Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Device Using Mechanical Exhalation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bi-level positive airway pressure devices rely on electronic components and sensors, making them difficult to portability and disposal, especially for patients who need to be mobile, as they require battery maintenance and are not suitable for single-use due to electronic complexity.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical/pneumatic system that detects exhalation to switch between inhalation and exhalation pressures, using a nozzle and occluding member mechanism to adjust airway pressure, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and batteries, allowing for a portable and disposable device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic sensors and circuits are used to detect exhalation and modulate pressure, then bi-level positive airway pressure delivery is achieved, but device complexity and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-level positive airway pressure deliveryVSAvoidelectronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensors and circuits with a purely mechanical detection system. A flow sensor device with a movable member responds to air flow direction (inhalation vs. exhalation) through mechanical force, actuating a valve mechanism that modulates pressure between two levels without any electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic principles where air flow itself acts as the control signal. During inhalation, air flow in one direction opens a valve to provide high pressure; during exhalation, air flow in the opposite direction closes the valve to provide low pressure. The system uses the patient's own breath to control the pressure delivery mechanically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Weight of moving object

If portable CPAP devices are made small and light for patient mobility, then portability is improved, but battery maintenance and disposal difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoiddisposal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a portable CPAP device designed as a disposable product. The entire device including the mechanical components, housing, and flow sensor can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after use or when contaminated, eliminating battery maintenance issues and simplifying disposal. The mechanical design allows for single-use without electronic components that would require recycling or special disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stress or pressure

If compressed gas cylinders are used to provide pressure, then positive airway pressure is achieved, but device weight and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive airway pressureVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the patient's own inhalation breath to trigger the pressure delivery mechanism. When the patient inhales, the incoming air flow mechanically opens the valve to release pressurized gas. The system is self-activating and does not require external power sources, compressed gas tanks, or electronic sensors, making it extremely lightweight and portable while still delivering effective bi-level positive airway pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 portable and disposable bi-level positive airway pressure delivery, improving patient mobility by reducing the complexity and maintenance issues associated with electronic devices, while ensuring easier exhalation for patients with respiratory issues.

Implementation Method 1

sensing the force of moving air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow force:

Implementation Method 2

providing positive pressure gas flow to a patient airway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

reducing the positive airway pressure until the patient stops exhaling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure reduction: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS10583266B2Bi-level positive airway pressure device

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 MECUTY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that detects exhalation (by a patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generated positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure. Upon the system detects abatement of exhalation, the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port.