Angle-Guided Chest Percussion for Accurate Sputum Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients with respiratory diseases face challenges in manually clearing sputum accumulation due to the difficulty in accurately identifying sputum locations and the labor-intensive nature of manual sputum clearance, which often requires experienced personnel.

Innovation Solution

A percussion apparatus with an angle detector and control unit that adjusts the percussion unit to the proper angle for sputum clearance, utilizing a drive unit to periodically percuss and assist in sputum expulsion, enhanced by a sound receiver for precise location identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sputum clearance is performed by others, then sputum can be cleared from lungs, but the process is labor-intensive and requires experienced persons to identify sputum locations and operate at proper angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesputum clearance efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables patients to perform sputum clearance themselves through automated percussion. The device detects sputum locations and automatically adjusts percussion angles and positions, eliminating the need for external operators and reducing labor intensity while maintaining clearance effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical percussion operation is replaced by an automated mechanical system with sensors and control mechanisms. The apparatus uses angle detectors, sound receivers, and drive units to automatically perform percussion at identified sputum locations, replacing the need for manual operation by experienced persons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If experienced persons perform manual sputum clearance at proper angles, then sputum clearance accuracy is improved, but the process remains labor-intensive and difficult to sustain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesputum location identification accuracyVSAvoidoperational requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus uses sound receivers to detect lung sounds and provide feedback about sputum locations. The control unit processes this acoustic feedback to automatically identify and target sputum accumulation areas, ensuring accurate detection without requiring human expertise or manual assessment skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The human expertise-based visual and tactile assessment is replaced by acoustic sensing technology. The sound receiver and control unit automatically detect and analyze lung sounds to identify sputum locations with precision, eliminating the need for experienced operators to perform manual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple percussion units are used to cover different body regions, then sputum clearance coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody region coverageVSAvoidnumber of percussion units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each percussion unit is designed to be multi-functional, capable of percussing multiple body regions through automated positioning and angle adjustment. The units can be directed to different lung areas by changing orientation and location, allowing a smaller number of versatile units to replace many specialized ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The percussion units are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be moved and oriented to different body regions as needed. The automated control system adjusts the position and angle of percussion units dynamically to target various lung areas, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring fixed units at every possible location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus significantly reduces manual effort and enhances sputum clearance efficiency by allowing users to accurately target sputum regions and automate the percussion process.

Implementation Method 1

an angle detector, the angle detector being configured to detect an included angle between the reference plane and a horizontal plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle detection:

Implementation Method 2

the control unit controls the drive unit to drive the percussion unit to periodically percuss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeriodic percussion:

Implementation Method 3

the sound receiver can be used to more accurately identify the body region where the sputum is located

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS12616635B2Percussion apparatus for sputum clearance

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 METABRAIN TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD

AI summary

A percussion apparatus for sputum clearance includes a percussion unit, a drive unit, and a control unit, the percussion unit includes a percussion member and an angle detector, the angle detector is configured to detect an included angle between the reference plane and a horizontal plane, the control unit is electrically connected with the drive unit, and when the included angle conforms to a preset angle, the control unit controls the drive unit to drive the percussion unit to periodically percuss, which greatly saves the manpower and increase the efficiency of sputum clearance.