Breathing Mask Exhaled Air Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory data collection systems are cumbersome due to the need for physical separation of exhaled and inhaled air, making them intrusive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures exhaled air composition without physical separation, using a flow-through configuration with sensors in a breathing mask, where exhaled air mixes with ambient air in a sensing chamber, allowing for the determination of exhaled air concentration through mathematical averaging and adjustment for breathing cycle ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical separation of exhaled and inhaled air is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the breathing mask into distinct functional zones: an exhaled air sensing zone with sensors positioned to detect exhaled breath composition, and an inhaled air pathway that bypasses the sensors. This segmentation allows precise measurement of exhaled air parameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure without requiring complex mechanical separation mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If physical separation of exhaled and inhaled air is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of normal breathing and air composition measurement into a single integrated breathing mask. Users can breathe normally through the mask while sensors continuously monitor exhaled air composition, eliminating the need for separate collection tubes or complex valve operations. This merging of functions maintains user comfort and ease of operation while achieving precise measurements.
3Measurement precision
If exhaled air is collected into a collection tube, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of exhaled air composition through sensors positioned in the breathing mask. Instead of collecting air samples in tubes that require subsequent analysis, the system continuously measures exhaled breath parameters as the user breathes naturally. This eliminates the time delay between sample collection and analysis, providing immediate feedback while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Simplifies respiratory data collection by eliminating the need for physical separation, providing accurate exhaled air composition analysis through advanced sensor readings and computational methods, enhancing user comfort and data precision.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that can measure concentration of one or more components of the air, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
exhaled air mixes with ambient air in a sensing chamber
Implementation Method 3
exhaled air mixes with ambient air in a sensing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to determining the composition of breath exhaled by a subject. For example, some embodiments are directed to determining a concentration of a gas species in breath exhaled by a human subject, based at least in part upon a measured concentration of the gas species in a chamber which is adapted to hold both breath exhaled by the human subject and ambient air for inhalation by the human subject.