Airway Defense Testing Instrument Cough Airflow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing airway protection function, such as those disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, cannot effectively assess the sensitivity of the pharynx and the ability to expel foreign bodies, which are crucial for preventing aspiration pneumonia, as they rely on swallowing sound and pharynx position changes rather than direct measurement of these elements.
Innovation Solution
A kit of parts comprising a testing instrument and a reagent supply unit that induces a cough by supplying a reagent gas mixture, allowing for the measurement of cough strength and elapsed time, which reflects the sensitivity and expulsive ability of the pharynx, using a sensor to detect airflow and display results for easy diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using swallowing sound and pharynx position changes are used to test airway protection function, then the testing can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision of pharynx sensitivity and foreign body expulsion ability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional acoustic measurement methods (swallowing sound detection) with a pneumatic measurement system. A reagent is supplied through a pipe to induce cough, and the resulting airflow is measured to assess pharynx sensitivity and expulsion ability. This substitution enables direct measurement of airway protection function with higher precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple holes are provided in the pipe portion for reagent supply, then the proper amount of reagent can be smoothly introduced, but the holes may cause cough airflow to leak into the guide portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the pipe structure. The pipe portion contains multiple holes for reagent supply, while the guide portion has a specific shape that directs airflow. This local differentiation allows the pipe to efficiently deliver reagent through multiple openings while the guide portion's geometry prevents cough airflow from leaking into it, thus maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holes in the pipe portion are made larger to facilitate reagent flow, then reagent can be supplied more easily, but the cough airflow will leak into the guide portion through the holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hole dimensions in the pipe portion to provide adequate reagent flow while maintaining measurement precision. The holes are sized and positioned to ensure proper reagent delivery without allowing cough airflow to leak into the guide portion, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of reagent supply and measurement accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If voluntary cough is used for testing, then the subject can control the cough timing, but the measurement does not reflect the original airway protection function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an involuntary cough reflex induced by reagent supply to assess airway protection function. The reagent stimulates the pharynx to trigger a natural cough reflex, eliminating the need for subject control while accurately reflecting the original airway protection function. This self-service approach ensures reliable measurement of pharynx sensitivity and expulsion ability.
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 and efficient testing of airway protection function by measuring cough strength and elapsed time, providing essential information for diagnosing airway protection disorders and reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Implementation Method 1
Strength of the thus induced cough can therefore be measured by disposing a sensor detecting the airflow of the cough that flows toward the outlet port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A testing instrument (10) is configured by coupling a pipe (12), a cover (13), a filter member (14), and a detector (15). These members each have a hollow shape, and a series of pipe portion is configured by coupling them to each other. The pipe (12) has a plurality of holes penetrating the pipe (12) from the outer surface to the inner surface. The cover (13) covers these holes and guides a reagent to the holes from an inflow port. An inhalation tool (11) to be held in the mouth of a subject is installed on the pipe (12) in a detachable manner. A reagent gas mixture is supplied to the cover (13) from a reagent supply unit (20). Inhalation of the reagent induces the subject to cough, and airflow generated by the cough flows through the pipe portion. The detector (15) detects strength of the airflow flowing through the pipe portion and outputs a detection signal to a measuring unit (30).