Bionic Expectoration System Valve Control for Deep Sputum Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for expectorating sputum in patients with weakened respiratory muscles, such as those on ventilators, are inadequate as they either disconnect patients from ventilators, cause mechanical lung injury, or fail to effectively simulate the full cough mechanism, leading to ventilator-associated pneumonia and diaphragm muscle atrophy.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent bionic system that combines negative pressure suction with respiratory muscle synchronization through nerve or mechanical stimulation, allowing for coordinated airflow and muscle movements to simulate a natural cough, ensuring effective secretion clearance while maintaining ventilator connection and preventing lung injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a closed sputum suction tube is used to suction sputum, then the operation can be completed under closed environment without disconnecting from ventilator, but the suction tube is merely capable of sucking sputum in the primary bronchial and cannot reach deeper bronchus levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bronchial tree into multiple levels (primary, secondary, tertiary bronchus) and uses sequential valve control to direct airflow to different bronchial segments, enabling deep sputum suction throughout the entire bronchial tree rather than limited to primary bronchus only
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different bronchial pathways using controllable valves during the suction process, adapting the airflow distribution to reach sputum at various depths and locations within the bronchial tree, making the suction capability flexible and comprehensive
2Productivity
If the Cough Assist machine is used to expectorate sputum by providing high positive pressure ventilation converted into negative pressure suction, then sputum deep down inside lung can be discharged, but it requires disconnecting from the ventilator which is inconvenient and has high risk for severe illness patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the sputum suction function with the existing ventilator system by integrating controllable valves and suction channels into the ventilator's airflow path, allowing simultaneous ventilation and sputum suction without requiring patient disconnection from the ventilator
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces controllable valves as intermediary components that mediate between the ventilator's positive pressure airflow and the negative pressure suction source, enabling seamless switching between ventilation mode and suction mode while maintaining continuous patient connection
3Extent of automation
If the Cough Assist machine takes time as the control variable of periodic cycle for inhaling, then the machine can operate automatically, but it is safer and more effective to take volume or flow as the control variable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from time-based periodic cycles to volume or flow-based control, where the ventilator monitors and adjusts breath volume and flow rate in real-time, providing more accurate and physiologically appropriate breathing support that adapts to patient needs
4Productivity
If the Cough Assist machine does not maintain positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during exhaling, then the machine can create negative pressure for suction, but patients who need high PEEP are in danger of alveolar collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by maintaining PEEP during the exhaling phase and only briefly creating negative pressure during short suction intervals, allowing alveoli to remain inflated most of the time while periodically clearing secretions, thus preventing alveolar collapse while maintaining suction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial negative pressure suction rather than full negative pressure throughout the exhale, using controlled brief suction bursts that are sufficient to clear secretions without completely collapsing the alveoli, balancing secretion removal with lung protection
5Device complexity
If the Cough Assist machine uses a shared pipeline for both exhaling and inhaling, then the machine structure is simplified, but it is possible to inhale secretions expectorated previously which may increase risk of secondary infection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the previously shared pipeline into separate pathways: one for exhalation and another for inhalation, with directional valves controlling airflow direction, preventing cross-contamination between exhaled and inhaled air while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular valve integration
6Productivity
If a sputum suction tube is used to suction sputum, then secretions can be removed from airway, but the suction tube increases risks in causing airway scratch, introducing bacteria and influencing hemodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical insertion of a physical suction tube into the airway with a non-invasive approach using controllable valves and pressure differentials applied through the existing ventilator circuit, eliminating direct mechanical contact with the airway mucosa and associated risks of trauma and infection
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 system enables safe and effective expectoration of deep lung secretions, reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia risk, and helps recover diaphragm muscle function, allowing patients to be weaned from ventilators earlier while minimizing mechanical lung injury and drug use.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure suction module configured to generate first airflow with a negative pressure for discharging gas from patient's lung
Implementation Method 2
a positive pressure ventilation module configured to generate second airflow with a positive pressure
Implementation Method 3
a respiratory muscle synchronizing module configured to enable a respiratory muscle to generate a certain movement in coordination with the first airflow and the second airflow, by means of nerve stimulation or mechanical stimulation
Implementation Method 4
a respiratory muscle synchronizing module configured to enable a respiratory muscle to generate a certain movement in coordination with the first airflow and the second airflow, by means of nerve stimulation or mechanical stimulation
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an intelligent bionic expectoration system and a three-way device thereof, wherein the intelligent bionic expectoration system comprises a negative pressure suction module, a central processing module, a patient interface unit and a respiratory muscle synchronous motion module. The central processing module controls two valves to open or close, closing one valve while opening another valve, and controls the respiratory muscle synchronous motion module; the patient interface unit is connected to the positive pressure ventilation module and the negative pressure suction module, allowing positive pressure airflow or negative pressure airflow to flow by, depending on which valve is open, so as to allow airflow to flow in or out of the lung. The respiratory muscle synchronous motion module can employ nerve stimulation, for example, diaphragm pacing, can also employ mechanical pushing, and the effects of both are making the respiratory muscle produce specific actions corresponding to inspiration or expiration. The respiratory muscle synchronous motion module is connected to the central processing module, and under the control of the central processor, acts synchronously as the airflow moves, thereby simulates human coughing in an even better fashion, and achieves bionic expectoration. The three-way device comprises a chamber (1), a gas-guide tube (2), a commutation assembly (3), an electrical energy driving means (4), and a body frame (5), and controls the circulation of the air pressure generated by a fan blower.