sputum suction nursing device, comprising the following steps:
[0017] S1: Preparation and Wearing: Put the wearable vest on the patient, ensuring that each flexible attachment area fits tightly against the skin of the corresponding lung area, and start the device through the human-computer interaction unit.
[0018] S2: Initial assessment and infection status judgment: The main control unit performs resting respiratory monitoring through the respiratory monitoring and assessment module, and simultaneously collects local skin temperature and tissue impedance data. Combined with sputum sound characteristics, it makes a preliminary judgment on the intensity of infection activity and the area of sputum retention in the lungs.
[0019] S3: Personalized plan generation: Based on the evaluation results, the main control unit automatically generates an initial sputum expectoration plan, including the target lung area, the vibration mode combination of each target lung area vibration-promoting module (intensity, timing, and duration of high and low frequencies), and the planned timing of bionic cough stimulation triggering.
[0020] S4: Multi-mode Vibration-induced expectoration: According to the protocol, the miniature vibration-induced expectoration unit corresponding to the lung area is activated. First, the first vibration motor operates, generating high-frequency vibrations to loosen sputum; intermittently or simultaneously, the second vibration motor operates, generating low-frequency directional fluctuations to push sputum away. The main control unit monitors the respiratory sensing array data in real time and fine-tunes the vibration parameters to adapt to the patient's real-time respiratory rhythm.
[0021] S5: Bionic Cough Stimulation and Active Sputum Clearance: At the end of the set vibration-induced cough cycle, the main control unit controls the inflatable and deflated air bladder of the bionic cough stimulation module to rapidly inflate and deflate, generating instantaneous stimulation to the throat and inducing the patient to cough actively. Nursing staff or the patient themselves cooperate by coughing effectively to expel the loosened sputum.
[0022] S6: Effect Evaluation and Feedback: After the coughing ends, the main control unit collects respiratory parameters and breath sounds again through the respiratory monitoring and evaluation module, compares and analyzes them with the baseline data in step S2, calculates the sputum expectoration effect score (such as the degree of reduction of wet rales and the improvement rate of local respiratory depth), and feeds the results back to the human-computer interaction unit.
[0023] S7: Plan Adjustment and Cycle: Based on the effect score, if the preset target is not achieved, the main control unit automatically adjusts the vibration parameters or changes the target lung area, repeats steps S4-S6, and performs the next round of sputum drainage care; if the target is achieved or the maximum safe nursing duration is reached, the current nursing care ends and a nursing report is generated.
[0024] S8: Infection Response and Treatment Synergy: If the infection status monitoring module shows active local inflammation, the main control unit will automatically prompt or start the nebulized drug delivery module to perform anti-infective or expectorant nebulized inhalation before and after sputum expectoration care.
[0025] Furthermore, in step S4, the operation of the vibration-induced expulsion module is synchronized with the patient's expiratory phase to enhance sputum transport by utilizing the physiological characteristics of airway narrowing and airflow acceleration during exhalation.
[0026] Beneficial effects
[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages:
[0028] Creativity and innovation: A new synergistic sputum expectoration mechanism combining a dual physical mode of "high-frequency loosening + low-frequency clearance" with biomimetic nerve stimulation (cough reflex) was proposed, which simulates the entire process of physiological sputum expectoration, breaks through the limitations of a single vibration mode, and achieves higher sputum expectoration efficiency.
[0029] Intelligent and precise: Through respiratory sensing array and sputum sound analysis, the system can automatically identify the sputum retention area and quantitatively evaluate the sputum expectoration effect, enabling the nursing plan to be dynamically adjusted according to the person, time and location, thus achieving precise and personalized nursing care.
[0030] Safety and comfort: The flexible attachment structure and multi-zone independent control avoid the risk of injury from improper tapping; built-in multiple safety monitoring ensures safe use; the wearable design and synchronization with respiratory rhythm greatly improve patient comfort and acceptance.
[0031] Practicality and convenience: The device is highly integrated and the operation process is intelligent and step-by-step, which greatly reduces the reliance on professional nursing staff. It is very suitable for promotion and use in community hospitals, elderly care institutions and home environments, and has high clinical application value and social benefits.
[0032] Enhanced infection targeting: By integrating infection status monitoring and drug synergy mechanisms, a closed-loop management system for sputum expectoration and infection control is achieved, which is especially suitable for the intelligent treatment of infectious sputum.
[0033] Enhanced clinical adaptability: The system can automatically adjust the intensity and frequency of sputum expectoration according to the degree of infection, avoiding the spread of inflammation due to excessive vibration or stimulation.
[0034] Intelligent collaborative treatment: Combining modern sensing technology and intelligent algorithms, it enables multimodal data fusion decision-making, improving the accuracy and safety of nursing care. Attached Figure Description
[0035] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the sputum drainage nursing device of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure (inner view) of the wearable vest of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro vibration-induced excretion unit of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of using the present invention.
[0039] (In the figure: 1-Main control unit, 2-Wearable vest, 21-Flexible attachment area, 3-Multi-mode vibration to promote excretion module, 31-First vibration motor, 32-Second vibration motor, 4-Bionic cough stimulation module, 41-Inflatable airbag, 5-Respiratory monitoring and assessment module, 51-Matrix respiratory sensing array, 52-Sputum sound collection microphone, 6-Human-computer interaction unit, 7-Safety monitoring module). Detailed Implementation
[0040] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0041] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a sputum expectoration nursing device for lung infections in the elderly mainly includes a main control unit 1, a wearable vest 2, a multi-mode vibration sputum-promoting module 3, a bionic cough stimulation module 4, a respiratory monitoring and assessment module 5, a human-computer interaction unit 6, and a safety monitoring module 7.
[0042] The wearable vest 2 is made of front-buttoned elastic fabric. The inside corresponds to the six main areas of the left and right lungs (upper, middle, and lower lobes). It has six oval-shaped flexible attachment areas 21 made of medical silicone material, and the surface of these areas has a mesh micro-liquid reservoir.
[0043] The multi-mode vibration-induced expulsion module 3 comprises six independently controlled micro-vibration-induced expulsion units, each embedded in the interlayer of one of the six flexible attachment zones 21. For example... Figure 3 As shown, each unit is encapsulated in a flexible silicone shell and contains a vertically mounted first vibration motor 31 (high frequency) and a horizontally mounted second vibration motor 32 (low frequency), which are precisely controlled by the main control unit 1 through a micro drive circuit.
[0044] The inflatable airbag 41 of the bionic cough stimulation module 4 is flat and butterfly-shaped, fixed inside the neckline of the vest at the Adam's apple position, and connected to a miniature air pump and pressure sensor placed in the side pocket of the vest via a hose.
[0045] The matrix respiratory sensing array 51 of the respiratory monitoring and assessment module 5 is composed of multiple flexible piezoresistive sensor sheets arranged in a grid on the inside of the vest. There are two sputum sound collection microphones 52, located near the midline of the left and right clavicles of the vest.
[0046] The current sensor of the safety monitoring module 7 is integrated into the motor drive circuit, and the surface-mount temperature sensor is placed on the skin contact surface near the vibration unit.
[0047] The display screen and buttons of the human-computer interaction unit 6 are located on a detachable controller, which is magnetically fixed to the shoulder of the vest. The controller integrates a Bluetooth module and can connect to a mobile app.
[0048] The main control unit 1 (microprocessor and memory chip) is integrated into the controller.
[0049] The specific workflow is as follows: Figure 4 As shown:
[0050] After the patient puts on the vest and connects to the controller, the nursing staff selects the "automatic sputum expectoration mode" through the controller. The device first performs an initial assessment (S2). The main control unit 1 analyzes and finds that the patient's breath sounds are weakened in the right lower lung with a small amount of moist rales. The respiratory sensor shows that the respiratory amplitude in this area is 30% weaker than that on the left side. Therefore, the right lower lung is determined to be the key target area for this nursing care. Next, the main control unit 1 generates a plan (S3): the vibration unit in the right lower lung area starts a cycle of "high-frequency (20Hz) vibration for 15 seconds + low-frequency (5Hz) directional fluctuation for 10 seconds", for a total of 3 cycles, during which the vibration is synchronized with the patient's exhalation. After the 3 cycles are completed (S4), the main control unit 1 immediately controls the air bladder of the bionic cough stimulation module 4 to inflate rapidly (pressure controlled within a safe range) and release instantly (S5). The patient then produces an effective cough, coughing up a small amount of viscous sputum. After the cough, the device reassesses (S6) and finds that the moist rales in the right lower lung have disappeared, and the respiratory amplitude has improved to only 10% weaker than that on the left side, with the effect score reaching "good". The main control unit 1 determines that the nursing goal has been basically achieved, ends the process, and pushes the nursing report to the family via the App (S7).
[0051] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features, and such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A sputum expectoration nursing device for lung infections in the elderly, characterized in that, It includes a main control unit, a wearable vest, a multi-mode vibration-induced drainage module, a bionic cough stimulation module, a respiratory monitoring and assessment module, and a human-computer interaction unit; The wearable vest is worn close to the patient's chest, and its inner side is provided with multiple flexible attachment areas corresponding to the main lobes of the patient's lungs. The multi-mode vibration-induced excretion module is integrated into the wearable vest and includes multiple independently controlled micro vibration-induced excretion units. Each micro vibration-induced excretion unit includes a first vibration motor for generating high-frequency vibrations perpendicular to the body surface and a second vibration motor for generating low-frequency directional vibrations parallel to the body surface. The position of each micro vibration-induced excretion unit corresponds to the flexible attachment area. The bionic cough stimulation module includes an inflatable airbag, a miniature air pump, and a pressure sensor positioned at the Adam's apple position on a wearable vest. The respiratory monitoring and assessment module includes a matrix respiratory sensing array and a sputum sound collection microphone integrated on a wearable vest; The main control unit is electrically connected to the multi-mode vibration-induced expectoration module, the bionic cough stimulation module, the respiratory monitoring and assessment module, and the human-computer interaction unit. The main control unit incorporates an intelligent algorithm to automatically identify areas of sputum retention in the lungs based on data from the respiratory monitoring and assessment module, formulate personalized expectoration plans, dynamically control the operation of the multi-mode vibration-induced expectoration module and the bionic cough stimulation module, and quantitatively evaluate the expectoration effect based on changes in data before and after coughing. The infection status monitoring module includes inflammatory marker sensors (such as local skin temperature monitoring and bioelectrical impedance sensors) integrated into a wearable vest, used to indirectly assess the degree of lung inflammation activity. Sputum Characteristics Analysis Unit: Through sputum sound spectrum analysis and cough sound feature recognition, combined with respiratory sensing data, it intelligently judges the viscosity, amount and distribution of sputum. Intelligent drug coordination interface: In addition to the nebulization drug delivery interface, an intelligent release control unit for antibiotics / expectorants is added, which can provide precise adjuvant treatment before and after expectoration by nebulization or transdermal drug delivery based on the infection status monitoring results.
2. The sputum suction nursing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-frequency vibration generated by the first vibration motor has a frequency range of 10-30Hz, and the low-frequency directional vibration generated by the second vibration motor has a frequency range of 2-8Hz.
3. The sputum suction nursing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible attachment area is made of medical-grade silicone, and its surface is provided with a micro-liquid reservoir for coupling medium.
4. The sputum suction nursing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety monitoring module, which includes a current sensor for preventing vibration overload and a patch-type temperature sensor for monitoring skin temperature. The safety monitoring module is connected to the main control unit.
5. The sputum suction nursing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a separate nebulizer interface, which is connected to the main control unit or serves as a physical interface for connecting to an external nebulizer.
6. A method of using the sputum suction nursing device as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Preparation and donning: Put the wearable vest on the patient and activate the device; S2: Initial assessment: The main control unit performs resting respiratory monitoring through the respiratory monitoring and assessment module, collects baseline data, and uses algorithms to preliminarily determine the lung area and severity of sputum retention; S3: Personalized plan generation: The main control unit automatically generates an initial sputum expectoration plan based on the evaluation results, and determines the target lung area, vibration parameter combination and bionic cough stimulus triggering timing; S4: Multi-mode vibration-induced expulsion: According to the protocol, the miniature vibration-induced expulsion unit in the target lung area is activated to perform high-frequency vibration and low-frequency directional vibration. The main control unit monitors and fine-tunes the parameters in real time to adapt to the patient's respiratory rhythm. S5: Bionic cough stimulation and active expectoration: At the end of the vibration-induced expectoration cycle, the inflatable and deflated air sac of the bionic cough stimulation module is rapidly inflated and deflated to induce the patient to cough actively. S6: Effectiveness evaluation and feedback: After the coughing ends, respiratory parameters and breath sounds are collected again, compared and analyzed with the baseline data, and the sputum expectoration effect score is calculated; S7: Plan Adjustment and Cycle: Adjust the plan based on the effect score and proceed to the next round of nursing care or end the current nursing care.
7. The method of use according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S4, the operation of the vibration-induced excretion module is synchronized with the patient's exhalation.
8. The method of use according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sputum expectoration effectiveness score includes at least the degree of reduction in moist rales and / or the rate of improvement in local respiratory depth.