Non-contact respiration monitoring device based on flexible airflow sensor

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of respiration monitoring and medical diagnosis, and particularly relates to a non-contact respiration monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor, which comprises a respiration mask, an air collection catheter is hermetically mounted at the front end of the respiration mask through a rubber plug, and a sensitive detection area is formed in a flat opening of the air collection catheter. A detection unit is detachably mounted on the flat opening part and is electrically connected with the display device; the detection unit comprises a thin film flexible airflow sensor, the sensor is installed in a sensitive detection area and can directly sense respiratory airflow, and the detection unit is provided with a wired modular structure and a wireless modular structure which are connected with the flat mouth part in a buckling / magnetic attraction mode. Respiratory airflow directly acts on the sensor, pressure attenuation is reduced, shallow and fast breathing signals can be accurately captured, the detection unit is convenient to disassemble and assemble, can be repeatedly used, is suitable for being used in multiple scenes such as early screening of respiratory diseases and home monitoring, and is compact in structure and portable to wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of respiratory monitoring and medical diagnostic technology, specifically relating to a non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible, portable, non-contact respiratory monitoring devices, as important wearable medical components, have wide applications in respiratory fields such as early screening for chronic respiratory diseases, monitoring of sleep apnea syndrome, early warning of postoperative respiratory depression, and intensive care. Since the working principle of respiratory monitoring devices is to reflect the human respiratory state by sensing the dynamic pressure of respiratory airflow, the rational design of its airflow excitation structure, the microstructure of the sensitive element, and the packaging form is crucial to ensuring monitoring sensitivity and reliability.

[0003] Currently, common non-contact respiratory monitoring devices can be classified into fully enclosed, windowed, and cantilevered types based on their structural form. Among them, the windowed structure has been widely studied due to its advantage of exposing the sensitive element to airflow and directly sensing respiratory pressure.

[0004] However, the airflow transmission structure design of existing non-contact respiratory monitoring devices is unreasonable. They mostly use long tubes to deliver respiratory airflow to external detection devices. After the airflow is transmitted over a long distance, the pressure decreases significantly, making it impossible to capture shallow and rapid breathing signals with tidal volume below 200mL. This makes it difficult to accurately detect abnormal respiratory waveforms in early respiratory diseases and fails to meet the needs of early disease screening. Meanwhile, the sensing elements are mostly rigid structures with a lack of microstructure, resulting in low sensitivity to weak airflow. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor. This device allows the thin-film flexible airflow sensor to be directly exposed to the respiratory airflow in a closed respiratory cavity, eliminating the need for long tubes to transmit airflow and solving the problem of airflow pressure attenuation. Combined with the high sensitivity of the thin-film flexible airflow sensor to weak airflow, it can accurately capture shallow and rapid breathing signals with tidal volumes below 200 mL, accurately detect abnormal respiratory waveforms in the early stages of respiratory diseases, and achieve early and accurate screening of respiratory diseases.

[0006] The specific technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor, comprising: Breathing mask; An air collection tube is installed at the front end of the breathing mask, and a sensitive detection area is formed inside the air collection tube; A rubber stopper is installed between a plastic gas collection tube and a breathing mask; The detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor, which is installed inside the sensitive detection area of ​​the gas collecting duct and is used to detect the airflow in the sensitive detection area. The display device is electrically connected to the detection unit and is used to display the data characteristics of the detection unit.

[0007] The display device is equipped with a data processing unit that receives airflow data inside the breathing mask detected by the detection unit via wired or wireless means, and generates information that reflects the intensity of lung breathing based on the airflow data.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the gas collecting conduit is a flat opening, and the sensitive detection area is located inside the flat opening. The flat opening can concentrate the breathing airflow and guide it to the detection unit of the sensitive detection area for detection.

[0009] Furthermore, the detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor, a sensor stage, and a converter. The sensor stage is installed inside the flat opening, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor is fixed on the upper surface of the sensor stage, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor is electrically connected to the converter via a connecting wire, and the converter is electrically connected to the display device.

[0010] Furthermore, the detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor, a sensor stage, a converter, and a wireless communication module. The sensor stage is installed inside the flat opening, the converter is installed on the lower side of the flat opening, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor is fixed on the upper surface of the sensor stage, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor is electrically connected to the converter via a connecting wire, the converter is electrically connected to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module and the display device are wirelessly connected via 4G / 5G signals or Bluetooth signals.

[0011] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the lower side of the flat opening, a connecting buckle is fixedly connected to the sensor platform, and a buckle is fixedly connected to the converter. The sensor platform and the converter are respectively engaged with the slot of the flat opening through the connecting buckle and the buckle. A slot body is provided on the upper side of the flat opening, and a buckle is provided on the lower side of the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is engaged with the slot body through the buckle.

[0012] Furthermore, annular magnets are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the flat opening, the sensor stage is fixedly connected to the converter via a connecting strip, and magnetic components adapted to the annular magnets are provided on the upper side of the converter and the lower side of the wireless communication module.

[0013] The technical effects achieved by this invention are as follows: (1) The non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor of the present invention integrates an air collection tube at the front end of the breathing mask and sets a sensitive detection area in the flat opening of the air collection tube, so that the thin film flexible airflow sensor of the detection unit is directly exposed to the respiratory airflow in the closed breathing cavity, without the need for a long tube to transmit airflow, which effectively solves the problem of airflow pressure attenuation from a structural perspective; at the same time, the flat opening can concentrate the respiratory airflow to guide the sensor's sensitive area, and with the high sensitivity of the thin film flexible airflow sensor to weak airflow, it can accurately capture shallow and rapid breathing signals with tidal volume less than 200mL, accurately detect abnormal respiratory waveforms in early respiratory diseases, and realize early and accurate screening of respiratory diseases.

[0014] (2) The non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor of the present invention can detachably connect the detection unit to the flat mouth through two methods: snap-fit ​​or magnetic adsorption. No tools are required for disassembly and assembly, and the operation is convenient. The breathing mask and the gas collection tube are consumable parts. The detection unit can be removed from the gas collection tube and reinstalled for reuse, which greatly improves the utilization rate of the detection components and effectively reduces the overall cost of use.

[0015] (3) The non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor of the present invention has two modes: wired and wireless. The wired detection structure is suitable for clinical scenarios with high requirements for data transmission stability and real-time performance, such as intensive care and postoperative respiratory depression early warning. The wireless detection structure realizes wireless data transmission through 4G / 5G or Bluetooth, which is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for portability and flexibility of use, such as home monitoring and outdoor screening. It can be flexibly switched according to actual needs. Compared with the existing single transmission method device, it has stronger adaptability and wider application range. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A magnified view of the detection unit at point A when it is snapped in place; Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A magnified view of the detection unit at point A when it is magnetically attracted; Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A magnified view of the area where a wire connects at point A.

[0017] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Breathing mask; 2. Air collection duct; 3. Rubber stopper; 4. Wireless communication module; 5. Flat mouthpiece; 6. Sensor stage; 7. Converter; 8. Connecting cable; 9. Connecting buckle; 10. Slot; 11. Connecting strip; 12. Thin-film flexible airflow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be specifically described below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the following text is merely used to describe one or more specific embodiments of the invention and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by the invention.

[0019] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor includes a breathing mask 1, an air collection tube 2, a rubber stopper 3, a detection unit, and a display device. Among them, the breathing mask 1 fits into the face to form a closed breathing cavity; Among them, the gas collecting tube 2 is installed at the front end of the breathing mask 1. At this time, one end of the gas collecting tube 2 is connected to the detection unit, and the other end of the gas collecting tube 2 is combined with the breathing mask 1 to form an integrated structure, which is easy to carry and convenient for home use and daily testing. At the same time, a sensitive detection area is formed inside the gas collecting tube 2 for the detection unit to perform detection in this area. Among them, the rubber plug 3 is installed between the plastic gas collecting tube 2 and the breathing mask 1 to seal the gap between the gas collecting tube 2 and the breathing mask 1; The detection unit is installed on the gas collecting duct 2 and is used to detect the patient's respiratory airflow in the sensitive detection area; It can be added that one end of the air collecting duct 2 is a flat opening 5, and the sensitive detection area is located inside the flat opening 5. The flat opening 5 can concentrate the breathing airflow and guide it to the detection unit of the sensitive detection area for detection.

[0020] The display device and the detection unit are electrically connected and are used to display the data characteristics of the detection unit.

[0021] Specifically, the display device is equipped with a data processing unit that receives airflow data inside the breathing mask 1 detected by the detection unit via wired or wireless means, and generates information that reflects the intensity of lung breathing based on the airflow data.

[0022] In summary, existing detection equipment typically uses a design of oral cavity → mask → air tube → tubing → sensor, resulting in multiple physical interfaces and causing the measured pressure to be lower than the true value in the oral cavity. This technical solution directly installs the air collection tube 2 at the front end of the breathing mask 1 and integrates the detection unit onto the air collection tube 2. The rubber stopper 3 seals the connection gap between the air collection tube 2 and the mask, allowing the detection unit to directly face the closed breathing cavity formed by the breathing mask 1. Breathing airflow does not need to be transmitted through a long tube and can directly act on the sensor of the detection unit, reducing breathing airflow branches, accurately calculating airway resistance, and structurally solving the problem of airflow pressure attenuation in existing technologies, thereby improving detection accuracy and achieving precise detection.

[0023] Meanwhile, traditional masks often require T- or Y-type adapters to connect to sensors. Between the airway and the sensor, there exists a volume that cannot be effectively flushed out. In pediatric patients or those with respiratory failure, this mechanical dead space can lead to re-inhalation of carbon dioxide, directly affecting ventilation efficiency and even inducing respiratory fatigue. The streamlined, integrated structure of the breathing mask 1 and the air collection tube 2 in this technical solution effectively reduces the mechanical dead space and lightens the burden on the mask.

[0024] Example 1: like Figures 1-4 As shown, this technical solution discloses the structure of the detection unit, which specifically includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12, which can be a thin-film flow sensor or a thin-film pressure sensor. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is installed inside the sensitive detection area of ​​the flat opening 5. At this time, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is directly exposed to the breathing airflow. Compared with existing rigid sensors / sensors with missing microstructures, it is more sensitive to the weak airflow of shallow and rapid breathing and can capture breathing signals with tidal volume of less than 200mL. This solves the problem that existing devices cannot accurately measure abnormal breathing waveforms in early respiratory diseases, and enables early screening and accurate monitoring of chronic respiratory diseases, sleep apnea syndrome, etc.

[0025] It should be noted that the detection unit includes multiple data transmission methods, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection unit is a wired airflow sensor. Specifically, the detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12, a sensor stage 6, and a converter 7. The sensor stage 6 is installed inside the flat opening 5. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is fixed on the upper surface of the sensor stage 6, preferably by adhesive bonding. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is electrically connected to the converter 7 via a connecting wire 8. The converter 7 is electrically connected to the display device. The analog electrical signal collected by the sensor is amplified, filtered, and converted from analog to digital by the converter 7, and then transmitted to the data processing unit of the display device via wires.

[0026] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the detection unit is a wireless airflow sensor. Specifically, the detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12, a sensor stage 6, a converter 7, and a wireless communication module 4. The sensor stage 6 is installed inside the flat opening 5, and the converter 7 is installed on the lower side of the flat opening 5. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the sensor stage 6, preferably by adhesive bonding. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 is electrically connected to the converter 7 via a connecting wire 8. The converter 7 is electrically connected to the wireless communication module 4. The wireless communication module 4 and the display device are wirelessly connected via 4G / 5G signals or Bluetooth signals, etc. The converted digital signal is transmitted by the wireless communication module 4 and received and processed by the display device.

[0027] In use, the breathing mask 1 fits the face to form a closed breathing cavity. The airflow from the human body is concentrated and guided to the sensitive detection area through the flat opening 5 of the air collection duct 2. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 directly senses the pressure / flow rate changes of the airflow and converts the physical signal into a weak analog electrical signal. This signal is transmitted to the converter 7 via the connecting line 8, where it is amplified, filtered, and converted from analog to digital, thus becoming a digital electrical signal. The digital signal is transmitted to the display device via a wired cable or a wireless communication module 4. The built-in data processing unit of the display device analyzes the airflow data and generates and displays information reflecting the intensity of lung breathing, such as breathing waveform, tidal volume, and respiratory rate, to achieve real-time monitoring of the respiratory status. The Bluetooth sensor intelligent monitoring device can directly output signals through a mobile terminal, which is more convenient and efficient than traditional signal output displays.

[0028] In this embodiment, the technical solution can flexibly select wired / wireless modes according to different usage scenarios. The wired version is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for data transmission stability, such as intensive care and postoperative respiratory depression early warning; the wireless version is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for portability, such as home monitoring and outdoor screening. Compared with existing single-structure monitoring devices, it has stronger adaptability and a wider range of applications.

[0029] Example 2: like Figures 1-4 As shown, this technical solution further supplements the installation method of each component in the detection unit. Specifically, the thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12, sensor stage 6, converter 7, and wireless communication module 4 can be installed on the flat opening 5 in a detachable manner such as snap-fit ​​or magnetic attraction. The sensor is expensive, so making it easy to disassemble means that home testing only requires changing the mask or simply disinfecting the mask. The detachable sensor in the hospital can disinfect a large number of masks at the same time, thereby further reducing the disinfection cost. Among them, such as Figure 2As shown, the connection method is as follows: a slot 10 is provided on the lower side of the flat opening 5; a connecting buckle 9 is fixedly connected to the sensor stage 6; a buckle 1 is fixedly connected to the converter 7; the sensor stage 6 and the converter 7 are respectively snapped onto the slot 10 of the flat opening 5 through the connecting buckle 9 and the buckle 1; a slot body is provided on the upper side of the flat opening 5; a buckle 2 is provided on the lower side of the wireless communication module 4; and the wireless communication module 4 is snapped onto the slot body through the buckle 2.

[0030] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic connection method is specifically that the upper and lower sides of the flat opening 5 are provided with ring magnets, the sensor stage 6 is fixedly connected to the converter 7 through the connecting strip 11, and the upper side of the converter 7 and the lower side of the wireless communication module 4 are provided with magnetic components that are compatible with the ring magnets. The detection unit and the gas collection duct 2 are detachably connected by magnetic force. In this embodiment, by setting the detection unit as a detachable structure, the user can remove the entire detection unit from the breathing mask 1, which facilitates the reuse of the breathing monitoring unit and improves the utilization and practicality of the breathing detection device.

[0031] Example 4: Compared to the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the flat opening 5 is one end of the gas collecting conduit 2 located inside the breathing mask 1, so that the detection unit can be directly and detachably integrated into the inside of the breathing mask 1. At this time, the end of the gas collecting conduit 2 located outside the breathing mask 1 is connected to the respiratory diagnosis and treatment drug delivery machine through the pipe, and the respiratory diagnosis and treatment drug delivery machine delivers drugs to the patient through the pipe. The thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 can be directly connected to a respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic drug delivery machine. Utilizing the space within the wall thickness of the air collection conduit 2, one or more micron-sized capillaries are pre-installed inside. When the thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 detects a specific waveform (such as airway spasm or severe cough), a micro-atomized drug solution can be directly sprayed through the capillaries to the oral-pharyngeal junction. Because the opening is close to the thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12, the synchronization accuracy between the drug injection timing and the respiratory phase can reach the millisecond level. Simultaneously, the signal output of the thin-film flexible airflow sensor 12 can be sent to an external machine to control the dosage of the drug administered. This achieves a closed-loop structure integrating monitoring and drug delivery.

[0032] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this invention are implemented according to conventional methods in the art unless otherwise specified or limited.

Claims

1. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor, characterized in that: include: Breathing mask (1); A gas collecting tube (2) is installed at the front end of the breathing mask (1), and a sensitive detection area is formed inside the gas collecting tube (2); The detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12), which is installed inside the sensitive detection area of ​​the gas collection duct (2) for detecting airflow in the sensitive detection area; The display device is electrically connected to the detection unit and is used to display the data characteristics of the detection unit.

2. The non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the gas collecting conduit (2) is a flat opening (5), and the sensitive detection area is located inside the flat opening (5).

3. The non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12), a sensor stage (6), and a converter (7). The sensor stage (6) is installed inside the flat opening (5). The thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12) is fixed on the upper surface of the sensor stage (6). The thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12) is electrically connected to the converter (7) via a connecting line (8). The converter (7) is electrically connected to the display device.

4. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection unit includes a thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12), a sensor stage (6), a converter (7), and a wireless communication module (4). The sensor stage (6) is installed inside the flat opening (5), and the converter (7) is installed on the lower side of the flat opening (5). The thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12) is fixed on the upper surface of the sensor stage (6). The thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12) is electrically connected to the converter (7) through a connecting line (8). The converter (7) is electrically connected to the wireless communication module (4). The wireless communication module (4) and the display device are wirelessly connected through 4G / 5G signals or Bluetooth signals.

5. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: A slot (10) is provided on the lower side of the flat opening (5). A connecting buckle (9) is fixedly connected to the sensor stage (6). A buckle one is fixedly connected to the converter (7). The sensor stage (6) and the converter (7) are respectively snapped onto the slot (10) of the flat opening (5) through the connecting buckle (9) and the buckle one. A slot body is provided on the upper side of the flat opening (5). A buckle two is provided on the lower side of the wireless communication module (4). The wireless communication module (4) is snapped onto the slot body through the buckle two.

6. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flat opening (5) is provided with ring magnets on both the upper and lower sides. The sensor stage (6) is fixedly connected to the converter (7) via a connecting strip (11). The upper side of the converter (7) and the lower side of the wireless communication module (4) are provided with magnetic components that are compatible with the ring magnets.

7. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to any one of claims 3-4, characterized in that: The thin-film flexible airflow sensor (12) is bonded to the upper surface of the sensor stage (6).

8. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The display device is equipped with a data processing unit, which receives the airflow data inside the breathing mask (1) detected by the detection unit via wired or wireless means, and generates information that reflects the intensity of lung breathing based on the airflow data.

9. A non-contact respiratory monitoring device based on a flexible airflow sensor according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The non-contact respiratory monitoring device also includes a rubber plug (3), which is installed between the plastic gas collection tube (2) and the breathing mask (1).

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