Conformable Humidifier Reservoir for Multi-Base Respiratory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapies and medical devices for treating respiratory disorders suffer from issues such as discomfort, noise, complexity, high cost, and manufacturing challenges, particularly in humidifiers and air pressure generators, which are not adequately addressed by general air pressure generators or medical humidifiers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible humidifier reservoir designed for respiratory devices that can be coupled to multiple types of humidifiers, prefilled with water, and configured to conform to the shape of the humidifier base, along with a patient interface that is moulded to fit the wearer, enhancing comfort and ease of use while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid humidifier reservoir is used, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to different humidifier bases and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier reservoir is constructed from flexible material that allows it to conform to different humidifier base shapes and sizes. This flexibility enables the same reservoir design to adapt to multiple humidifier models while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible reservoir design serves multiple functions: it can be used with different humidifier base types, it provides comfortable contact with the patient's skin, and it maintains adequate structural stability for effective humidification. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If a custom-moulded patient interface is used, then comfort and ease of use are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is made from flexible material that can be custom-moulded to fit individual patient facial contours. This flexibility allows for personalized comfort without requiring complex rigid structures, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining ease of use.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional humidifier designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but noise generation and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible reservoir design dampens vibrations and reduces noise generation during operation. The flexible material absorbs mechanical vibrations from the humidification process, reducing audible noise while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible humidifier reservoir is used, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is constructed from flexible material that maintains adequate structural stability for effective humidification while conforming to different humidifier base shapes. The flexibility allows adaptation without compromising the structural integrity needed for proper water containment and vaporization.
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 solution provides improved comfort, ease of use, and manufacturability, with reduced noise and cost, while maintaining effective humidification and air pressure delivery for respiratory therapy.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible humidifier reservoir designed for respiratory devices that can be coupled to multiple types of humidifiers, prefilled with water, and configured to conform to the shape of the humidifier base
Implementation Method 2
a flexible humidifier reservoir designed for respiratory devices that can be coupled to multiple types of humidifiers, prefilled with water, and configured to conform to the shape of the humidifier base
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifier for humidifying a flow of air to be delivered to a patient includes a base unit having at least one wall defining a receiving space. The base unit also includes a variable volume reservoir configured to hold a body of water and receive the flow of air to humidify the flow of air for delivery to the patient. The receiving space is configured to receive the variable volume reservoir and the variable volume reservoir is conformable to a shape of the receiving space. The humidifier further includes a heater for heating the body of water.