Portable Chest Therapy Band with Vibrating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and COPD face challenges in effectively clearing lung secretions and improving airway clearance due to the limitations of existing chest physical therapy methods, which are often cumbersome and restrictive, limiting mobility and frequency of treatment.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus featuring a chest band with vibrating elements that provides high-frequency chest wall percussions, allowing for lightweight, mobile, and convenient therapy sessions that can be integrated into daily activities, including exercise, while also incorporating a nebulizer treatment component for comprehensive therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional chest physical therapy methods are used, then airway clearance can be achieved, but mobility and frequency of treatment are limited due to cumbersome and restrictive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The chest band is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted and positioned around the user's chest. This segmentation allows the device to conform to different body sizes and shapes while maintaining a lightweight, portable structure that does not restrict mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The chest band incorporates flexible, dynamic materials and adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow it to adapt to the user's movements and breathing patterns. The device remains secure during physical activity while maintaining comfort and effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If traditional chest physical therapy methods are used, then therapy can be provided, but the equipment is cumbersome and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional mechanical compression and manual percussion methods with electronically controlled vibration elements. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical components while delivering effective chest therapy through compact, lightweight vibration motors integrated into the chest band.
3Productivity
If frequent therapy sessions are desired, then airway clearance improves, but traditional equipment limits treatment frequency due to encumbrance
Solution Approach 1:
The chest band is designed as a versatile, multi-functional device that can be worn during various daily activities including exercise, work, and leisure. This universality allows users to receive therapy frequently without interrupting their normal routines, as the device does not restrict movement or require specialized treatment environments.
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 portable apparatus enhances lung drainage, mobilizes lung secretions, and promotes airway clearance with minimal encumbrance, enabling frequent and effective therapy sessions that improve respiratory function and overall lifestyle, particularly during strenuous activities.
Implementation Method 1
the vibrating elements may be positioned adjacent to the user's chest and/or thorax in order to provide a vibrational force to various portions of the user's chest and/or thorax
Data Source
AI summary
A portable apparatus for providing chest therapy to a user may include a wearable pack. A chest band may be coupled to the wearable pack. The chest band may include one or more chest band segments and may be configured to be worn around a chest of the user. A plurality of vibrating elements may be coupled to the one or more chest band segments. The plurality of vibrating elements may provide a vibrational force to the chest of the user when the chest band is worn around the chest of the user. The portable apparatus may further include a nebulizer treatment component, which may also be coupled to the wearable pack. A user input component may be electrically coupled to the plurality of vibrating elements and the nebulizer treatment component.