Bi-directional Respiratory Training Device with Independent Resistance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional respiratory training devices typically focus on either inspiratory or expiratory training, lacking the ability to independently regulate both resistance levels, which limits the development of comprehensive training regimens and provides inadequate feedback and diagnostic features for users seeking to improve both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional respiratory training device with independent regulation of inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance levels, incorporating a pressure sensor and processing unit for data acquisition, storage, and display, along with a user-friendly interface for advanced training protocols and remote monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional respiratory training devices focus on either inspiratory or expiratory training, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and versatility of the device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a bi-directional valve assembly that enables both inspiratory and expiratory training functions within a single device. The valve can selectively direct airflow through inspiratory resistance elements or expiratory resistance elements, allowing one device to perform multiple training functions that previously required separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs electronically controlled valves and programmable resistance elements that can dynamically adjust resistance levels during training sessions. The system can switch between inspiratory and expiratory modes and modify resistance parameters in real-time based on user performance and training protocol requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional devices use fixed resistance levels, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide advanced training protocols and independent regulation of resistance levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtraining protocol capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates electronically controlled valves and programmable resistance elements that can dynamically adjust resistance levels during training sessions. The system can switch between inspiratory and expiratory modes and modify resistance parameters in real-time based on user performance and training protocol requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables independent regulation of inspiratory and expiratory resistance levels through electronic control of valve positions and airflow restrictions. Users and clinicians can program specific resistance values for each phase of breathing, allowing customized training protocols that target specific respiratory muscle groups with precise resistance parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional devices lack data acquisition and monitoring features, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to provide feedback and diagnostic features deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidfeedback capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates pressure sensors and data acquisition systems that continuously monitor airflow resistance, breathing patterns, and performance metrics during training sessions. This data is processed and displayed in real-time to provide users with feedback on their progress, while also enabling remote monitoring capabilities for clinicians to assess patient performance and adjust protocols accordingly.

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 users to develop and implement advanced training regimens, providing continuous monitoring and feedback, improving respiratory muscle strength and performance by allowing independent adjustment of both inspiratory and expiratory resistance levels, and facilitating remote clinical oversight.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor to detect and measure airway pressure to provide airway pressure monitoring data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11759677B2Respiratory training and airway pressure monitoring device

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

A respiratory training device providing both inspiratory and expiratory functional evaluation and training, as well as independent regulation of both the inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance levels used during training. The respiratory training device also includes data acquisition, recording, storage, retrieval and display functions for airway pressure monitoring data to provide functional evaluation, physiological monitoring, and diagnostic features. The respiratory training device allows the user to easily develop and follow precise and advanced training protocols, and utilize the respiratory device in both the clinical and home setting.