Portable CPAP Noise Attenuation via Acoustic Chamber Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CPAP devices are large, heavy, and noisy, making them difficult to use portably and comfortably, especially for patients who need to use them away from their bedside or while sleeping, as they can disturb both the patient and others nearby.
Innovation Solution
A portable CPAP apparatus is designed with an air intake attenuator, acoustic chamber, and noise dissipating elements such as foam or anechoic materials to reduce noise levels below 30 decibels, featuring a compact, lightweight design that can be operated with one hand and includes a noise attenuating system with an expansion chamber, intake tube, and noise attenuators to minimize sound emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional CPAP devices are used, then effective airway pressure support is provided, but the devices are large, heavy, and noisy making them difficult to use portably
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a blower unit housed in an acoustic chamber, a separate patient interface, and modular attenuator components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates portable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The noisy blower unit is extracted and isolated within a dedicated acoustic chamber, separated from the patient interface and delivery tubing. This extraction allows the noise-generating component to be contained and treated independently, enabling portability of the patient-facing portions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional CPAP devices are used, then airway pressure support is provided, but noise levels are high disturbing patient and others nearby
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic attenuators and absorptive materials are introduced as intermediary elements between the blower unit and the external environment. These intermediaries trap and dissipate sound waves, reducing noise propagation while allowing the blower to operate at effective pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise-generating blower function is extracted and isolated in a separate acoustic chamber, removing the harmful noise source from proximity to the patient and allowing dedicated noise treatment without compromising pressure delivery.
3Ease of operation
If bedside CPAP machines are used, then effective treatment is provided, but size and weight constraints interfere with patient mobility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a stationary blower unit and a portable patient interface portion. The patient can move with the lightweight interface components while the heavier blower remains in place, enabling mobility without compromising treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy, noisy blower unit is extracted from the patient interface assembly and housed separately in an acoustic chamber. This extraction reduces the weight and complexity of the portable patient portion, enabling mobility and comfort during sleep.
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 a quiet and portable CPAP device that reduces noise levels significantly, enhancing usability and comfort for patients by minimizing disturbance during sleep, both for the user and others nearby.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic chamber having an inlet port and at least one acoustic deflector; a motor or blower that is placed within the acoustic chamber, wherein vibrations from the motor or blower are isolated or substantially isolated from the single chamber
Implementation Method 2
a dissipative element that may be added to further attenuate the amount of noise heard by the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a noise attenuating system (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800) for use with a positive airway pressure system providing a flow of gas, comprising: an expansion chamber (140, 240, 340, 434, 740) having a volume; an intake tube (115, 215, 315, 415, 715, 815) having an inlet (117, 217, 317, 410, 717, 812) and outlet port or portion separated by a length, wherein a portion of the inlet port or portion extends outside of the expansion chamber; and either: a noise attenuator (110, 120, 170, 210, 220, 223, 224, 226, 228, 232, 270, 320, 411, 413, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 428, 431, 720, 722) having a bottom and protruding sidewall forming a cavity, wherein the noise attenuator is positioned near the inlet portion of the intake tube such that a portion of the intake tube extends into the cavity of the noise attenuator; or: an acoustic deflector (110, 120, 170, 210, 220, 223, 224, 226, 228, 270, 232, 320, 411, 413, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 428, 431, 720, 722) positioned near the outlet port or portion of the intake tube, wherein noise is deflected away from the outlet port or portion of the intake tube. The application also discloses positive air pressure apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800) comprising a housing (180, 480, 880, 884), first and second acoustic chambers, an intake vent or port (125, 225, 410, 812) in the first chamber, an inlet port or tube coupling the first and second chambers, a noise attenuator in the first chamber, and a blower unit (150, 250, 350, 440) in the second chamber.