Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Device Mechanical Exhalation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bi-level positive airway pressure devices rely on electrical components and sensors, making them cumbersome and difficult to portability, especially when using compressed gas, and battery charge maintenance becomes an issue for mobile patients.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical bi-level positive airway pressure system that uses a nozzle and a mechanical exhalation detection mechanism to occlude or allow positive airway pressure, eliminating the need for electrical components and sensors, allowing for easier exhalation and improved portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical transducers and electronic circuits are used to detect exhalation and modulate pressure, then bi-level positive airway pressure can be delivered, but device complexity and weight increase, making portability difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical transducers and electronic control circuits with a purely mechanical detection and response system. A mechanical element responds directly to exhalation flow by opening a bypass valve, eliminating the need for electrical sensors and control electronics, thereby reducing device complexity and weight for improved portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical element in the patent automatically detects exhalation and triggers the bypass valve opening without external control. The system serves itself by using the patient's own exhalation flow to actuate the mechanical response, eliminating the need for external power sources or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a compressed gas cylinder is used to provide positive airway pressure, then portability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase due to the tank and regulation system

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing the patient's own exhalation flow as the actuating force. The exhaled breath itself opens the bypass valve through mechanical flow sensing, eliminating the need for compressed gas cylinders or external power sources, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components and sensors are integrated into a portable device, then bi-level pressure delivery is achieved, but battery charge maintenance becomes an issue for mobile patients

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidbattery charge maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical detection system in the patent is passive and requires no external power source. It automatically detects exhalation through mechanical means and actuates the bypass valve without consuming battery power, enabling unlimited mobility without charge maintenance concerns.

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

The mechanical system effectively switches between inhalation and exhalation pressures without electrical components, enhancing portability and reducing battery maintenance concerns, making it suitable for mobile patients with respiratory issues.

Implementation Method 1

A device such as a nozzle generates a positive airway pressure directed towards patient port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow pressure generation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A system mechanically detects exhalation (by the patient connected to the patient port) entering into the patient port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical flow detection:

Implementation Method 3

a blocking device occludes the device that generating positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical occlusion: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10258759B2Bi-level positive airway pressure device

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 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 mechanically detects exhalation (by the 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 generates positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure until the system that mechanically detects exhalation no longer detects exhalation, at which time 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 during, for example, inhalation.