Air Vest Rotating Blade Valve for Independent Chest Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high frequency chest compression systems for patients with cystic fibrosis require trained assistance, limiting patient independence and flexibility, and are often cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A portable air vest system with a rotating blade valve mechanism that allows patients to control pressurized air pulses, enabling independent operation and customizable treatment protocols, reducing weight and increasing portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chest compression systems are used, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but device weight and complexity increase, requiring trained assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a compressor unit that generates air pulses, a vest worn by the patient that delivers the pulses, and a control system. This segmentation allows the complex compression function to be isolated in a dedicated module while simplifying the overall system integration and operation for the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be operated independently by the patient without requiring trained assistance. The control interface allows patients to self-adjust treatment parameters, and the automated pulse delivery eliminates the need for manual operation by healthcare providers, enabling self-service treatment at home.
2Reliability
If conventional chest compression systems are used, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but device portability decreases due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic principles to generate chest compression pulses through pressurized air delivered to an inflatable vest. This pneumatic approach replaces heavier mechanical compression mechanisms, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining effective treatment through air pressure-driven chest wall oscillations.
3Ease of operation
If rotary valve systems are used, then air pulse delivery is achieved, but treatment flexibility and patient independence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable treatment parameters including pulse frequency, pressure levels, and treatment duration that can be dynamically modified by the patient based on their needs. This dynamic adjustability enables patients to adapt treatment intensity and duration to their specific condition, enhancing both flexibility and independence.
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 system provides increased psychological and physical freedom for patients, allowing for self-administered treatments, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing mucus clearance efficacy through adjustable and portable air pulse delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A portable air vest system with a rotating blade valve mechanism that allows patients to control pressurized air pulses
Implementation Method 2
chest compression apparatus for applying a force to the thoracic region of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An air vest for supplying successive percussive forces to a patient during a therapy session. The air vest includes an air bladder and a belt for securing the bladder in place upon the patient. One or more stiffening elements are provided to promote uniform force distribution across the vest. The one or more extension panels are defined along upper or lower portions of the vest. Extension panels provide a spacing structure for separating a lower cover portion from an upper cover portion to improve the force transmission to the patient for a given air volume and pressure. A plurality of adjustable straps are provided for assisting in proper fitting of the vest to a patient.