Chest Wall Oscillation Air Pulse Generator With Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) systems lack garment type detection and diagnosis capabilities, operating in an open loop without feedback control, leading to inconsistent therapy intensity and duration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor in the air pulse generator to detect pressure changes within the fluid chamber, allowing for the generation of a pressure waveform that identifies the garment type and size, and using control circuitry to generate a unique pressure waveform indicative of patient respiration, which can be analyzed to assess lung health without electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If open loop system is used without feedback control, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy intensity and duration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a pressure sensor to detect pressure changes within the fluid chamber. The control circuitry receives feedback signals from the pressure sensor and adjusts motor operation accordingly to maintain consistent therapy delivery. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable and consistent therapy intensity and duration while managing system complexity through integrated control circuitry.
2Reliability
If pressure sensor and control circuitry are added for feedback control, then therapy consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it detects garment type through pressure waveform analysis, monitors patient respiration patterns, and provides feedback for therapy control. The control circuitry integrates multiple control functions including motor control, waveform analysis, and therapy parameter adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining therapy consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies garment type and size by analyzing pressure waveforms generated during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual input or separate identification procedures. The control circuitry autonomously adjusts therapy parameters based on real-time pressure feedback, reducing the need for complex user interfaces or manual calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If garment type detection is implemented through pressure waveform analysis, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary garment identification by analyzing the characteristic pressure waveforms generated during initial system operation or calibration phase. The control circuitry stores reference waveforms for different garment types and sizes, enabling automatic identification before therapy begins. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt therapy parameters to the specific garment configuration, improving adaptability while managing measurement precision requirements through reference-based comparison.
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
Enables accurate garment identification, synchronized therapy based on respiratory patterns, and historical lung health assessment, enhancing therapy effectiveness and comfort by providing closed-loop feedback control.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor detects a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
A motor is configured to generate compression and expansion of the fluid in the fluid chamber to generate pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 3
The garment includes at least one fluid bladder defining a pressurizable chamber adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from the fluid chamber to provide a force of high frequency pressure oscillation to a patient's chest wall
Data Source
AI summary
A high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy system includes an air pulse generator. The air pulse generator includes control circuitry and a fluid chamber carrying a fluid. A motor is configured to generate compression and expansion of the fluid in the fluid chamber to generate pressurized fluid. A pressure sensor detects a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the fluid chamber. A garment includes at least one fluid bladder defining a pressurizable chamber adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from the fluid chamber to provide a force of high frequency pressure oscillation to a patient's chest wall.