Cough Assistance Device Using Periodic Electromagnetic Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory patients with conditions like COPD face challenges in effectively clearing lung mucus due to reduced cough airflow, as conventional cough assistance devices fail to balance producing high cough pressure for mucus expulsion with preventing airway collapse from rapid pressure release.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing, chamber, mouthpiece, and electromagnetic valve assembly that regulates airflow through a reciprocally movable plunger and coil assembly, using a sensor and control module to manage pressure and control the airflow outlet's opening and closing at a pre-set frequency, preventing rapid pressure release and maintaining high cough pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional cough assistance device is used to produce high cough pressure, then mucus expulsion capability is improved, but airway collapse occurs due to rapid pressure release
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs an electromagnetic valve assembly that opens and closes periodically at a pre-set frequency, creating oscillating pressure patterns rather than sudden pressure releases. This periodic action allows the airway to gradually expand and contract with each cycle, preventing collapse while maintaining effective cough pressure for mucus expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a sensor that detects pressure changes within the chamber and provides feedback to the control module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor pressure levels in real-time and adjust the electromagnetic valve timing accordingly, ensuring pressure is released at an controlled rate that prevents airway collapse while maintaining effective cough force.
2Productivity
If rapid pressure release is used to clear mucus quickly, then cough effectiveness is improved, but airway collapse is caused
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single rapid pressure release, the device uses periodic opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve at a pre-set frequency. This creates multiple smaller pressure pulses that collectively achieve effective mucus clearance while distributing the pressure change over time, preventing airway collapse that would occur with a single rapid release.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous useful action by keeping the electromagnetic valve operating at a pre-set frequency, ensuring that pressure is managed continuously rather than in intermittent bursts. This continuous controlled pressure management allows for sustained mucus clearance effectiveness while preventing the sudden airway collapse associated with rapid pressure changes.
3Power
If the electromagnetic valve assembly operates at high frequency, then cough pressure is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic valve assembly operates at a pre-set frequency that is optimized to maintain effective cough pressure while minimizing energy consumption. The periodic operation allows the valve to be in a low-power state between cycles, reducing overall energy usage compared to continuous high-frequency operation, while still achieving the necessary pressure maintenance for effective coughing.
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 generates a strong, sustained cough airflow to clear lung mucus while preventing airway collapse, effectively assisting COPD patients in expelling mucus and reducing the risk of lung infections.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic valve assembly for opening or closing the chamber at a pre-set frequency. Preferably, the electromagnetic valve assembly comprises a reciprocally movable plunger, a coil assembly disposed around the plunger
Implementation Method 2
the holding member for holding the electromagnetic valve assembly in closed position is a permanent magnet disposed around the plunger to generate a holding force for holding the stopcock to engage with the airflow outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device (1) for assisting a cough comprising a hosing (3), a chamber (5) formed in the housing, a mouthpiece (7) communicating with the chamber and exposed out of the housing, and an electromagnetic valve (9) assembly for opening or closing the chamber at a pre-set frequency. The device for assisting a cough according to the present invention may produce a high cough pressure and thus form a strong cough airflow to loose and cough the lung mucus out of the airways, and may prevent the collapse of the patient's airway caused by the rapid release of the cough pressure.