Cough Segmentation Valve with Pressure Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some patients are unable to cough effectively due to medical conditions, which hinders the benefits of coughing in the respiratory system.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cough delivery structure with a valve that controls fluid communication between the airway and atmospheric pressure, sensors to monitor pressure levels, and processors to adjust the valve's frequency and duty cycle to assist in coughing by maintaining a target exhalation pressure threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to control fluid communication between the airway and atmosphere, then cough segmentation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect pressure levels within the airway and provides feedback to the processor, which automatically adjusts the valve's frequency and duty cycle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables reliable cough segmentation control without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically monitor pressure levels and adjust valve parameters without external intervention. The processor autonomously modifies the frequency and duty cycle based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to serve itself and maintain optimal cough segmentation control without additional operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the valve frequency and duty cycle are dynamically adjusted, then the target exhalation pressure threshold can be maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors continuously monitor the airway pressure and provide real-time feedback to the processor. Based on this feedback, the processor dynamically adjusts the valve's frequency and duty cycle to maintain the target exhalation pressure threshold. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable pressure maintenance while minimizing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If real-time pressure monitoring is implemented, then cough effectiveness can be optimized, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure monitoring system is integrated into the overall control architecture where sensors automatically detect pressure levels and trigger autonomous adjustments of the valve parameters. The processor self-regulates the cough delivery based on pressure feedback, optimizing cough effectiveness without requiring complex external monitoring equipment or manual intervention.
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 system aids in effective coughing by adjusting the valve's operation based on real-time pressure monitoring, ensuring the airway pressure reaches the desired threshold, thereby enhancing respiratory support and cough segmentation control.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensors are configured to generate output signals conveying information related to a pressure level within one or both of the cough delivery structure and/or the airway of the subject
Implementation Method 2
The valve is configured to selectively control, open, and close (as well as partially open and/or partially close) a fluid communication between the cough delivery structure and atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Systems (100) and methods (300) for controlling coughing by subjects (106) control the opening and closing of a valve (12) (as well as partially opening and/or partially closing) to establish and disestablish a fluid communication between the airway of the subject and atmospheric pressure. The valve is opened and closed more than once during individual exhalations by the subject. Control of the valve is adjusted based on a pressure level in or near the airway of the subject.