Portable feno tester for asthma diagnosis based on nitric oxide concentration measurement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, comprising: a test main body to which exhaled air is introduced from one side thereof; a sensor module coupled to the other side of the test main body; and a measuring module installed in an air flow channel of the test main body to measure information about the air flowing inside the air flow channel, wherein the sensor module includes a NO sensor that measures the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaled air, and the measuring module includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor that are disposed apart from each other along a duct of the air flow channel and are inclined to be opposed to each other, thereby making it possible to distinguish asthma and COPD by performing a pulmonary function test and a FeNO test in a single device.

Description

Portable FENO Tester for Asthma Diagnosis Based on Nitric Oxide Concentration Measurement

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable fractional exhaled nitric oxide (hereinafter referred to as 'FeNO') detector for diagnosing asthma, and more specifically, to a portable FeNO detector for diagnosing asthma capable of measuring the concentration of nitric oxide in a user's exhaled breath.

[0002] Generally, respiration refers to the process by which living organisms break down organic matter to produce energy necessary for life through gas exchange, inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide contained in the blood.

[0003] Meanwhile, humans can sustain life without consuming water or food for two to three days, but their lives are endangered if breathing is stopped for just five minutes. Furthermore, since healthy individuals generate more than 90% of the energy produced in their bodies through respiration and also excrete waste products through breathing, maintaining adequate breathing capacity is a matter of paramount importance for maintaining a healthy body.

[0004] In addition, the normal tidal volume—that is, the amount of air entering and leaving the body—is known to be approximately 500 ml, while lung capacity, which refers to the maximum amount of air exhaled after inhaling, is about 3,500 ml for men and 2,500 ml for women. Of course, these are average figures and vary depending on health status, physique, age, activity level, etc.

[0005] At this time, there are various causes for a decline in respiratory capacity; for instance, respiratory ability may be weakened due to lung-related diseases such as pneumonia, or abnormalities in the nerves or muscles surrounding the respiratory tract. However, even in the absence of specific diseases, lung function can deteriorate due to factors such as low activity levels or habits of repeated shallow breathing; therefore, continuous efforts to improve respiratory capacity are required.

[0006] Measurement devices used to assess such respiratory capacity are broadly classified into two types. The first method quantitatively measures changes resulting from the expansion and contraction of the lungs—that is, changes in lung volume—by directly measuring the change in lung volume while the subject breathes according to a predetermined format. The second method measures respiratory volume by detecting and measuring the flow of air inside and outside the lungs while the subject breathes.

[0007] Generally, devices for measuring breathing volume have the disadvantage of being difficult to carry because their internal shape is complex and their size is very large. Accordingly, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2062206 discloses a breathing measuring device capable of measuring a user's breathing volume at any time and anywhere, not just at home or in a hospital. At this time, the breathing measuring device is configured to include a first main body (1) and a second main body (2) that are detachably attached to each other as shown in FIG. 1, a breathing measuring unit (3), a mouthpiece coupling member (4), a mouthpiece (5), and a breathing pressure regulating unit (6). Here, the breathing measuring unit (3) of the breathing measuring device includes a sensor that measures the pressure of air moving in an air passage formed inside the first main body (1) to measure the user's breathing volume.

[0008] While a respiration measuring device miniaturized in the form described above offers the advantage of increased portability, it suffers from reduced functionality and consequently lower accuracy. Furthermore, conventional portable respiration measuring devices are limited to measuring respiratory capacity and have the drawback of being unable to differentiate between conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hereinafter referred to as COPD).

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems described above, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis capable of differentiating between asthma and COPD by adding a FeNO test function to a lung function test.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention comprises: a test body into which exhaled air is introduced on one side; a sensor module coupled to the other side of the test body; and a measurement module installed in the air passage of the test body to measure information of air flowing inside the air passage. The sensor module includes a NO sensor for measuring the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaled air, and the measurement module may include a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor that are spaced apart from each other along the conduit of the air passage and inclined to face each other.

[0011] In addition, the sensor module may be formed to be detachably connected to the inspection body.

[0012] In addition, the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention further includes a control board which is a substrate including a processor connected to the measurement module for processing data; and when the sensor module is coupled to the test body, the NO sensor can be connected to the control board.

[0013] Additionally, the sensor module further comprises: a sensor case having a hollow interior so that one side is connected to the other side of the inspection body and the NO sensor is disposed therein; and a sensor board which is a substrate disposed inside the sensor case and connected to the NO sensor. When the sensor module is coupled to the inspection body, a connection terminal disposed on the other side of the inspection body and connected to the control board and a connector disposed on one side of the sensor case and connected to the sensor board can be connected to each other.

[0014] In addition, the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention may have the connection terminal or the connector implemented as a Pogo Pin connector.

[0015] Additionally, the sensor module further includes a fastening member disposed on one side of the sensor case and detachably fastened to the inspection body and the other side; and the fastening member and the connector may be disposed at opposite positions in the radial direction with respect to the center of one side of the sensor case.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned fastening member may be formed of a magnetic material.

[0017] Additionally, the inspection body comprises: a case extending to both the left and right sides and having a hollow interior; an air pipe disposed in the hollow of the case and having an air passage formed therein; and a pair of covers each coupled to both sides of the case; wherein the case and the covers may be formed to be detachably connected to each other.

[0018] Additionally, the cover may include a hollow hole penetrating from left to right; and a plurality of insertion protrusions protruding in the diameter direction of the hollow hole; and the case may include a plurality of fixing grooves into which the insertion protrusions of the plurality of covers are each fitted.

[0019] Additionally, the air pipe may include a plurality of protruding ribs that protrude from the outer surface and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the cover may include a plurality of rib grooves into which the plurality of protruding ribs are inserted.

[0020] The portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, configured as described above, has the advantage of being able to perform both lung function tests and FeNO tests in a single device through a sensor module detachably coupled to the other side of the test body, thereby moving beyond devices limited to respiratory capacity and enabling the differentiation of diseases such as asthma and COPD.

[0021] In addition, the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention has the advantage of improved portability as the device is miniaturized for convenient carrying by the user, and has the advantage of enabling users to perform self-diagnosis of respiratory symptoms by obtaining more precise data using an ultrasound method, while also being usable in a wider range of medical institutions.

[0022] In addition, the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention has the advantage of improved user convenience as it is implemented to facilitate easier assembly and disassembly of the product and easy disassembly of consumables.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a respiration measuring device according to the prior art.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester and a stand according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a disassembled cross-sectional view of a portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part of a portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester according to the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 are diagrams illustrating a data processing process according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor module according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of a sensor module according to the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 are exploded perspective views of an inspection body according to the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side views of an inspection body and a sensor module according to the present invention.

[0035] *Detailed explanation of the main symbols in the drawing*

[0036] 10: Portable FeNO Tester for Asthma Diagnosis

[0037] 20 : Filter

[0038] 30 : Stand

[0039] 100 : Inspection main body

[0040] 101 : Air passage

[0041] 110 : Case

[0042] 111 : Insert body

[0043] 112 : Fixed groove

[0044] 120 : Air pipe

[0045] 121: 1st Unit

[0046] 122: 2nd Camp

[0047] 123 : Protruding rib

[0048] 130 : Cover

[0049] 130a : First cover

[0050] 130b : 2nd cover

[0051] 131 : Hollow hole

[0052] 132 : Insertion projection

[0053] 133 : Live Home

[0054] 134 : Through hole

[0055] 135 : Internal body

[0056] 140 : Connection terminal

[0057] 200 : Sensor module

[0058] 210 : Sensor case

[0059] 211 : Intake port

[0060] 212 : Discharge port

[0061] 213 : Transition Absence

[0062] 220 : Fastening member

[0063] 230 : Connector

[0064] 240: NO sensor

[0065] 250 : Sensor board

[0066] 300 : Extension body

[0067] 310 : Gripping member

[0068] 320 : Controller

[0069] 400 : Control board

[0070] 500 : Measurement module

[0071] 510 : 1st ultrasonic sensor

[0072] 520 : Second ultrasonic sensor

[0073] 530 : Pressure sensor

[0074] 600 : Light-emitting module

[0075] A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings presented below are provided as examples to ensure that the concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the drawings presented below and may be embodied in other forms. In addition, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and descriptions of known functions and configurations that could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention are omitted in the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0077] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0078] FIGS. 2 to 4 relate to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, where FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis and a stand, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, and FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the portable FeNO tester (10) for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention may include a test body (100), a sensor module (200), or an extension body (300). In this case, the test body (100) may include a case (110) that extends left and right to allow air to move, and the extension body (300) may be implemented in the shape of a handgun, including a gripping member (310) that extends downward so that the upper end is coupled to the case (110) and can be gripped by a user. Here, the test body (100) and the extension body (300) may be implemented as a single unit or may be coupled in a detachable manner. Additionally, a controller (320) may be disposed on one side of the gripping member (310) of the extension body (300) for operation by a user.

[0080] A filter (20) for filtering out foreign substances may be attached to one side in the left-right direction of the above inspection body (100), and a sensor module (200) may be attached to the other side in the left-right direction of the above inspection body (100). At this time, the filter (20) and the sensor module (200) may each be implemented to be detachable from the above inspection body (100). Here, the filter (20) may come into contact with the user's mouth, and the user's exhalation or inhalation may pass through it.

[0081] The sensor module (200) may further include a sensor case (210) that is detachably coupled to the other side of the inspection body (100). One side of the sensor case (210) may be coupled to face the other side of the inspection body (100). Additionally, the sensor module (200) may further include a fastening member (220) and a connector (230) that fasten or electrically connect the sensor case (210) and the other side of the inspection body (100). In this case, the fastening member (220) may be implemented as a magnetic material such as a magnet, for example, and the connector (230) may be implemented as a Pogo Pin connector, for example. Here, the fastening member (220) and the connector (230) may be positioned opposite to each other in the radial direction from the center of one side of the sensor case (210), and for example, the fastening member (220) may be installed on the upper part of the sensor case (210) and the connector (230) may be installed on the lower part of the sensor case (210).

[0082] The portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester (10) according to the present invention may be implemented in a form that is detachably attached to a stand (30) that supports the test body (100), into which the lower end of the gripping member (310) is inserted. At this time, the stand (30) may be equipped with a function such as charging to charge a battery that supplies power to the electronic components of the portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester (10) according to the present invention. Here, the stand (30) may include a first mounting groove (31) into which the lower end of the gripping member (310) is inserted, and may further include a second mounting groove (32) for mounting the separated sensor module (200). Alternatively, the second mounting groove (32) may be utilized for mounting the separate casing.

[0083] FIGS. 5 and 6 relate to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, where FIG. 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis along line AA' of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 shows a disassembled front cross-sectional view of a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the portable asthma diagnostic FeNO tester (10) according to the present invention may further include a control board (400), a measurement module (500), or a light-emitting module (600). The control board (400) may be implemented to be mounted on the test body (100) or the extension body (300) to process data, and may be equipped with a processor and a battery for processing. The measurement module (500) may include a sensor to measure information of air flowing inside the main body (110), and the measurement module (500) may be connected to the control board (400). At this time, the control board (400) may calculate the air flow rate or pressure, etc., based on sensor data input from the measurement module (500). The light-emitting module (600) is configured to irradiate light through an LED, and more preferably, the light-emitting module (600) may include an LED that irradiates ultraviolet light having a wavelength range between 315 nm and 400 nm. Here, the light-emitting module (600) may irradiate light into an air passage (101) formed inside the inspection body (100).

[0085] The above inspection body (100) includes the air passage (101) extended in the left and right directions, and the filter (20) may include a passage (21) connected to one side of the air passage (101). At this time, the other side of the air passage (101) may be connected to the interior of the sensor case (210). At this time, the sensor module (200) may include an NO sensor (240) placed inside the sensor case (210). Furthermore, the sensor case (210) may be implemented such that one side is connected to the air passage (101) and the other side is connected to the outside or another product, allowing the fluid inside the sensor case (210) to flow through the NO sensor (240).

[0086] When the sensor module (200) is mounted on the inspection body (100), as described above, the user's exhaled breath can be transmitted to the sensor module (200) through the air passage (101) of the filter (20) and the inspection body (100). The NO sensor (240) of the sensor module (200) can measure the concentration of nitric oxide in the user's exhaled breath, and the data measured by the NO sensor (240) can be transmitted to the processor of the control board (400).

[0087] The measurement module (500) may include a first ultrasonic sensor (510) and a second ultrasonic sensor (520) spaced apart from each other. In this case, the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be installed in the air passage (101) and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and may be implemented to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in directions facing each other. The measurement module (500) may further include a pressure sensor (530) installed in the air passage (101) to measure the pressure of the air flowing therein. In addition, the control board (400) may be connected to the first ultrasonic sensor (510), the second ultrasonic sensor (520), and the pressure sensor (530) to receive the measured sensor data. Furthermore, the processor of the control board (400) may be connected to the light-emitting module (600) to control On / Off and illumination.

[0088] The above inspection body (100) may further include a connection terminal (140) installed on the other side of the case (110) and connected to the control board (400). At this time, the connection terminal (140) of the inspection body (100) and the connector (230) of the sensor module (200) are arranged to face each other so that they can be electrically connected to each other during assembly. Furthermore, the connection terminal (140) and the connector (230) may be implemented as a pogo pin connector, etc., as described above.

[0089] FIGS. 7 to 9 relate to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part of the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing the data processing process of the portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, respectively.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, the inspection body (100) may further include an air pipe (120) installed inside the case (110) which is hollow on the left and right sides, and the hollow of the air pipe (120) may be formed into the air passage (101). The first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) each include a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx), and the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) exchange ultrasonic waves with each other to measure the change in sound velocity caused by the flow velocity of air flowing in the air passage (101) and calculate the air flow velocity. At this time, the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions, which are the directions of the air passage (101), and may be tilted to face each other. At this time, the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction with respect to the center (O) of the air pipe (120) so that they may face each other. For example, the first ultrasonic sensor (510) may be placed on one side of the upper end of the air pipe (120) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be placed on the other side of the lower end of the air pipe (120) so that they may face each other. At this time, the tilted angle (n) of the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be greater than 0° and less than 180°, and more preferably, the tilted angle (n) may be formed between 40° and 50° or between 130° and 140°. Here, when the angle is 40° to 50°, the first ultrasonic sensor (510) may be placed on one side, and when the angle is 130° to 140°, the second ultrasonic sensor (520) may be placed on one side.

[0091] The first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) can be embedded in the air passage (101) through the first receiving section (121) and the second receiving section (122) so as not to generate air resistance. At this time, the distance between the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) in the radial direction can be formed to be greater than the inner diameter of the air pipe (120). Furthermore, the first receiving section (121) and the second receiving section (122) may be holes formed by penetrating or bending the air pipe (120) in the radial direction, and the first receiving section (121) may be formed to be inclined to one side in the radial direction of the air pipe (120), and the second receiving section (122) may be formed to be inclined to the other side in the radial direction of the air pipe (120).

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8, when one of the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) operates as Tx, the other operates as Rx, and when acquiring data for a flow rate, each can operate as Tx and Rx once.

[0093] The above processor can obtain normal data from sensor data acquired from the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) based on a reference clock (①) by an internal timer, a clock output (②), an input waveform (③), a conversion of the input waveform into TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) (④), and a PW Enable variable (⑤) inside the processor. At this time, effective pulse tracking (⑥) can be performed based on the TTL signals of the reference clock and the input waveform. In effective pulse tracking (⑥), the waveform prior to the PW Enable variable (⑤) may be ignored.

[0094] The reference clock (①), clock output (②), and PW Enable variable (⑤) can be generated by the processor's timer so as not to be affected by interrupts, and the input waveform (③), the input waveform converted to TTL (④), and the effective pulse trace (⑥) can be generated through a circuit. The effective pulse trace (⑥) can be obtained as the output of an AND gate.

[0095] For example, when the first ultrasonic sensor (510) and the second ultrasonic sensor (520) operate at 20 Vpp (Volt Peak to Peak) and 40 Khz, the necessary TTL level frequency can be generated through the reference clock (①). And, about 4 to 6 pulses of 20 Vpp can be applied to the Tx of either the first ultrasonic sensor (510) or the second ultrasonic sensor (520), as in the clock output (②).

[0096] Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the Tx of either the first ultrasonic sensor (510) or the second ultrasonic sensor (520) can reach the Rx of the other ultrasonic sensor and be output as an electrical signal as an input waveform (③). At this time, the phase of the input waveform may change according to the flow velocity of the air flowing through the pipe of the air passage (101). The reason the phase changes is that the flow velocity of the air flowing through the pipe has the effect of increasing or decreasing the time it takes for the air to travel from the Tx of one ultrasonic sensor to the Rx of the other ultrasonic sensor.

[0097] The process of converting the input waveform to TTL (④) can input the signal input from the Rx of another ultrasonic sensor into a processor by amplifying, level-converting, and converting it into a TTL signal. Since the input signal consists of multiple pulse signals, timing information can be generated through the PW Enable variable (⑤) to extract the signal corresponding to the appropriate data among them. Here, it can be defined as reading the flow velocity information at the rising edge of the waveform converted to TTL (④) from the first input waveform when the waveform of the PW Enable variable (⑤) is High. Furthermore, the phase change of the rising edge determined based on the waveform converted to TTL (④) from the above input waveform and the PW Enable variable (⑤) can be acquired in the form of data by the processor.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 9, time T1 and time T2 can be defined as follows.

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] (Here,

[0102] V O : Speed ​​of sound in air,

[0103] V T : Change in the speed of sound due to temperature,

[0104] V F : Change in sound speed in the sensor direction relative to the flow rate,

[0105] S: Distance between sensors)

[0106] The time T1 - T2 for measuring the flow rate can be calculated as follows according to the above equation.

[0107]

[0108] In other words, it can be calculated as a multiple of the time variation resulting from the flow rate regardless of temperature change, and accordingly, the change in sound speed due to temperature (V T) can be canceled out. During the lung disease screening process, the temperature of the air flowing through the pipe is applied during exhalation and inhalation, while the temperature of the room is applied during exhalation, causing a temperature difference between the exhaled air and the inhaled air, and a change in the ultrasonic sound velocity occurs accordingly. However, as a result of the cancellation mentioned above, only the pure change in flow velocity can be measured regardless of the temperature change.

[0109] FIGS. 10 and 11 relate to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, where FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a sensor module and FIG. 11 shows a front cross-sectional view of a sensor module.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the sensor case (210) of the sensor module (200) may be hollow inside, and the NO sensor (240) and the sensor board (250) connected to the NO sensor (240) may be placed inside the sensor case (210). The sensor board (250) may be connected to the connector (230), and the nitric oxide concentration data measured by the NO sensor (240) may be transmitted to the processor of the control board (400) via the sensor board (250) and the connector (230).

[0111] An intake port (211) through which exhaled air flows into the hollow may be formed on the upper side of one side of the sensor case (210), and a discharge port (212) through which exhaled air is discharged from the hollow may be formed on the lower side of the other side of the sensor case (210). At this time, the diameter of the intake port (211) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the discharge port (212). As described above, the present invention has the effect of enabling smooth inspection even with short exhalations by considering the time the NO sensor (240) reacts through the intake port (211) with a narrow diameter, and has the advantage of resolving the air pressure noise problem caused by the intake port (211) with a narrow diameter through the discharge port (212) with a relatively large diameter.

[0112] A switching member (213) for switching the path of the inhaled exhaled air may be formed in the intake port (211) of the sensor case (210). At this time, the switching member (213) can change the direction of the exhaled air flowing to the left and right sides to an up-down or up-down inclined shape, thereby adjusting the user's exhaled air to increase the time it stays in the NO sensor (240).

[0113] The above fastening member (220) and the connector (230) may each be disposed on one side of the sensor case (210), and the fastening member (220) may be implemented as a single or multiple members. For example, a pair of the fastening members (220) may be implemented as magnets and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0114] FIGS. 12 to 15 relate to a portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis according to the present invention, where FIGS. 12 and 13 show exploded views of the test body, and FIGS. 14 and 15 show side views of the test body and the sensor module, respectively.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the inspection body (100) may further include a pair of covers (130) that are respectively attached to both the left and right sides of the case (110). At this time, the pair of covers (130) may be spaced apart on both sides and may consist of a first cover (130a) placed on one side and a second cover (130b) placed on the other side. The covers (130) may include hollow holes (131) that penetrate to the left and right, and the first cover (130a) may be attached to one side of the case (110) so that the hollow hole (131) communicates to one side of the air pipe (120), and the first cover (130a) may be attached to the other side of the case (110) so that the hollow hole (131) communicates to the other side of the air pipe (120).

[0116] The cover (130) includes a plurality of insertion protrusions (132) protruding in the diameter direction of the hollow hole (131), and the case (110) may include a plurality of fixing grooves (112) into which the plurality of insertion protrusions (132) are each fitted. At this time, a pair of insertion bodies (111) may be disposed on each side of the case (110), and the fixing grooves (112) may be formed through the insertion bodies (111). Here, the outer diameter of the insertion body (111) may be formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the case (110), and the inner diameter of the cover (130) may correspond to the outer diameter of the insertion body (111) and the outer diameter may correspond to the outer diameter of the case (110).

[0117] The air pipe (120) may further include a plurality of protruding ribs (123) that protrude in the radial direction from the outer surface and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the cover (130) may further include a plurality of rib grooves (133) into which the plurality of protruding ribs (123) are inserted. At this time, the cover (130) may include a ring-shaped outer body in which the insertion projection (132) protrudes in the centrifugal direction, and a ring-shaped inner body disposed inside the outer body in which the rib grooves (133) are formed through. The outer body of the cover (130) may be coupled to surround the insertion body (111), and the inner body of the cover (130) may be coupled to surround the air pipe (120).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 (a) shows the left side view of the case (110) and FIG. 14 (b) shows the right side view of the first cover (130a), and the left side of the case (110) and the right side of the first cover (130a) can be connected to each other. At this time, the inner body (135) of the first cover (130a) can be connected to wrap around the left end of the air pipe (120), and the inner diameter of the inner body (135) of the first cover (130a) can correspond to the outer diameter of the air pipe (120). In addition, a plurality of rib grooves (133) spaced apart in the circumferential direction can be formed in the inner body (135), and the rib grooves (133) may have a shape corresponding to the protruding rib (123) of the air pipe (120) or a shape having a larger area. More preferably, any one of the plurality of rib grooves (133) may be implemented in a shape corresponding to the protruding rib (123).

[0119] Referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 (a) shows the right side view of the case (110) and FIG. 15 (b) shows the left side view of the second cover (130b), and the right side of the case (110) and the left side of the second cover (130b) can be connected to each other. At this time, the inner body (135) of the first cover (130b) can be connected to wrap around the right end of the air pipe (120), and the inner diameter of the inner body (135) of the second cover (130b) can correspond to the outer diameter of the air pipe (120). In addition, a plurality of rib grooves (133) spaced apart in the circumferential direction can be formed in the inner body (135), and the rib grooves (133) may have a shape corresponding to the protruding rib (123) of the air pipe (120) or a shape having a larger area. More preferably, any one of the plurality of rib grooves (133) may be implemented in a shape corresponding to the protruding rib (123).

[0120] As described above, the present invention has been explained with specific details such as specific components and limited exemplary drawings; however, this is provided merely to aid in a more comprehensive understanding of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from this description.

[0121] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things equivalent to or having equivalent variations to the claims set forth below, as well as the claims set forth below, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inspection body into which exhaled air flows on one side; A sensor module coupled to the other side of the above inspection body; and A measuring module installed in the air passage of the above-mentioned inspection body to measure information of the air flowing inside the air passage; Includes, The above sensor module is, It includes an NO sensor for measuring the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaled air, and The above measurement module is, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by including a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor that are spaced apart from each other along the air passage and inclined to face each other.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above sensor module is, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by being detachably formed from the above-mentioned test body.

3. In Paragraph 2, A control board that is a substrate including a processor connected to the above-mentioned measurement module for processing data; Includes more, When the above sensor module is coupled to the above inspection body, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by the NO sensor being connected to the control board.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above sensor module is, A sensor case with a hollow interior having one side connected to the other side of the above-mentioned inspection body and arranged to accommodate the NO sensor; and A sensor board which is a substrate disposed inside the sensor case and connected to the NO sensor; Includes more, When the above sensor module is coupled to the above inspection body, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, characterized in that a connection terminal disposed on the other side of the test body and connected to the control board, and a connector disposed on one side of the sensor case and connected to the sensor board are connected to each other.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above connection terminal or the above connector, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by having a Pogo Pin connector.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above sensor module is, A fastening member disposed on one side of the sensor case and connected to the inspection body and the other side so as to be detachably connected; Includes more, Based on the center of one side of the above sensor case, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized in that the above-mentioned fastening member and connector are positioned opposite to each other in the radial direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above fastening member is, Portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by being formed of a magnetic material.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above inspection body is, A case with a hollow interior extending to both the left and right sides; An air pipe disposed in the hollow of the above case and having the air passage formed therein; and A pair of covers each coupled to both sides of the above case; Includes, A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis, characterized in that the case and the cover are formed to be detachably connected to each other.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above cover is, Hollow holes penetrating from left to right; and A plurality of insertion protrusions protruding in the diameter direction of the above hollow hole; Includes, The above case is, A plurality of fixing grooves into which insertion protrusions of a plurality of the above-mentioned covers are each fitted and coupled; A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by including 10. In Paragraph 8, The above air pipe is, A plurality of protruding ribs protruding from the outer surface and spaced apart in the circumferential direction; Includes, The above cover is, A plurality of rib grooves into which a plurality of the above-mentioned protruding ribs are inserted; A portable FeNO tester for asthma diagnosis characterized by including

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