Body Pulsating Apparatus for Independent Mucus Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for respiratory mucus clearance, such as chest physiotherapy, are labor-intensive, technique-sensitive, and require assistance, limiting the independence of individuals with conditions like cystic fibrosis and often result in non-compliance due to their physically exhausting nature and reliance on caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an air pulse generator with programmable controls and a thoracic therapy garment that delivers high-frequency thoracic wall oscillations to enhance airway clearance, allowing for independent mucus clearance therapy by applying repetitive compression forces to the thoracic wall, thereby loosening and removing mucus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chest physiotherapy is performed manually by a caregiver, then mucus clearance can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and physically exhausting
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform chest physiotherapy independently without requiring a caregiver. The automated vest applies controlled pressure pulses to the thorax, allowing patients to clear mucus themselves, thus eliminating the labor-intensive nature of manual therapy while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of a caregiver's hands is replaced by an automated mechanical system consisting of a pressure generator and inflatable vest. This substitution eliminates human physical exhaustion and labor while delivering consistent, controlled pressure pulses for mucus clearance.
2Reliability
If manual chest physiotherapy is used, then mucus can be loosened and removed, but the technique sensitivity requires trained caregivers and limits independence
Solution Approach 1:
The automated vest system allows patients to independently administer their own chest physiotherapy without requiring a trained caregiver. The device handles all technical aspects of pressure application, making the therapy accessible and easy to operate while maintaining reliable mucus clearance effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated pressure-generating vest acts as an intermediary between the patient's respiratory system and the therapeutic action needed for mucus clearance. This intermediary device eliminates the need for human skill and judgment, providing consistent, reliable therapy that is easy for patients to operate independently.
3Reliability
If high-frequency pressure pulses are applied to the thorax, then airway clearance and bronchial drainage are promoted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a pneumatic system with a pressure generator and inflatable vest to deliver high-frequency pressure pulses. This pneumatic approach achieves effective airway clearance through controlled air pressure application while avoiding the mechanical complexity of direct contact mechanisms, simplifying the overall apparatus structure.
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 device effectively promotes airway clearance and bronchial drainage, reducing the need for caregiver assistance and improving patient compliance by enabling independent and efficient mucus removal, even for individuals with reduced mucociliary transport.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the person's thorax with high frequency pressure pulses
Implementation Method 2
deliver high-frequency thoracic wall oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method coupled to a therapy garment to apply pressure and repetitive compression forces to a body of a person has a positive air pulse generator and a user programmable time, frequency and pressure controller operable to regulate the duration of operation, frequency of the air pulses and a selected air pressure applied to the body of a person. The air pulse generator has rigid displacers that are angularly moved with power transmission assemblies to draw air into the air pulse generator and discharge air pressure pulses to the therapy garment.