Air Vest Segmentation for Cystic Fibrosis Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high frequency chest compression systems for patients with cystic fibrosis are cumbersome, require trained assistance, and lack flexibility in treatment scheduling, leading to decreased independence and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An improved air vest device with a mechanism for applying pressure pulses using a remote pulse generator, featuring a non-inflatable extension portion to maintain orientation and releasable straps for securement, allowing for independent operation and reduced weight, enhancing portability and treatment flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lower portion of the vest is fully inflated, then the vest provides complete coverage and support, but the vest tends to roll or curl over causing it to move away from the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The vest is segmented into two distinct portions: an upper inflatable portion and a lower extension portion that remains uninflated. This segmentation allows the upper portion to provide support while the lower portion maintains stable orientation, preventing the rolling or curling effect that occurs when the entire vest is inflated.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the vest are given different inflation properties - the upper portion is designed to inflate for support and coverage, while the lower extension portion is designed to remain uninflated to provide stable orientation. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction between coverage and position stability.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and lightweight, then the patient can operate it independently, but the treatment effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be operated independently by the patient themselves, without requiring assistance from trained individuals. The patient can manipulate, move, and operate the machine alone, providing self-service treatment that maintains effectiveness while enabling independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for complex mechanical delivery systems with a simplified air pulse generator that can be remotely operated. This substitution allows the device to be lightweight and portable while maintaining treatment effectiveness through controlled air pulse delivery.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rotary valve mechanism is used for air delivery, then precise air pulse control is achieved, but the device weight increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional rotary valve mechanical system with a simplified air pulse generator that delivers controlled air pulses through a different mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy rotary components while maintaining precise air pulse waveform control, thereby reducing device weight and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve mechanism is extracted or removed from the system entirely. Instead of using a rotary valve for air delivery control, the invention employs a simplified air pulse generator that achieves the required precision without the heavy mechanical components of a rotary valve system.
4Ease of manufacture
If the extension portion is integrated into the vest panels, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to adjust for different patient sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be integrated into the vest panels for simplified manufacturing, yet it can also be configured in different ways to accommodate various patient sizes. The extension portion acts as a universal component that adapts to different fitting requirements while maintaining construction simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An air vest for supplying successive percussive forces to a patient during a therapy session is described. The air vest includes an air bladder and at least one belt for securing the vest to a patient, with the vest adapted to engage at least a portion of the thoracic region of the patient. The vest may define an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more extension portions for controlling movement of the inner and outer surfaces relative to each other along at least a portion of the vest. Securement and fitting of the vest to the patient may be achieved with a plurality of releasable straps.