Noise-Reducing Air Passage Layout for Positive Airway Pressure Blowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positive airway pressure devices suffer from high noise levels and inefficiencies, which affect patient comfort and therapeutic effectiveness in treating respiratory-related diseases.
Innovation Solution
A device with a noise-reducing air passage and blower assembly is designed, featuring a specific volume ratio, central placement, and optimized component configuration to minimize noise and enhance airflow stability, using a centrifugal blower assembly and closed impeller with a sunken gas channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a conventional blower assembly is used in positive airway pressure devices, then the device can deliver breathable gas, but the device generates high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
A noise-reducing air passage is introduced as an intermediary component between the blower assembly and the external environment. This air passage includes a curved path that redirects airflow, effectively reducing noise while maintaining airflow delivery. The air passage acts as a mediator that transforms the harmful noise-generating airflow into a quieter flow pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise-reducing air passage utilizes a curved, three-dimensional path instead of a straight linear path. By changing the dimensionality and geometry of the airflow path, the device reduces noise generation while maintaining airflow efficiency. The curved path redistributes airflow in a manner that diminishes turbulent noise.
2Volume of stationary object
If the blower assembly is positioned close to the air passage walls to reduce device size, then the device volume is reduced, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal dimensional parameters for the noise-reducing air passage, including the curved path geometry and spacing relationships. By carefully controlling these parameters, the device achieves compact size while maintaining low noise levels. The specific parameter optimization allows the blower assembly to be positioned efficiently without excessive clearance that would increase noise.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the air passage has a straight path from inlet to outlet, then the device structure is simple, but noise levels are high
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-reducing air passage employs a curved, three-dimensional path instead of a straight line. This dimensional change in the airflow path effectively reduces noise by redistributing flow patterns, while the curvature is designed to maintain structural simplicity and manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage utilizes curved geometry rather than sharp angles or straight segments. The curved path smooths airflow transitions and reduces turbulent noise generation. The curvature is optimized to balance noise reduction with structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves significant noise reduction, improved airflow stability, and extended operational efficiency, providing a more comfortable and effective treatment for respiratory-related diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The breathable gas enters the intake port and flows to the exhaust port tangentially to a rotation of an impeller
Implementation Method 2
a noise-reducing air passage... The volume ratio of the blower assembly to the noise-reducing air passage is between 3 to 18
Data Source
AI summary
A device to provide positive airway pressure for use in pressure therapy to treat respiratory-related diseases. The device includes a casing configured to enclose and protect its internal components from external environmental interference. Inside the casing, a noise-reducing air passage is provided, which has an inlet, an outlet, an inner wall, and an outer wall, configured to receive external gas and allow pressurized gas to flow out. The noise-reducing air passage also houses a blower assembly, a core component of the device, configured to pressurize the breathable gas entering the noise-reducing air passage and then output it. Specifically, the blower assembly includes an impeller, a motor, and its internal gas channel. The blower assembly also has an intake port and an exhaust port.