Atomizer, using method and control circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of atomizers, in particular to an atomizer, a using method and a control circuit. The atomizing assembly comprises an atomizing cup which is communicated with the breathing groove and is used for atomizing gas; the gas conveying unit is used for conveying gas to the atomizing cup; and the pressure acquisition unit is used for acquiring first pressure information in the breathing groove and second pressure information in the external environment, and can control the gas transmission unit to be switched between an opening state and a closing state by comparing the first pressure information with the second pressure information. The first pressure information and the second pressure information provide a basis for operation and closing of the gas transmission unit, and the gas transmission unit is prevented from operating all the time until the liquid medicine is exhausted or the atomizer is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of atomizer technology, specifically to an atomizer, a method of use, and a control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] In the clinical treatment of respiratory diseases, nebulization therapy has become an important means of treating respiratory diseases due to its significant advantages such as convenient operation, painless treatment process, and high drug absorption efficiency. With the continuous growth in demand for nebulization therapy, various nebulization devices have been rapidly developed. Among them, nebulizers, which can atomize liquid medicine into tiny particles for inhalation, have become key medical devices in clinical and home care.

[0003] Among the many types of nebulizers, compressor nebulizers dominate the market due to their high technological maturity and strong operational stability, making them the most mainstream type of nebulization device in both clinical and home use. Based on the power supply method, compressor nebulizers can be divided into AC-powered and DC-powered types. AC compressor nebulizers have relatively limited functionality, typically only allowing for basic on / off operation, and cannot meet the personalized needs of clinical treatment such as nebulization timing and flow rate adjustment. Furthermore, their relatively large size and weight make them less portable and unsuitable for home-based mobile care scenarios. In contrast, DC compressor nebulizers offer significant advantages in both functional expandability and portability. They not only provide personalized treatment functions such as timing and flow rate adjustment but also feature a compact size and lightweight design, better meeting the demands for portable and intelligent devices in modern medical settings. Therefore, they are gradually becoming the development trend of compressor nebulizers and are widely favored by the market and users.

[0004] However, existing compressor nebulizers on the market, including mainstream DC compressor nebulizers, all suffer from a key technical flaw: they generally lack a breath-following function. A deeper analysis reveals that the structural design of current compressor nebulizers typically uses a single outlet tube directly connected to the nebulizer cup. This structure cannot collect the gas pressure signal inside the user's mask, and therefore cannot sense the user's breathing status. Due to this limitation, existing compressor nebulizers can only operate continuously in a constant mode until the medication in the nebulizer cup is completely atomized. This continuous nebulization mode not only easily leads to medication waste but may also reduce drug inhalation efficiency due to a mismatch between the atomized gas and the user's breathing rhythm, and may even cause discomfort such as coughing, affecting treatment effectiveness and user experience.

[0005] Therefore, how to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology is the subject of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an atomizer, a method of use, and a control circuit.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A nebulizer includes a nebulizing assembly and a mask with a breathing groove;

[0009] The atomizing component includes:

[0010] An atomizing cup, connected to the breathing groove, is used to atomize gas;

[0011] The gas delivery unit is used to deliver gas to the atomizing cup;

[0012] The pressure acquisition unit is used to acquire first pressure information in the breathing tank and second pressure information in the external environment, and can control the gas delivery unit to switch between an on state and a off state by comparing the first pressure information and the second pressure information.

[0013] When the nebulizer is running, the gas delivery unit supplies gas (or airflow) to the nebulizer cup. This airflow impacts the liquid medication in the nebulizer cup, breaking the medication into tiny atomized particles, forming an aerosol. The aerosol then enters the breathing chamber and is absorbed into the body through the user's inhalation.

[0014] When the nebulizer is running, the pressure acquisition unit collects first pressure information from the breathing chamber and second pressure information from the external environment. The pressure acquisition unit can control the gas delivery unit to switch between on and off states by comparing the first and second pressure information, i.e., it controls the gas delivery unit to turn on and off (this can be implemented through hardware circuitry, which is not limited to this). The first and second pressure information provides the basis for the operation and shutdown of the gas delivery unit, preventing the gas delivery unit (or nebulizer) from running continuously until the medication is exhausted (as explained below) or the nebulizer is turned off. For example, the first and second pressure information can determine whether the user is in the inhalation or exhalation phase. When the user exhales, the gas delivery unit can stop running, reducing the total amount of medication wasted, improving medication utilization, and also improving the therapeutic effect by increasing the inhalation rate of the medication.

[0015] Further technical solutions include the following atomizing components:

[0016] The main unit has an internal cavity;

[0017] The main control board is housed within the cavity;

[0018] The first sensor is housed in the cavity and electrically connected to the main control board;

[0019] The monitoring tubing is connected at both ends to the first sensor and the mask, respectively, and is used to work with the first sensor to monitor the pressure inside the breathing tank.

[0020] The second sensor, externally located in the inner cavity and electrically connected to the main control board, is used to monitor the pressure in the external environment.

[0021] A compression pump is housed in the inner cavity and electrically connected to the main control board;

[0022] The gas delivery pipeline is connected at both ends to the compressor pump and the atomizing cup, respectively, and is used to cooperate with the compressor pump to deliver gas to the atomizing cup;

[0023] An exhaust pipe, with its two ends connected to the breathing groove and the inner cavity respectively, is used to expel gas from the breathing groove;

[0024] A control valve is connected to the portion of the exhaust pipe that extends into the inner cavity and is electrically connected to the main control board;

[0025] The compression pump and the gas pipeline together constitute the gas delivery unit.

[0026] The main control board, the first sensor, the monitoring pipeline, and the second sensor constitute the pressure acquisition unit.

[0027] The main unit has a vent, which is a standard feature and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] When the nebulizer is running, a compressor pump delivers gas (or airflow) to the nebulizer cup through the air delivery line. This airflow impacts the liquid medication in the nebulizer cup, breaking it down into tiny atomized particles, forming an aerosol. The aerosol enters the breathing chamber and is absorbed into the body through the user's inhalation. When the user exhales, gas is generated within the breathing chamber, which is then expelled through the exhaust line. To prevent air from entering the breathing chamber through the exhaust line, a control valve regulates the exhaust process (standard control, not detailed here).

[0029] When the nebulizer is running, a first sensor monitors the pressure inside the breathing chamber in conjunction with the tubing, while a second sensor monitors the pressure in the external environment. This pressure data is aggregated and sent to the main control board. Based on this pressure data, the main control board can control the compressor pump and control valve to open and close (this can be achieved through hardware circuitry within the main control board, with no specific limitation). This pressure data provides a basis for the operation and shutdown of the compressor pump, preventing it from running continuously until the medication is depleted (as explained below) or for shutting down the nebulizer. For example, the pressure data can determine whether the user is in the inhalation or exhalation phase. When the user exhales, the compressor pump can stop running, reducing the total amount of medication wasted and improving medication utilization. Furthermore, increasing the inhalation rate of the medication can improve the therapeutic effect.

[0030] It should be noted that the process of processing pressure data on the main control board is not an innovation of this application and can be implemented based on existing circuit structures. For example, existing circuit structures can be used to compare data from two sensors to determine the pressure state inside the mask. If the pressure inside the mask is lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure, it indicates that the user is inhaling. The control logic generated after processing the pressure data is not covered in this section and can be found in the following description.

[0031] It should also be noted that the various components of the atomizer in this application do not interfere with each other during operation and can operate efficiently on their own.

[0032] In a further technical solution, the end of the monitoring pipeline furthest from the first sensor is connected to the breathing groove through the exhaust pipeline. In this case, the monitoring pipeline and the exhaust pipeline can be regarded as a combined pipeline. This combined pipeline has three ports, which can save on structure and avoid problems such as tangling caused by a large number of pipelines.

[0033] A method of using an atomizer is also provided herein, applicable to the atomizers in some of the above embodiments, the method of use including the following steps:

[0034] Step 1: The main control board starts running initially. The control valve and the compressor pump are both in the closed state. The first sensor monitors the pressure in the breathing tank in real time through the monitoring pipeline to obtain the first pressure value updated in real time. The second sensor monitors the pressure in the external environment in real time to obtain the second pressure value updated in real time.

[0035] Step 2: Compare the first pressure value and the second pressure value obtained synchronously. Based on the comparison result, make predetermined adjustments through the main control board, and then repeat the above steps. The mechanism used for predetermined adjustments includes:

[0036] When the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the control valve is closed, the compressor pump runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup through the gas delivery pipeline;

[0037] When the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the compressor pump is turned off, and the control valve operates so that the gas in the breathing tank can be discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0038] When the atomizer initially starts operating, both the control valve and the compressor pump are closed. The first and second sensors then activate to detect pressure (air pressure). Taking the first pressure value as an example, this is a real-time updated value compared to a second pressure value obtained at the same point in time. Both the first and second pressure values ​​provide data support for subsequent guidance.

[0039] When the user inhales, since the entire mask and atomizing cup are sealed, the first pressure value gradually becomes less than the second pressure value. At this point, it is determined that the user needs to inhale, the control valve is closed, the compressor pump runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup through the gas delivery line.

[0040] As the user exhales, the first pressure value gradually exceeds the second pressure value. At this point, it is determined that the user is exhaling, the compressor pump is turned off, and the control valve operates to allow the gas in the breathing chamber to be discharged through the exhaust pipe. It should be noted that the description of the compressor pump being turned off refers to its gradual transition from an operating state to a closed state. This constitutes one breathing cycle, and subsequent cycles repeat from this point.

[0041] In summary, by monitoring and comparing the pressure inside the breathing chamber with the pressure in the external environment in real time, it is possible to determine whether the user is in an exhalation or inhalation state (based on the pressure state in the mask, positive or negative pressure). This allows for adaptive adjustment of the control valve and compressor pump, preventing the control valve (which can easily allow air into the breathing chamber) from affecting the user's absorption of atomized particles (minimizing the user's absorption of non-therapeutic gases) and avoiding the waste of some medication due to the continuous operation of the compressor pump.

[0042] In a further technical solution, in step one, before the main control board starts running, the control valve is in the open state and the compression pump is in the closed state; after the main control board starts running, the control valve switches to the closed state and the compression pump remains in the closed state.

[0043] Before the atomizer is activated, the control valve is in the open position. At this time, the user can inhale through the exhaust pipe to prevent suffocation caused by the inability to inhale when wearing a mask, thus improving the user experience and reducing safety risks.

[0044] In a further technical solution, in step two, when the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the compression pump runs until the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value.

[0045] In step two, when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the control valve operates until the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value.

[0046] To illustrate this with the limitation of "until the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value": the compressor pump gradually reduces the numerical difference between the first and second pressure values. Generally, the compressor pump will bring the pressure inside the breathing chamber closer to atmospheric pressure, or it may even bring the pressure inside the breathing chamber to the same level as atmospheric pressure. To prevent the compressor pump from stopping prematurely, which would prevent the user from continuously receiving atomized particles during the inhalation phase, the compressor pump is set to only stop operating when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, at which point the user enters the exhalation phase.

[0047] By setting conditions to prematurely terminate the operation of the compressor pump and control valve after they have finished running, users can breathe smoothly and exhale, further ensuring a better user experience.

[0048] In a further technical solution, in step two, the pressure change information in the breathing chamber is collected by the first sensor, and the breathing frequency is calculated based on the pressure change information. Then, the subsequent inhalation time point and subsequent exhalation time point are predicted based on the breathing frequency.

[0049] Understandably, pressure changes within the breathing chamber directly reflect a user's inhalation and exhalation, allowing the determination of their respiratory rate, such as an inhalation duration of 5 seconds and an exhalation duration of 3 seconds. Based on this respiratory rate, subsequent inhalation and exhalation times can be predicted. For instance, if the user is in the inhalation phase at the given respiratory rate, and the first exhalation occurs after the inhalation phase, it can be predicted that the user will enter the inhalation phase again in 3 seconds.

[0050] It should be noted that a user can obtain a set of pressure change information by completing one exhalation and one inhalation. It is preferable to obtain the respiratory rate based on at least 20 sets of pressure change information. The average value of each set of pressure change information can be taken. If there are cases such as infinitely cyclic decimals, rounding or other mechanisms can be used to process them.

[0051] A further technical solution includes a warning feature in the atomizer;

[0052] After obtaining the subsequent inhalation and exhalation time points, an inhalation reminder signal is output through a prompt device at the inhalation time point, and an exhalation reminder signal is output through a prompt device at the exhalation time point.

[0053] The prompting device can be a traffic light or something similar, and there are no restrictions on what kind of prompting device is used. Examples of prompting devices are given below to facilitate explanation and help understanding, but there are no limitations.

[0054] After obtaining the subsequent inhalation and exhalation time points, the main control chip (part of the main control board) can use an advance prediction algorithm (such as a deep learning prediction algorithm) to provide visual and auditory guidance to the user, specifically instructing the user to inhale: when the main control chip predicts that the user is about to inhale (approaching the inhalation time point), the speaker (part of the prompting device) outputs the prompt "Please inhale," and simultaneously the indicator light (part of the prompting device) turns blue to indicate inhalation, thus working together to guide the user to inhale and significantly improve the drug inhalation rate. It should be noted that the compressor pump can operate directly at the inhalation time point and stop operating at the exhalation time point; that is, the first and second sensors can be stopped at this time, reducing related resource consumption, and the compressor pump can react more promptly. The control valve operates similarly.

[0055] In a further technical solution, in step two, the pressure change information in the breathing chamber is collected by the first sensor, and a quantitative index characterizing the breathing force is calculated based on the pressure change information.

[0056] Understandably, pressure changes within the breathing chamber can directly reflect a user's breathing force, thus providing a quantitative indicator of breathing force. For example, taking the inhalation process as an example, a faster pressure change indicates a stronger inhalation force, allowing us to summarize this information and better guide the user's breathing.

[0057] It should be noted that a user can obtain a set of pressure change information after completing one exhalation and one inhalation. Preferably, a quantitative indicator representing the breathing force is obtained based on at least 20 sets of pressure change information. The average value of each set of pressure change information can be taken. If there are infinitely cyclic decimals, rounding or other mechanisms can be used to process them.

[0058] A further technical solution involves obtaining quantitative indicators and then gradually outputting guidance information on changes in inhalation intensity from the inhalation time point via a prompt device, as well as gradually outputting guidance information on changes in exhalation intensity from the exhalation time point via a prompt device.

[0059] The prompting device can be a traffic light or something similar, and there are no restrictions on what kind of prompting device is used. Examples of prompting devices are given below to facilitate explanation and help understanding, but there are no limitations.

[0060] Taking the inhalation process as an example: When the main control chip predicts that the user is about to inhale (the inhalation time is about to begin), the speaker (which is a prompting device) outputs the prompt "Please inhale," and at the same time, the indicator light (which is also a prompting device) turns blue to prompt inhalation, so as to guide the user to inhale and greatly improve the inhalation rate of the medicine. Furthermore, after the indicator light turns blue, the brightness is adjusted according to quantitative indicators. The faster the brightness increases, the more forcefully the user inhales.

[0061] Based on the prompts, the system guides users to breathe and adjust their breathing intensity, thereby guiding users to follow the breathing pattern and greatly improving the drug inhalation rate.

[0062] Regarding the medication inhalation rate, the following explanation is provided: As the user's inhalation intensity gradually increases, the power of the compressor pump gradually increases, and the output of the medication per unit time gradually increases. If the user's inhalation intensity is lower than predicted, some atomized particles will be wasted, reducing the medication inhalation rate and utilization rate.

[0063] Regarding "breath following," here's a supplementary explanation: Breath following allows the nebulizer to determine whether to spray based on the user's breathing rhythm. Currently, most compressor nebulizers on the market operate continuously to produce mist from the nebulizer cup. However, the human body needs to inhale and exhale. When the user exhales, if the nebulizer cup produces mist, the sprayed medication (aerosol) will be pushed into the air by the user's exhaled air (such as through the connection gap between the mask and the nebulizer cup or through the exhaust pipe), resulting in a significant waste of medication. This "breath following" feature effectively solves the problem of significant medication waste by preventing the nebulizer (specifically the compressor pump) from operating at high speed continuously, thus avoiding medication waste.

[0064] In summary, by using respiratory rate and quantitative indicators, the speed and start / stop of the compressor pump (using a compressor pump as an example) can be controlled to avoid problems such as heat generation and waste of energy and medication caused by prolonged operation, thereby extending the service life of the nebulizer.

[0065] Continuing with the example of the control valve, let's explain the advantages of quantitative indicators: Based on exhalation force information (which is a quantitative indicator), the valve opening and closing ratio of the control valve can be dynamically adjusted (e.g., first increase and then decrease), which can make the pressure inside the mask tend to be constant, promoting users to achieve unobstructed exhalation.

[0066] A control circuit is also provided herein, which is applied to the atomizer in some of the above embodiments;

[0067] The control circuit includes a main control unit, an on / off control unit, and a power output unit;

[0068] The main control unit includes a microcontroller chip integrated on the main control board. The first pin of the microcontroller chip is connected to the on / off control unit, and the second pin of the microcontroller chip is connected to the power output unit.

[0069] The on / off control unit includes the control valve;

[0070] The power output unit includes the compression pump.

[0071] Based on the control circuit in this section, the control valve in the on / off control unit and the compressor pump in the power output unit can be started and stopped (or power change control, etc.). Taking the compressor pump as an example, it can avoid the compressor pump having to run continuously until the liquid medicine is exhausted or the nebulizer is turned off.

[0072] In a further technical solution, the power output unit includes a drive module and a sampling module; the drive module is connected to the second pin of the microcontroller chip and is used to adjust the motor speed of the compression pump; the sampling module is connected to the microcontroller chip and is used to sample the operating current of the motor of the compression pump in real time and provide feedback on the operating status of the compression pump.

[0073] In a further technical solution, the driving module includes a MOS transistor, a first resistor, and a second resistor; the control terminal of the MOS transistor is connected to the second pin of the microcontroller chip via the second resistor, the drain of the MOS transistor is connected to the power supply, and the source of the MOS transistor is connected to the first resistor in series and then grounded.

[0074] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this article do not specifically refer to order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit this case; they are merely used to distinguish components or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0075] The terms "connection" or "positioning" as used in this article can refer to two or more components or devices making direct physical contact with each other, or making indirect physical contact with each other, or to two or more components or devices operating or moving with each other.

[0076] The terms “include,” “including,” and “have” used in this article are all open-ended, meaning they include but are not limited to.

[0077] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the subject matter, and the specific context. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing this case.

[0078] The terms “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” used in this article are directional terms. In this case, they are only used to describe the positional relationship between the structures and are not intended to limit the specific direction of the protection scheme or its actual implementation.

[0079] The working principle and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0080] When the nebulizer is running, the air delivery unit supplies airflow to the nebulizer cup. This airflow impacts the liquid medication in the nebulizer cup, breaking the medication into tiny atomized particles, forming an aerosol. The aerosol then enters the breathing chamber and is absorbed into the body through the user's inhalation.

[0081] During nebulizer operation, the pressure acquisition unit collects first pressure information from the breathing chamber and second pressure information from the external environment. The pressure acquisition unit can control the gas delivery unit to switch between on and off states by comparing the first and second pressure information. This provides a basis for the operation and shutdown of the gas delivery unit, preventing it from running continuously until the medication is exhausted or the nebulizer is turned off. For example, the first and second pressure information can determine whether the user is in the inhalation or exhalation phase. When the user exhales, the gas delivery unit can stop operating, reducing the total amount of medication wasted, improving medication utilization, and enhancing the therapeutic effect by increasing the inhalation rate of the medication.

[0082] This application also provides a method for using an atomizer, the method comprising the following steps:

[0083] Step 1: The main control board starts running initially. The control valve and the compressor pump are both in the closed state. The first sensor monitors the pressure in the breathing tank in real time through the monitoring pipeline to obtain the first pressure value updated in real time. The second sensor monitors the pressure in the external environment in real time to obtain the second pressure value updated in real time.

[0084] Step 2: Compare the first pressure value and the second pressure value obtained synchronously. Based on the comparison result, make predetermined adjustments through the main control board, and then repeat the above steps. The mechanism used for predetermined adjustments includes:

[0085] When the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the control valve is closed, the compressor pump runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup through the gas delivery pipeline;

[0086] When the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the compressor pump is turned off, and the control valve operates so that the gas in the breathing tank can be discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0087] When the user inhales, since the entire mask and atomizing cup are sealed, the first pressure value gradually becomes less than the second pressure value. At this point, it is determined that the user needs to inhale, the control valve is closed, the compressor pump runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup through the gas delivery line.

[0088] When the user exhales, the first pressure value gradually exceeds the second pressure value. At this time, it is determined that the user is exhaling, the compressor pump is in the off state, and the control valve operates so that the gas in the breathing tank can be discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0089] In summary, by monitoring and comparing the pressure inside the breathing chamber with the pressure in the external environment in real time, it is possible to determine whether the user is in an exhalation or inhalation state. This allows for adaptive adjustment of the control valve and compressor pump, preventing the control valve from affecting the user's absorption of atomized particles and avoiding the waste of some medication due to continuous operation of the compressor pump. Attached Figure Description

[0090] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the atomizer in an embodiment of the present invention (the second sensor is omitted).

[0091] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0092] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the atomizer structure in an embodiment of the present invention (including the second sensor).

[0093] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0094] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of the control circuit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In the attached diagrams above: 1. Face mask; 101. Breathing tank;

[0096] 2. Atomizing cup;

[0097] 3. Main unit; 31. Inner cavity;

[0098] 4. Main control board;

[0099] 5. First sensor;

[0100] 6. Monitoring pipelines;

[0101] 7. Second sensor

[0102] 8. Compression pump;

[0103] 9. Gas pipeline;

[0104] 10. Exhaust pipe;

[0105] 11. Control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0106] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0107] Example: The present invention will be clearly described below with illustrations and detailed description. Any person skilled in the art who understands the examples of the present invention can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0108] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this work. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.

[0109] See Figures 1-3 A nebulizer includes a nebulizing assembly and a mask 1 having a breathing groove 101;

[0110] The atomizing component includes:

[0111] The atomizing cup 2 is connected to the breathing groove 101 and is used to atomize the gas.

[0112] The gas delivery unit is used to deliver gas to the atomizing cup 2;

[0113] The pressure acquisition unit is used to acquire the first pressure information in the breathing tank 101 and the second pressure information in the external environment, and can control the gas delivery unit to switch between the open and closed states by comparing the first pressure information and the second pressure information.

[0114] When the nebulizer is running, gas (or airflow) is delivered to the nebulizing cup 2 by the gas delivery unit. This airflow impacts the liquid medicine in the nebulizing cup 2, breaking the medicine into tiny atomized particles to form an aerosol. The aerosol enters the breathing chamber 101 and is then inhaled by the user.

[0115] When the nebulizer is running, the pressure acquisition unit collects first pressure information from the breathing chamber 101 and second pressure information from the external environment. The pressure acquisition unit can control the gas delivery unit to switch between on and off states by comparing the first and second pressure information, i.e., it controls the gas delivery unit to turn on and off (this can be implemented through hardware circuitry, which is not limited to this). The first and second pressure information provide a basis for the operation and shutdown of the gas delivery unit, preventing the gas delivery unit (or nebulizer) from running continuously until the medication is exhausted (as explained below) or the nebulizer is turned off. For example, the first and second pressure information can determine whether the user is in the inhalation or exhalation phase. When the user exhales, the gas delivery unit can stop running, reducing the total amount of medication wasted, improving medication utilization, and also improving the therapeutic effect by increasing the inhalation rate of the medication.

[0116] In this embodiment, the atomizing component further includes:

[0117] Main unit 3, having an inner cavity 31;

[0118] The main control board 4 is housed in the inner cavity 31;

[0119] The first sensor 5 is housed in the inner cavity 31 and electrically connected to the main control board 4;

[0120] The monitoring pipeline 6 is connected at both ends to the first sensor 5 and the mask 1, respectively, and is used to cooperate with the first sensor 5 to monitor the pressure inside the breathing tank 101;

[0121] The second sensor 7 is externally placed in the inner cavity 31 and electrically connected to the main control board 4, and is used to monitor the pressure in the external environment;

[0122] A compression pump 8 is housed in the inner cavity 31 and electrically connected to the main control board 4;

[0123] The gas supply line 9 is connected at both ends to the compressor pump 8 and the atomizing cup 2, respectively, and is used to cooperate with the compressor pump 8 to supply gas to the atomizing cup 2;

[0124] The exhaust pipe 10 is connected at both ends to the breathing groove 101 and the inner cavity 31 respectively, and is used to exhaust the gas in the breathing groove 101;

[0125] Control valve 11 is connected to the part of the exhaust pipe 10 that extends into the inner cavity 31 and is electrically connected to the main control board 4;

[0126] The compression pump 8 and the gas pipeline 9 together constitute the gas delivery unit;

[0127] The main control board 4, the first sensor 5, the monitoring pipeline 6, and the second sensor 7 constitute the pressure acquisition unit.

[0128] The main unit 3 has a vent, which is a standard feature and will not be described in detail here. The atomizing cup 2 is the existing structure and has not been modified, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0129] When the nebulizer is running, the compressor pump 8 delivers gas (or airflow) to the nebulizer cup 2 through the air supply line 9. This airflow impacts the liquid medication in the nebulizer cup 2, breaking the medication into tiny atomized particles to form an aerosol. The aerosol enters the breathing chamber 101 and is absorbed into the body through the user's inhalation. When the user exhales, gas is generated within the breathing chamber 101, which can be expelled through the exhaust line 10. To prevent air from entering the breathing chamber 101 through the exhaust line 10, the exhaust process of the exhaust line 10 is controlled by the control valve 11 (a conventional control, which will not be described in detail here).

[0130] During nebulizer operation, the first sensor 5, in conjunction with the monitoring tubing 6, monitors the pressure within the breathing chamber 101, while the second sensor 7 monitors the pressure in the external environment. This pressure data is aggregated and sent to the main control board 4. Based on this pressure data, the main control board 4 can control the opening and closing of the compressor pump 8 and the control valve 11 (this can be achieved through hardware circuitry within the main control board 4, with no specific limitation). This pressure data provides a basis for the operation and shutdown of the compressor pump 8, preventing it from running continuously until the medication is exhausted (as explained below) or the nebulizer is shut down. For example, this pressure data can determine whether the user is in the inhalation or exhalation phase. When the user exhales, the compressor pump 8 can stop operating, reducing the total amount of medication wasted and improving medication utilization. Furthermore, increasing the inhalation rate of the medication can improve the therapeutic effect.

[0131] It should be noted that the process of processing pressure data on the main control board 4 is not an innovation of this embodiment and can be implemented based on existing circuit structures. For example, existing circuit structures can be used to compare data from two sensors to determine the pressure state in the mask 1. If the pressure inside the mask 1 is lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure, it indicates that the user is inhaling. The control logic generated after processing the pressure data is not covered in this section and can be found in the following description.

[0132] It should also be noted that the various components of the atomizer in this embodiment do not interfere with each other during operation and can operate efficiently on their own.

[0133] In this embodiment, the end of the monitoring pipe 6 away from the first sensor 5 is connected to the breathing groove 101 through the exhaust pipe 10. At this time, the monitoring pipe 6 and the exhaust pipe 10 can be regarded as a combined pipe. The combined pipe has three ports (or four ports, as shown in the figure). This can save on structure and avoid problems such as tangling caused by too many pipes.

[0134] A method of using an atomizer, applicable to the atomizers in some of the above embodiments, is also provided herein, the method comprising the following steps:

[0135] Step 1: The main control board 4 is running for the first time. The control valve 11 and the compressor pump 8 are both in the closed state. The first sensor 5 monitors the pressure in the breathing tank 101 in real time through the monitoring pipeline 6 to obtain the first pressure value updated in real time. The second sensor 7 simultaneously monitors the pressure in the external environment in real time to obtain the second pressure value updated in real time.

[0136] Step 2: Compare the first pressure value and the second pressure value obtained synchronously. Based on the comparison result, make predetermined adjustments through the main control board 4, and then repeat the above steps. The mechanism used for predetermined adjustments includes:

[0137] When the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the control valve 11 is closed, the compression pump 8 runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup 2 through the gas delivery pipeline 9;

[0138] When the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the compressor pump 8 is in the off state, and the control valve 11 is activated so that the gas in the breathing tank 101 can be discharged through the exhaust pipe 10.

[0139] When the atomizer initially starts operating, both control valve 11 and compressor pump 8 are closed. The first sensor 5 and the second sensor 7 begin operating to detect pressure (air pressure). Taking the first pressure value as an example, this is a real-time updated value, compared with a second pressure value obtained at the same point in time. The first and second pressure values ​​provide data support for subsequent guidance.

[0140] When the user inhales, since the entire mask 1 and atomizing cup 2 are sealed (there may be gaps, but existing sealing measures are preferred to achieve a full seal), the first pressure value gradually becomes less than the second pressure value. At this time, it is determined that the user needs to inhale, the control valve 11 is closed, the compressor pump 8 runs and delivers gas to the atomizing cup 2 through the gas delivery line 9.

[0141] When the user exhales, the first pressure value gradually exceeds the second pressure value. At this point, it is determined that the user is exhaling, the compressor pump 8 is in the off state, and the control valve 11 operates to allow the gas in the breathing chamber 101 to be discharged through the exhaust pipe 10. It should be noted that the description of the compressor pump 8 being in the off state can mean that it gradually switches from the operating state to the off state. This is one breathing cycle, and this cycle is repeated subsequently.

[0142] In summary, by real-time monitoring and comparison of the pressure inside the breathing tank 101 with the pressure in the external environment, it is possible to determine whether the user is in an exhalation or inhalation state (based on the pressure state in the mask 1, positive or negative pressure). This allows for adaptive adjustment of the control valve 11 and the compressor pump 8. This avoids the control valve 11 (which can easily allow air into the breathing tank 101) from affecting the user's absorption of atomized particles (minimizing the user's absorption of non-therapeutic gases), and also prevents the compressor pump 8 from continuously running and wasting some medication.

[0143] In this embodiment, in step one, before the main control board 4 starts running, the control valve 11 is in the open state and the compression pump 8 is in the closed state; after the main control board 4 starts running, the control valve 11 switches to the closed state and the compression pump 8 remains in the closed state.

[0144] Before the atomizer is running, the control valve 11 is in the open state. At this time, the user can inhale through the exhaust pipe 10 to prevent the user from being unable to inhale when wearing the mask 1, thus improving the user experience and reducing safety risks.

[0145] In this embodiment, in step two, when the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the compression pump 8 runs until the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value.

[0146] In step two, when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the control valve 11 operates until the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value.

[0147] Taking the limitation of "until the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value" as an example: the compressor pump 8 gradually shortens the numerical difference between the first and second pressure values. Generally, the compressor pump 8 will bring the pressure in the breathing chamber 101 closer to atmospheric pressure, or it may bring the pressure in the breathing chamber 101 to the same level as atmospheric pressure. To prevent the compressor pump 8 from stopping work prematurely, which would prevent the user from continuously receiving atomized particles during the inhalation phase, the compressor pump 8 is set to stop operating only when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, at which point the user enters the exhalation state.

[0148] By setting conditions to limit the operation of the compressor pump 8 and control valve 11 to terminate the operation in advance, users can smoothly inhale and exhale, further ensuring the user experience.

[0149] In this embodiment, in step two, the pressure change information in the breathing chamber 101 is collected by the first sensor 5, and the breathing frequency is calculated based on the pressure change information. Then, the subsequent inhalation time point and subsequent exhalation time point are predicted based on the breathing frequency.

[0150] Understandably, the pressure changes within the breathing chamber 101 directly reflect the user's inhalation and exhalation, thus revealing the user's respiratory rate, such as an inhalation duration of 5 seconds and an exhalation duration of 3 seconds. Based on this respiratory rate, subsequent inhalation and exhalation times can be predicted. For instance, if the user is in the inhalation phase when the respiratory rate is determined, and the first exhalation time point occurs after the inhalation phase, it can be predicted that the user will enter the inhalation phase again in 3 seconds.

[0151] It should be noted that a user can obtain a set of pressure change information by completing one exhalation and one inhalation. It is preferable to obtain the respiratory rate based on at least 20 sets of pressure change information. The average value of each set of pressure change information can be taken. If there are cases such as infinitely cyclic decimals, rounding or other mechanisms can be used to process them.

[0152] In this embodiment, the atomizer also includes a notification feature;

[0153] After obtaining the subsequent inhalation and exhalation time points, an inhalation reminder signal is output through a prompt device at the inhalation time point, and an exhalation reminder signal is output through a prompt device at the exhalation time point.

[0154] The prompting device can be a traffic light or something similar, and there are no restrictions on what kind of prompting device is used. Examples of prompting devices are given below to facilitate explanation and help understanding, but there are no limitations.

[0155] After obtaining the subsequent inhalation and exhalation time points, the main control chip (belonging to main control board 4) can use an advance prediction algorithm (such as a deep learning prediction algorithm) to provide visual and auditory guidance to the user, specifically instructing the user to inhale: when the main control chip predicts that the user is about to inhale (approaching the inhalation time point), the speaker (belonging to the prompting device) outputs the prompt "Please inhale," and simultaneously the indicator light (belonging to the prompting device) turns blue to provide an inhalation prompt, thus working together to guide the user to inhale and greatly improve the drug inhalation rate. It should be noted that the compressor pump 8 can operate directly at the inhalation time point and stop operating at the exhalation time point; that is, the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 7 can be stopped at this time, reducing related resource consumption, and the compressor pump 8 can react more promptly. The control valve 11 operates similarly.

[0156] In this embodiment, in step two, the pressure change information in the breathing chamber 101 is collected by the first sensor 5, and a quantitative index characterizing the breathing force is calculated based on the pressure change information.

[0157] Understandably, the pressure changes within the breathing chamber 101 can directly reflect the user's breathing force, thus providing a quantitative indicator of breathing force. For example, taking the inhalation process as an example, a faster pressure change indicates a stronger inhalation force, allowing us to summarize the user's inhalation force and provide better guidance on breathing techniques.

[0158] It should be noted that a user can obtain a set of pressure change information after completing one exhalation and one inhalation. Preferably, a quantitative indicator representing the breathing force is obtained based on at least 20 sets of pressure change information. The average value of each set of pressure change information can be taken. If there are infinitely cyclic decimals, rounding or other mechanisms can be used to process them.

[0159] In this embodiment, after obtaining the quantitative indicators, the prompting device gradually outputs guidance information on the change in inhalation intensity from the inhalation time point, and gradually outputs guidance information on the change in exhalation intensity from the exhalation time point.

[0160] The prompting device can be a traffic light or something similar, and there are no restrictions on what kind of prompting device is used. Examples of prompting devices are given below to facilitate explanation and help understanding, but there are no limitations.

[0161] Taking the inhalation process as an example: When the main control chip predicts that the user is about to inhale (the inhalation time is about to begin), the speaker (which is a prompting device) outputs the prompt "Please inhale," and at the same time, the indicator light (which is also a prompting device) turns blue to prompt inhalation, so as to guide the user to inhale and greatly improve the inhalation rate of the medicine. Furthermore, after the indicator light turns blue, the brightness is adjusted according to quantitative indicators. The faster the brightness increases, the more forcefully the user inhales.

[0162] Based on the prompts, the system guides users to breathe and adjust their breathing intensity, thereby guiding users to follow the breathing pattern and greatly improving the drug inhalation rate.

[0163] Regarding the medication inhalation rate, the following explanation is provided: As the user's inhalation strength gradually increases, the power of the compressor pump 8 gradually increases, and the output of the medication per unit time gradually increases. If the user's inhalation strength is lower than predicted, some atomized particles will be wasted, reducing the medication inhalation rate and utilization rate.

[0164] Regarding "breath following," the following explanation is provided: Breath following enables the nebulizer to determine whether to spray based on the user's breathing rhythm. Currently, most compressor nebulizers on the market operate continuously to produce mist from the nebulizer cup 2. However, the human body needs to inhale and exhale. When the user exhales, if the nebulizer cup 2 produces mist, the sprayed medication (aerosol) will be pushed into the air by the user's exhaled air (such as through the connection gap between the mask 1 and the nebulizer cup 2 or through the exhaust pipe 10), resulting in a large amount of medication waste. The "breath following" feature effectively solves the problem of large amounts of medication waste by preventing the nebulizer (specifically the compressor pump 8) from operating at high speed continuously, which would otherwise lead to medication waste.

[0165] In summary, by using respiratory rate and quantitative indicators, the speed and start / stop of the compressor pump 8 (using compressor pump 8 as an example) can be controlled, avoiding problems such as heat generation and waste of energy and medication caused by long-term operation, and extending the service life of the nebulizer.

[0166] Continuing with the example of control valve 11, the advantages of quantitative indicators are explained: Based on the exhalation force information (which is a quantitative indicator), the valve opening ratio of control valve 11 can be dynamically adjusted (such as increasing and then decreasing), which can make the pressure inside mask 1 tend to be constant, and promote users to achieve unobstructed exhalation.

[0167] A control circuit is also provided herein, which is applied to the atomizer in some of the above embodiments;

[0168] The control circuit includes a main control unit, an on / off control unit, and a power output unit;

[0169] The main control unit includes a microcontroller chip integrated on the main control board 4. The first pin of the microcontroller chip is connected to the on / off control unit, and the second pin of the microcontroller chip is connected to the power output unit.

[0170] The on / off control unit includes the control valve 11;

[0171] The power output unit includes the compression pump 8.

[0172] Based on the control circuit in this part, the control valve 11 in the on / off control unit and the compressor pump 8 in the power output unit can be started and stopped (or power change control, etc.). Taking the compressor pump 8 as an example, it can avoid the compressor pump 8 having to run continuously until the liquid medicine is exhausted or the nebulizer is turned off.

[0173] See Figure 5 Pin 43 of the microcontroller main control unit (i.e., the microcontroller chip) is connected to the solenoid valve (i.e., control valve 11), and pin 27 is connected to the atomizing compressor pump (i.e., compressor pump 8). The pressure sensors refer to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. The speaker and indicator breathing light refer to the prompting components. The control circuit itself is not an innovation of this embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0174] In this embodiment, the power output unit includes a drive module and a sampling module; the drive module is connected to the second pin of the microcontroller chip and is used to adjust the motor speed of the compression pump; the sampling module is connected to the microcontroller chip and is used to sample the operating current of the motor of the compression pump in real time and provide feedback on the operating status of the compression pump.

[0175] In this embodiment, the driving module includes a MOS transistor ( Figure 5 Q4), first resistor ( Figure 5 R21) and the second resistor ( Figure 5 (R14); the control terminal of the MOS transistor is connected to the second pin of the microcontroller chip via the second resistor, the drain of the MOS transistor is connected to the power supply, and the source of the MOS transistor is connected to the ground in series with the first resistor.

[0176] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An atomiser characterised in that: The mask (1) comprises an atomization assembly and a breathing groove (101); The atomization assembly comprises: an atomization cup (2) in communication with the breathing groove (101) for atomizing gas; a gas delivery unit for delivering gas to the atomization cup (2); a pressure acquisition unit for acquiring first pressure information in the breathing groove (101) and second pressure information in an external environment, and capable of switching the gas delivery unit between an open state and a closed state by comparing the first pressure information and the second pressure information.

2. An atomiser according to claim 1, characterised in that: The atomization assembly further comprises: a main machine (3) having an inner cavity (31); a main control board (4) accommodated in the inner cavity (31); a first sensor (5) accommodated in the inner cavity (31) and electrically connected with the main control board (4); a monitoring pipeline (6) having two ends respectively connected with the first sensor (5) and the mask (1) for monitoring pressure in the breathing groove (101) in cooperation with the first sensor (5); a second sensor (7) externally arranged in the inner cavity (31) and electrically connected with the main control board (4) for monitoring pressure in an external environment; a compression pump (8) accommodated in the inner cavity (31) and electrically connected with the main control board (4); a gas delivery pipeline (9) having two ends respectively connected with the compression pump (8) and the atomization cup (2) for delivering gas to the atomization cup (2) in cooperation with the compression pump (8); an exhaust pipeline (10) having two ends respectively in communication with the breathing groove (101) and the inner cavity (31) for exhausting gas in the breathing groove (101); a control valve (11) connected with a part of the exhaust pipeline (10) extending into the inner cavity (31) and electrically connected with the main control board (4); wherein the compression pump (8) and the gas delivery pipeline (9) constitute the gas delivery unit; the main control board (4), the first sensor (5), the monitoring pipeline (6) and the second sensor (7) constitute the pressure acquisition unit.

3. An atomiser according to claim 2, wherein: An end of the monitoring pipeline (6) away from the first sensor (5) is in communication with the breathing groove (101) through the exhaust pipeline (10).

4. A method of using an atomizer, characterized by: The use method of the atomizer of any one of claims 2-3 comprises the following steps: Step one, the main control board (4) is initially operated, the control valve (11) and the compression pump (8) are both in a closed state, the first sensor (5) monitors pressure in the breathing groove (101) through the monitoring pipeline (6) in real time to obtain a real-time updated first pressure value, and the second sensor (7) synchronously monitors pressure in an external environment to synchronously obtain a real-time updated second pressure value; Step two, the first pressure value and the second pressure value synchronously obtained are compared, a predetermined control is performed by the main control board (4) according to a comparison result, and the above steps are repeated, and a mechanism for the predetermined control comprises: when the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the control valve (11) is in a closed state, the compression pump (8) is operated and delivers gas to the atomization cup (2) through the gas delivery pipeline (9). When the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the compression pump (8) is in a closed state, and the control valve (11) operates to enable the gas in the breathing groove (101) to be discharged through the exhaust pipeline (10).

5. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 4, wherein: In step one, before the initial operation of the main control board (4), the control valve (11) is in an open state, and the compression pump (8) is in a closed state; after the initial operation of the main control board (4), the control valve (11) is switched to a closed state, and the compression pump (8) remains in a closed state.

6. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 4, wherein: In step two, when the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value, the compression pump (8) operates until the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value. In step two, when the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, the control valve (11) operates until the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value.

7. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 4, wherein: In step two, the first sensor (5) collects pressure change information in the breathing groove (101), and calculates a breathing frequency based on the pressure change information, and then predicts a subsequent inhalation time point and a subsequent exhalation time point based on the breathing frequency.

8. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 7, wherein: The atomizer further comprises a prompting member. After obtaining the subsequent inhalation time point and the subsequent exhalation time point, the prompting member outputs an inhalation reminder signal at the inhalation time point, and the prompting member outputs an exhalation reminder signal at the exhalation time point.

9. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 8, wherein: In step two, the first sensor (5) collects pressure change information in the breathing groove (101), and calculates a quantitative index representing the breathing intensity based on the pressure change information.

10. A method of using an atomizer according to claim 9, wherein: After obtaining the quantitative index, the prompting member gradually outputs inhalation intensity change guidance information from the inhalation time point, and the prompting member gradually outputs exhalation intensity change guidance information from the exhalation time point.

11. A control circuit, characterized by: The atomizer is applied to any one of claims 2-3. The control circuit comprises a main control unit, a on-off control unit, and a power output unit. The main control unit comprises a single-chip microcomputer chip integrated on the main control board (4), a first pin of the single-chip microcomputer chip is connected with the on-off control unit, and a second pin of the single-chip microcomputer chip is connected with the power output unit. The on-off control unit comprises the control valve (11). The power output unit comprises the compression pump (8).

12. A control circuit according to claim 11, characterised in that: The power output unit comprises a driving module and a sampling module; the driving module is connected with the second pin of the single-chip microcomputer chip, and is used for adjusting the motor speed of the compression pump (8); and the sampling module is connected with the single-chip microcomputer chip, and is used for sampling the working current of the motor of the compression pump (8) in real time and feeding back the working state of the compression pump (8).

13. A control circuit according to claim 12, characterised in that: The driving module comprises a MOS tube, a first resistor, and a second resistor; a control end of the MOS tube is connected with the second pin of the single-chip microcomputer chip through the second resistor, a drain of the MOS tube is connected with a power supply, and a source of the MOS tube is connected with the first resistor in series and then grounded.

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