Breath Sampling Mask with Gyroscopic Head Orientation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath sampling devices face issues with airway constriction and compromised mask fit when a subject's head tilts forward, leading to incomplete sampling and potential dilution of breath samples due to ambient air leakage.
Innovation Solution
A breath sampling apparatus with a mask portion and integrated movement detection means, such as a MEMS gyroscopic sensor, that detects angular displacement of the head and generates an alarm signal if the head is outside a predetermined range of acceptable orientations for a defined period, ensuring a secure seal and optimal sampling position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the subject's head tilts forwards during breath sampling, then the airways become constricted, but this restricts the flow of exhaled air and prevents adequate sampling volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a gyroscope to continuously monitor head orientation and provides real-time feedback through visual and audible alerts when the head tilts forward beyond acceptable ranges, enabling the subject to correct their position to maintain adequate breath flow during sampling
2Ease of operation
If the subject's head tilts forwards by a large amount, then the mask fit is compromised, but this allows ambient air to leak between the mask and subject's face, diluting the breath sample
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope detects head movements that compromise mask seal integrity and triggers immediate alerts to the subject, enabling them to realign their head to maintain proper mask contact and prevent ambient air leakage during the sampling process
3Quantity of substance
If the sampling period is extended to obtain sufficient volume for low concentration biomarkers, then the sampling volume increases, but the subject's head may move outside acceptable orientations, compromising sample quality
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous operation of the gyroscope throughout the extended sampling period ensures uninterrupted monitoring of head orientation, maintaining sample quality by immediately alerting the subject to any positional deviations that could compromise the breath sample
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time orientation feedback during extended sampling allows the subject to maintain proper head position throughout the prolonged collection period, ensuring both adequate sample volume and consistent sample quality
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 apparatus ensures a consistent and reliable breath sample collection by maintaining an airtight seal and preventing ambient air leakage, even during extended sampling periods, thereby improving the detection of volatile biomarkers.
Implementation Method 1
integrated movement detection means, such as a MEMS gyroscopic sensor, that detects angular displacement of the head
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is apparatus for collecting a breath sample from a human subject, the apparatus comprising at least a mask portion which, in use, is positioned over the subject's mouth and nostrils so as to collect breath exhaled from the subject, the apparatus further comprising movement detection means for detecting movement of the mask portion, and an alarm signal generator, which alarm signal generator generates an alarm signal if the subject's head is outside a predetermined range of acceptable orientations during collection of a breath sample, but only after the subject's head has been outside the predetermined range of acceptable orientations for a defined or measurable period of time.