Scrubber, and exhaled breath measuring device comprising same

Abstract

This scrubber for removing a predetermined component, included in outside air, from the outside air comprises: a body having an inner space formed therein; and at least one partition wall that partitions the inner space into a plurality of sections which are in fluid communication with each other, wherein different solid removers for collecting different components, included in the outside air, are respectively accommodated in the plurality of sections, and the different components are removed one by one while the outside air introduced through an outside-air inlet are passing through the plurality of sections in sequence, and the removed components flow out through an outside-air outlet. An exhaled breath measuring device for examining an exhaled breath of a user comprises a main body, a gas sensor accommodated inside the main body, and a scrubber accommodated inside the main body, wherein, before the exhaled breath is introduced, the gas sensor is made to measure the outside air from which the predetermined component has been removed through the scrubber, and a reference signal for correcting the gas sensor is provided.

Description

Scrubber and exhaled gas measuring device equipped with the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scrubber and an exhaled breath measuring device equipped with the same, and more specifically, to a scrubber for removing a predetermined component from the outside air and an exhaled breath measuring device for detecting a component in exhaled breath.

[0002] Recently, there has been significant interest in technologies that acquire biological information by measuring various gases contained in breathing gases.

[0003] Volatile organic compounds emitted through exhalation number in the hundreds, and certain of these gases are known to be usable as biomarkers containing health information of living organisms.

[0004] By utilizing this, breath analysis can immediately monitor changes in metabolic activity within the body caused by the onset of disease, which is advantageous for early diagnosis; consequently, it can increase the likelihood of patient recovery and significantly reduce treatment costs.

[0005] Notably, it is known that nitric oxide, acetone, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide are emitted at higher concentrations in patients with asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, and bad breath, respectively, and there are reports that the concentration of hydrocarbon VOCs in lung cancer patients increases or decreases compared to healthy individuals.

[0006] Among the biomarkers developed to date, the measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has attracted attention as a method that can be easily applied in clinical practice because it is easy, fast, and non-invasive. Its clinical utility has been proven, and it has begun to be applied in the treatment of actual asthma patients. FeNO is utilized as a useful indicator reflecting the degree of type 2 or allergic inflammation in the airways.

[0007] Research on disease diagnosis through human breath analysis is continuously increasing. Conventional screening methods generally require expensive equipment or necessitate blood or tissue sampling, which increases patient discomfort. In contrast, breath analysis is a low-cost, non-invasive diagnostic method that can reduce patient resistance to testing and significantly lower diagnostic costs.

[0008] Recently, exhalation measurement devices equipped with gas sensors have been commercialized and are being used for monitoring respiratory gases in chronic respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, etc.).

[0009] As a conventional exhalation measuring device, a measuring device utilizing an electrochemical gas sensor, in which the concentration of gas is converted into an electrical signal for detection, is being used. Electrochemical gas sensors are generally advantageous for low cost and miniaturization, and although they lag behind chemiluminescence methods in terms of sensitivity, a difference of a few ppb is not a significant clinical issue.

[0010] However, it is known that the concentration of components in exhaled air is significantly affected by exhalation velocity and pressure. Additionally, atmospheric NO concentration or exhaled temperature can affect gas sensors and become factors that hinder accurate measurements.

[0011] The present disclosure is intended to increase the measurement performance of an exhalation measuring device for detecting components in exhaled air discharged by a user, and provides an exhalation measuring device capable of increasing the measurement performance of a gas sensor by using a scrubber with excellent removal performance for components contained in the outside air and by processing the outside air with said scrubber to set a baseline for the gas sensor.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a scrubber for removing a certain component contained in the outside air from the outside air is provided, comprising a body having an internal space and at least one partition wall dividing the internal space into a plurality of fluidly connected zones, wherein each of the plurality of zones contains a different solid removal agent for capturing a different component contained in the outside air, and wherein the outside air introduced through an outside air inlet passes sequentially through the plurality of zones, thereby removing the different component in sequence and discharging through an outside air outlet.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a flow hole through which outside air can pass is formed in at least one partition wall, and when viewed from the top of the body, the outside air inlet, the flow hole, and the outside air outlet are alternately arranged so as to be offset toward the side wall of the body, so that the flow path of the outside air flowing from the outside air inlet through the flow hole to the outside air outlet is formed in a zigzag shape.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the internal space is divided into three or more zones by two or more partitions, and silica gel is contained as a remover in the front zone communicating with the outside air inlet, activated carbon is contained as a remover in the end zone communicating with the outside air outlet, and potassium permanganate is contained as a remover in at least one central zone between the front zone and the end zone.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the circulation hole is formed by a slit in which the partition wall is cut, and the width of the slit is smaller than the diameter of the particles of the remover accommodated in the two zones partitioned by the partition wall.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the external air inlet and the external air outlet are each opened in the vertical direction of the body, and two external air guide tubes are formed in the internal space that are fluidly connected to the external air inlet and the external air outlet, respectively, and extend in the vertical direction of the body, and slits are formed radially along the circumference of the side walls of each of the two external air guide tubes.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an exhalation measuring device for inspecting exhaled air emitted by a user is provided, comprising a main body, a gas sensor housed inside the main body, and a scrubber housed inside the main body, wherein, prior to the inflow of the exhaled air, the gas sensor measures the outside air from which a predetermined component has been removed through the scrubber, thereby providing a reference signal for calibrating the gas sensor.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the external air inlet is fluidly connected to an external air hole formed on the bottom surface of the main body.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a consumable placement portion is formed at the lower part of the main body and is exposed to the outside by removing a cover, and the scrubber can be detachably attached to the consumable placement portion.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a scrubber with excellent removal performance for components contained in the outside air is provided, and an exhaled air measuring device capable of increasing the measurement performance of a gas sensor by processing the outside air with said scrubber to set a baseline for the gas sensor.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a chamber according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a chamber according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a chamber according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a scrubber according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scrubber according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a scrubber according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a respiration measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is described as one embodiment, and the technical concept of the invention, its core components, and its operation are not limited by this.

[0034] <Composition of exhalation measuring device (1)>

[0035] (External configuration of the exhalation measuring device (1))

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exhalation measuring device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are bottom perspective views of an exhalation measuring device (1). FIG. 3 shows the state in which the cover (12) is separated from the bottom surface, and for convenience of explanation, the tube (23) is omitted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0037] The exhalation measuring device (1) according to the present embodiment is a device for detecting components in the exhalation emitted by a user.

[0038] The exhalation measuring device (1) includes a main body (10) and a handle member (20) connected to the main body (10) and a tube (23).

[0039] The main body (10) is formed in a roughly pyramidal shape that narrows toward the top, and a touch screen (11) is mounted on the inclined front surface of the main body (10) as a user interface. A stand is formed on the top of the main body (10) to support a handle member (20).

[0040] The handle member (20) is provided with a mouthpiece (21) for the user to put in their mouth and blow, and a handle (22) to which the mouthpiece (21) is detachably connected and which the user can hold in their hand.

[0041] One end of the tube (23) is connected to the end of the handle (22) and fluidly communicates with the inside of the handle (22), and the other end of the tube (23) is connected to the main body (10) and fluidly communicates with the inside of the main body (10).

[0042] Accordingly, when the user puts the mouthpiece (21) in their mouth and exhales, the exhaled air flows through the inside of the handle (22), through the tube (23), and into the inside of the main body (10).

[0043] Although not described in detail, a filter to prevent the entry of viruses, etc. may be placed inside the mouthpiece (21).

[0044] Additionally, a hollow space is formed inside the handle (22), and the hollow space is filled with silica gel. Furthermore, a mesh filter is fitted to the end where the mouthpiece (21) is connected and the end where the tube (23) is connected, respectively. The mesh filter and the silica gel are intended to remove moisture from exhaled air, and in this specification, the corresponding elements are collectively referred to as filter members (24) (see FIG. 4).

[0045] The bottom surface of the main body (10) is slightly spaced from the ground by the leg (17), and a speaker (18) is formed on the bottom surface.

[0046] Additionally, a cover (12) is attached to the bottom surface, and a heat dissipation hole (13) and a second external air hole (32) are opened in the cover (12).

[0047] As clearly illustrated in FIG. 3, when the cover (12) is removed, a concave space (15) is formed in the lower part of the main body (10), and a consumable placement section (16) is formed in the space (15).

[0048] The consumable placement section (16) is a part for replacing consumables required for the exhalation measuring device (1). The consumable placement section (16) has a mounting section formed therein in which, for example, a rechargeable battery (810) for supplying power required for the device (1), an auxiliary battery (820) for continuously supplying a microcurrent to the gas sensor (600), and a scrubber (200), which is one of the consumables, can be detachably mounted.

[0049] (System configuration of the exhalation measuring device (1))

[0050] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the system of the exhalation measuring device (1).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, a sensor module (300), a chamber (100), a scrubber (200), a solenoid valve (400), a pump (500), and a gas sensor (600) are arranged inside the main body (10). Reference numeral 710 is a sensor board that performs control and signal processing of the sensors of the exhalation measuring device (1), and 720 is a processor including a CPU and memory, etc., that controls the overall operation of the device (1).

[0052] The sensor module (300) is connected to the tube (23) via an internal conduit inside the main body (10) to communicate fluidly. Exhaled air passes through the sensor module (300) and enters the interior of the chamber (100) through the gas inlet (130).

[0053] In the chamber (100), a gas outlet (142) and a gas discharge port (141) are opened.

[0054] The gas discharge port (142) is connected to the first external air port (31), which is formed in the main body (10) and exposed to the outside, through a conduit. A check valve (730) is installed in the conduit connecting the gas discharge port (142) and the first external air port (31). By means of the check valve (730), exhaled air from the chamber (100) can be discharged to the outside through the first external air port (31), but conversely, external air is not introduced into the chamber (100) through the first external air port (31).

[0055] The gas outlet (142) is connected to the pump (500) through a conduit, and a solenoid valve (400) is placed between the pump (500) and the gas outlet (142).

[0056] When the pump (500) operates, the exhaled gas flowing out of the chamber (100) through the gas outlet (142) is detected by the gas sensor (600) and discharged to the outside of the device (1) through the third external air port (33).

[0057] A check valve (740) is installed in the conduit connecting the gas sensor (600) and the third external air port (33). By means of the check valve (740), exhaled air passing through the gas sensor (600) can be discharged to the outside through the third external air port (33), but conversely, external air is not introduced into the gas sensor (600) through the third external air port (33).

[0058] Meanwhile, a second external air port (32) is formed in the main body (10) (the bottom surface of the main body (10)), and the second external air port (32) is connected to the external air inlet (271) of the scrubber (200). The external air outlet (271) of the scrubber (200) is connected to the pump (500) through a pipe.

[0059] Below, each component of the exhalation measuring device (1) described above will be explained in detail. The pump (500) for flowing fluid at a constant pressure and speed, the solenoid valve (400) for switching the fluid flow path according to a control signal, the sensor board (710) and the processor (720) for sensor and system control are known components and will not be explained separately below.

[0060] (Sensor module (300))

[0061] The sensor module (300) is a collective term for sensors that measure the temperature, humidity, and pressure of exhaled air flowing into the main body (10) through the tube (23). The sensor module (300) may be in a form where the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and pressure sensor are integrated on a single substrate or component, or the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and pressure sensor are each independently arranged and operated.

[0062] The sensor module (300) is electrically connected to the sensor board (710). The sensor board (710) controls the sensor of the sensor module (300), receives the sensor's measurement signal, and sends it to the processor (720). Since the configuration and principle of the sensor for measuring the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the fluid flowing through the internal conduit are known, a detailed description is omitted here.

[0063] (Chamber (100))

[0064] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a chamber (100) according to one embodiment, FIG. 6 is a front view of the chamber (100), and FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the chamber (100). In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the cover (160) is omitted from the illustration to explain the internal configuration of the chamber (100). That is, the internal space (120) of the chamber (100) is covered by the cover (160).

[0065] The chamber (100) has a body (110) having a roughly rectangular box shape. A gas inlet (130) is opened in the side wall of one end of the body (110), and a gas outlet (142) and a gas discharge port (141) are opened adjacently in the side wall of the other end.

[0066] In the internal space (120), a plurality of compartments (150) are formed by partitions (121). Each compartment (150) defines a compartment space (153) surrounded by partitions (121).

[0067] In this specification, "compartment" refers to a structure in which, rather than being closed on all sides by a partition wall, an inlet and / or outlet is formed in the partition wall (121) through which exhaled air can flow into or out of the compartment space (153). In other words, a plurality of compartments (150) within the chamber (200) are formed to be fluidly connected to each other.

[0068] When the cover (160) is removed, the upper part of the compartment (150) is open, but when the cover (160) is covered, the upper opening of the compartment (150) is blocked, and fluid communication between the compartments (150) is maintained only through the inlet and outlet.

[0069] It is sufficient for the compartment (150) to form a compartment space (153) having a predetermined volume without any limitation on the cross-sectional shape, but according to the present embodiment, the plurality of compartments (150) each have a hexagonal cross-section. In addition, adjacent compartments (150a, 15b) form a honeycomb structure that shares a partition wall.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, the outlet (151b) of one compartment (150a) becomes the inlet (152a) of another compartment (150b) adjacent thereto. Ultimately, the plurality of compartments (150) according to the present embodiment form a honeycomb structure in which hexagonal compartments are densely arranged, and slits that serve as the inlet and outlet of exhaled air are formed in the partition walls dividing the compartments, thereby enabling the flow of exhaled air between compartments.

[0071] Here, the plurality of compartments (150) do not necessarily have to be formed in a honeycomb structure of hexagonal compartments, and the compartments (150) may have a polygonal or other shaped cross-section. The plurality of compartments do not necessarily have to be formed by sharing and joining a partition wall, and may be formed by being spaced apart from each other and fluidly communicating.

[0072] However, by forming a dense honeycomb structure in the compartment (150) of the hexagonal cross-section, the internal space (120) of the limited chamber (100) can be utilized without waste, and the flow path of the exhaled air can be optimized.

[0073] Exhaled air introduced through the gas inlet (130) of the chamber (100) flows through a plurality of compartments (150).

[0074] Multiple inlets and outlets may be formed in each compartment so that exhaled air spreads from one compartment to several adjacent compartments, but according to the present embodiment, only one inlet (151a) and one outlet (152a) are formed in one compartment (150a).

[0075] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, a flow path (P) is formed in which exhaled air introduced into the gas inlet (130) of the chamber (100) flows through a plurality of compartments (150) one by one to the gas outlet (142).

[0076] According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow path (P) is formed as a generally zigzag winding path. Accordingly, the flow velocity of the exhaled air exiting the chamber (100) can be kept constant, and the residence time within the chamber (100) can be increased.

[0077] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of cooling fins (111) that reduce the temperature of the exhaled air are formed on the back surface of the chamber (100).

[0078] As the exhaled air flows through the chamber (100) in a winding zigzag path, the temperature of the exhaled air is reduced to near room temperature through the heat dissipation fins (111), thereby reducing the influence of the exhaled air temperature on the gas sensor (600).

[0079] (Gas sensor (600))

[0080] The gas sensor (600) is a sensor that detects / measures components in exhaled air flowing out of the chamber (100). The gas sensor (600) is electrically connected to the sensor board (710).

[0081] According to the present embodiment, the exhalation measuring device (1) is exemplified as an exhalation nitric oxide measuring device that measures exhalation nitric oxide (FeNO) in the exhalation exhaled by a user, and the gas sensor (600) is a NO sensor that measures nitric oxide (NO).

[0082] According to the present embodiment, the gas sensor (600) is an electrochemical gas sensor that operates based on the interaction between the target gas, which is nitric oxide, and the electrolyte within the sensor. The target gas diffuses through a gas-permeable membrane and reacts with the electrolyte to generate an electric current. This current can be measured to provide an accurate reading of the gas concentration in proportion to the concentration of the target gas.

[0083] As the configuration of the NO sensor as an electrochemical gas sensor is already known, a further detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0084] (Scrubber (200))

[0085] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a scrubber (200) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of the scrubber (200). For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the cover (202) is separated from the body (201), and FIG. 9 and 10 do not show the cover (202).

[0086] The scrubber (200) is configured to remove certain components contained in the outside air from the outside air. According to the present embodiment, the scrubber (200) is a NO scrubber for removing mainly NO components from the outside air.

[0087] The scrubber (200) includes a body (201) having an internal space (203) formed therein, and a cover (202) coupled to the body (201) and covering the internal space (203).

[0088] In the internal space (203), at least one partition is formed to divide the internal space (203) into multiple fluidly connected zones.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, the internal space (203) is divided into four zones (281, 282a, 282b, 283) by partitions (210, 220, 230).

[0090] In the first section (281), an external air inlet (271) is formed at the bottom of the body (201) in the downward direction of the body (201) (see FIG. 3).

[0091] In the first section (281), an external air guide tube (240) is formed that extends in the vertical direction of the body to surround the external air inlet (271). Three slits (241) are formed radially along the circumference of the external air guide tube (240).

[0092] On the lower surface of the cover (202), a tube body (260) that can be inserted into the outside air guide tube (240) is formed, and three slits (261) are formed radially along the circumference of the tube body (260). When the tube body (260) is inserted into the outside air guide tube (240), the slits (241) and the slits (261) are aligned.

[0093] The external air inlet (271) that is open to the outside is fluidly connected to the first zone (281) (i.e., the internal space (203)) through the slit (261) and the slit (241).

[0094] An external air outlet (272) is formed in the cover (202) upward (i.e., upward from the body (201)).

[0095] In the fourth section (284), an external air guide tube (250) is formed that extends in the vertical direction of the body to surround the external air outlet (272). Three slits (251) are formed radially along the circumference of the external air guide tube (250).

[0096] The external air outlet (271) communicating with the interior of the main body (10) is fluidly connected to the fourth zone (284) (i.e., the internal space (203)) through the slit (251).

[0097] In the partition walls dividing each section, a passage hole (211, 221, 231) is formed through which air (outside air) introduced into the main body (10) can pass. According to the present embodiment, the passage hole (211, 221, 231) is formed by a slit that is cut lengthwise in the partition wall.

[0098] Each section is open at the top, but when the cover (202) is covered, the top opening is covered, so that each section is fluidly connected to each other only through the flow holes.

[0099] As clearly illustrated in FIG. 10, when viewed from the top of the body (201), the outside air inlet (271), the flow holes (211, 221, 231), and the outside air outlet (272) are alternately arranged toward the side walls of the body (201). Here, the three flow holes (211, 221, 231) are also alternately arranged toward the side walls of the body (201).

[0100] Accordingly, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 10, the flow path of the outside air flowing from the outside air inlet (271) through the flow holes (211, 221, 231) to the outside air outlet (272) is formed in a zigzag shape.

[0101] Although not illustrated, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of zones (281, 282, 283) each contain a foreign solid removal agent for capturing foreign components contained in the outside air. As the outside air introduced through the outside air inlet (271) passes through the plurality of zones sequentially, foreign components are removed in sequence and discharged through the outside air outlet (272).

[0102] As described above, when the exhalation measuring device (1) is an exhalation nitric oxide measuring device, the main removal agent is potassium permanganate, which can remove nitric acid.

[0103] According to the present embodiment, silica gel is contained as a remover in the first section (281) at the very front, which is in direct communication with the outside air inlet (271), and potassium permanganate is contained as a remover in the two central sections (282a, 282b). Additionally, activated carbon is contained as a remover in the fourth section (283) at the very end, which is in fluid communication with the outside air outlet (272).

[0104] As clearly illustrated in FIG. 10, the width of the passage hole (slit) formed in each partition is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the particles of the removed agent so that the removed agent contained therein cannot escape through the slit. Therefore, the width of the passage hole formed in each partition can be set differently from one another.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, in order to increase the flow path of the outside air, the internal space (203) is divided into four zones (281, 282a, 282b, 283) by three partitions (210, 220, 230), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The area in which potassium permanganate, the main removal agent, is received may be formed as a single area (i.e., the internal space (203) is divided into three areas), or the area may be further divided into three or more areas (i.e., the internal space (203) is divided into five or more areas).

[0107] Here, when the internal space (203) is divided into three or more zones by two or more partitions, the zone (281) connected to the outside air inlet (271) is called the leading zone, the zone (283) connected to the outside air outlet (272) is called the trailing zone, and at least one zone between the leading zone and the trailing zone is called the central zone.

[0108] The outside air introduced from the outside air inlet (271) has moisture (humidity) removed by silica gel in the leading section, nitrogen oxides removed by potassium permanganate in the central section, and sulfur oxides removed by activated carbon in the terminal section.

[0109] Outside air from which moisture, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides have been removed by the scrubber (200) can be supplied to the gas sensor (600) through the outside air outlet (272).

[0110] If the exhalation measuring device (1) continues to be used, the removal agent such as potassium permanganate is consumed, and the scrubber (200) with the consumed removal agent can be removed from the consumables placement section (16) by opening the cover (12) of the main body (10) and replaced with a new scrubber (200).

[0111] <Operation of exhalation measuring device (1)>

[0112] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12, the operation of the exhalation measuring device (1) described above will be explained. FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the operation of the exhalation measuring device (1).

[0113] For example, an adult asthma patient performs an exhalation measurement as a user of the exhalation measuring device (1). A manager, such as a medical professional, operates the touch screen (11) of the exhalation measuring device (1) placed on the examination table to input the user's body size, age, etc. The processor (720) sets the speed, pressure, and time of exhalation according to the input signal.

[0114] When measurement begins, as shown in FIG. 11, the solenoid valve (400) operates to allow the fluid path from the scrubber (200) to the gas sensor (600) to continue, and blocks the fluid path from the chamber (100) to the gas sensor (600).

[0115] The processor (720) operates the pump (500) so that outside air flows into the second outside air port (32) and into the scrubber (200) through the outside air inlet (271). At this time, the pump (500) operates for a predetermined time (e.g., about 5 seconds).

[0116] As described above, since the second external air hole (32) is formed on the bottom surface of the main body (10), it can help prevent exhaled air from a user with asthma from entering the second external air hole (32).

[0117] The outside air introduced through the outside air inlet (271) flows into the entire first zone (front zone) (281) through the radially arranged slits (241), and moisture contained in the outside air is removed by the silica gel.

[0118] As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 10, the main stream of the outside air is formed in the diagonal direction where the flow hole (211) is located, so the contact area and time between the outside air and the silica gel (removal agent) are increased.

[0119] As the outside air passes through the central zone (282a, 282b) via the flow channel (211), the removal of nitrogen oxides by potassium permanganate is achieved. Likewise, as the contact area and time between the outside air and potassium permanganate (removal agent) increase according to the direction of the main stream of the outside air flowing in a zigzag pattern, the effect of removing nitrogen oxides is greatly improved.

[0120] Next, as the outside air passes through the terminal area (283) via the circulation hole (231), the removal of sulfur oxides by the activated carbon is achieved.

[0121] The outside air passing through the scrubber (200) has a concentration of nitric acid (NO) close to zero (according to the design standards of the medical device, a concentration below a predetermined level can be treated as zero).

[0122] The outside air, from which moisture, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides have been removed, passes through the slit (251) and exits through the outside air outlet (272), and passes through the pipe to be supplied to the gas sensor (600).

[0123] The gas sensor (600), which is an electrochemical sensor, requires calibration to maintain accurate readings due to electrode degradation, etc.

[0124] Since outside air with a concentration of nitric acid (NO) close to zero (i.e., outside air from which a specific component to be targeted by the gas sensor has been removed) is supplied to the gas sensor (600) after passing through the scrubber (200), the processor (720) can adjust the reading of the sensor using a reference signal with the signal measured in the outside air as the zero baseline.

[0125] When the NO scrubbing operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 12, the solenoid valve (400) is operated to allow the fluid path leading to the sensor module (300), chamber (100), pump (500), and gas sensor (600) to continue, and the fluid path leading from the scrubber (200) to the gas sensor (600) is blocked.

[0126] The processor (720) instructs the user, through the touch screen (11) and speaker (18), to hold the handle member (20), put the mouthpiece (21) in their mouth, and exhale to blow air for a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) while the pump (500) is not in operation.

[0127] As the exhaled air passes through the filter member (24), moisture is removed, and the exhaled air with the moisture removed passes through the tube (23) and flows into the main body (10).

[0128] The humidity sensor of the sensor module (300) measures the humidity in the exhaled air. If the humidity is higher than a predetermined value, the filter member (24) is not functioning properly, so the processor (720) may stop the operation of the device (1) and request the manager to replace the filter.

[0129] The pressure sensor and speed sensor of the sensor module (300) measure the speed and pressure of the incoming exhaled air. It is known that the composition or amount of exhaled nitric oxide contained may vary depending on the speed and pressure of the exhaled air, and the user needs to blow in exhaled air at the required speed and pressure as consistently as possible.

[0130] If the pressure and speed of exhalation measured by the sensor module (300) are excessively high or low, the processor (720) may request the device (1) to be restarted or provide guidance to the user to blow harder or weaker through the touch screen (11) and speaker (18).

[0131] Exhaled air blown by the user flows into the chamber (100) and flows within the chamber (100) along the flow path (P). At this time, since the pump (500) is stopped, the exhaled air is discharged through the gas outlet (141). This is to exclude exhaled air corresponding to the so-called "dead zone" that is less related to asthma coming from the airway. This process is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., about 5 seconds).

[0132] Subsequently, the processor (720) operates the pump (500) to allow exhaled air within the chamber (100) to flow into the gas sensor (600) through the gas outlet (142). At this time, a certain amount of exhaled air is also discharged through the gas discharge port (141). The pump (500) is adjusted so that the amount of exhaled air discharged through the gas outlet (142) and the gas discharge port (141) is, for example, approximately 2:8. This ratio is taken into account for the measurement capacity of the gas sensor (600).

[0133] When the exhaled air introduced through the gas inlet (130) flows into the compartment (150) through the inlet, the compartment space (153) of the compartment (150) is wider than the inlet, so a kind of vortex is formed as the exhaled air swirls in the compartment space (153). Therefore, the exhaled air moves while being well mixed as it passes through the compartment (150).

[0134] According to the present embodiment, the cross-section of the fruit (150) is hexagonal, allowing for maximum utilization of space while being close to a balanced circular space, thereby maximizing the effect of stirring the air.

[0135] As described above, the exhaled air travels along a long zigzag flow path (P) and passes through multiple compartments (150). Thus, the exhaled air passing through the chamber (100) has a constant speed and exits through the gas outlet (142) in a well-mixed and averaged state. During this process, rapid heat dissipation is achieved with the help of the heat dissipation fins (111), so the exhaled air is heated to a state close to room temperature within the chamber (100).

[0136] That is, by the chamber (100) of the compartment structure according to the present embodiment, the standardization of the components of the exhaled air blown by the user, the stabilization of the speed, and the stabilization of the temperature are achieved, and such exhaled air is provided to the gas sensor (600).

[0137] The gas sensor (600) detects the concentration of exhaled nitric oxide from stabilized exhaled air, thereby reducing the possibility of measurement error or error.

[0138] Information such as the concentration of exhaled nitric oxide detected by the gas sensor (600) can be provided to the user and manager through the touch screen (11) and speaker (18).

[0139] As described above, according to the exhalation measuring device (1), the speed, composition, and temperature of the exhalation can be stabilized through the compartment structure within the chamber (100) and provided to the gas sensor (600), thereby preventing measurement errors or errors.

[0140] In addition, by scrubbing the outside air through a scrubber (200) with an optimized path for the outside air, the measurement error of the gas sensor (600) can be reduced, and the scrubber (200) that has been used can be easily replaced.

Claims

1. A scrubber for removing a certain component contained in the outside air from the outside air, A body with an internal space formed, and It includes at least one partition wall that divides the internal space into a plurality of fluidly connected zones, and Each of the above plurality of zones is equipped with a different type of solid remover for capturing different components contained in the above external air, and A scrubber characterized by the external air introduced through an external air inlet passing sequentially through a plurality of zones, thereby removing the heterogeneous components in sequence and discharging through an external air outlet.

2. In Paragraph 1, A passage hole is formed in the above-mentioned at least one bulkhead through which outside air can pass, and A scrubber characterized in that, when viewed from the top of the body, the external air inlet, the flow hole, and the external air outlet are alternately arranged so as to be offset toward the side wall of the body, and the flow path of the external air flowing from the external air inlet through the flow hole to the external air outlet is formed in a zigzag pattern.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above internal space is divided into three or more zones by two or more partitions, and In the leading section communicating with the above-mentioned external air inlet, silica gel is contained as a removal agent, and Activated carbon is contained as a removal agent in the terminal section connected to the above-mentioned external air outlet, and A scrubber characterized by having potassium permanganate accommodated as a removal agent in at least one central section between the leading section and the trailing section.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned circulation hole is formed by a slit in the above-mentioned partition wall, and A scrubber characterized in that the width of the slit is smaller than the diameter of the particles of the removal agent accommodated in the two zones partitioned by the partition wall.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned external air inlet and the above-mentioned external air outlet are each opened in the vertical direction of the body, and In the above internal space, two external air guide tubes are formed that are fluidly connected to the external air inlet and the external air outlet, respectively, and extend in the vertical direction of the body. A scrubber characterized by having slits formed radially along the circumference of each of the two external air induction tubes.

6. As an exhalation measuring device for inspecting exhaled breath emitted by a user, The main body and, A gas sensor housed inside the main body, and A scrubber according to claim 1, which is housed inside the main body, is provided. An exhalation measuring device characterized by providing a reference signal for calibrating the gas sensor by allowing the gas sensor to measure the outside air from which the predetermined component has been removed through the scrubber prior to the inflow of the exhaled air.

7. In Paragraph 6, An exhalation measuring device characterized in that the above-mentioned external air inlet is fluidly connected to an external air hole formed on the bottom surface of the main body.

8. In Paragraph 7, A consumable placement section is formed at the lower part of the above main body, which is exposed to the outside by removing the cover, and An exhalation measuring device characterized in that the scrubber is detachably attachable to the consumable placement section.

Images