Wearable Apnoea Detection and Submental Stimulation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing and treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) are invasive, costly, and lack the ability to predict and prevent episodes, with existing non-invasive systems only detecting episodes after they occur.

Innovation Solution

A portable, wearable system using a pressure sensor, additional sensors like pulse oximeters and electromyography, and artificial intelligence to predict episodes of apnoea and hypopnea by comparing current respiratory signals with historical values, and delivering non-invasive treatment signals to stimulate submental muscles to prevent airway obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If polysomnography is used for diagnosing OSAHS, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but test complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtest complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex polysomnography by using a simplified sensor system that monitors only key respiratory parameters (flow, effort, oxygen saturation) to detect apnoea and hypopnea episodes, eliminating the need for full polysomnography equipment and skilled personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the diagnostic process by using wearable sensors that replicate the essential measurement functions of polysomnography in a less complex, more portable format that can be used at home rather than in a sleep laboratory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If invasive neurostimulation is used for treating OSAHS, then treatment efficacy is improved, but surgical intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidsurgical intervention requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation system with a non-invasive wearable device that uses external sensors and actuators to deliver treatment, eliminating the need for surgical intervention while maintaining treatment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wearable intermediary device that bridges the gap between non-invasive monitoring and effective treatment delivery, using external sensors to detect respiratory events and external actuators to provide therapeutic stimulation without requiring surgical implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If reactive detection systems are used for OSAHS, then episode detection is achieved, but preventive capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepisode detectionVSAvoidpreventive capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by detecting precursors and patterns that precede apnoea and hypopnea episodes, allowing the system to trigger preventive treatment before the actual respiratory event occurs, rather than merely reacting after detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where real-time sensor data is continuously analyzed to detect emerging patterns of respiratory distress, and treatment is adjusted based on this feedback loop to prevent episode occurrence rather than simply responding to established events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 real-time prediction and treatment of apnoea and hypopnea episodes with minimal discomfort and energy consumption, reducing resource consumption and improving diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor of the respiratory signal of the user in which said sensor is a pressure sensor measuring the amplitude of the respiratory signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a pulse oximeter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse oximetry:

Implementation Method 3

an electromyography sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromyography:

Implementation Method 4

the actuator further comprises electrodes for acting non-invasively on at least one muscle and/or a nerve of the morphology connected to the airways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3685744B1System for detecting episodes of apnoea and/or hypopnea

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 TORYTRANS

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AI summary

To solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention describes a method for treating episodes of apnoea and/or hypopnea, which comprises the steps of: a) detecting or predicting an episode of apnoea and/or hypopnea by means of at least one sensor selected from a respiratory pressure sensor, a pulse oximeter, an acoustic sensor and/or a respiratory temperature sensor; and b) emitting an electrical signal by means of an electrical actuator connected to at least one submental nerve and/or muscle, the electrical signal having a bipolar waveform and a frequency between 5 and 100 Hz.