CPAP Airflow Path Layout for Quiet Positive Pressure Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous positive airway pressure devices produce shrill and annoying noises due to a short air flow path and air leakage, leading to user discomfort and poor sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a diversion sound-absorbing foam pad and a partition to lengthen the air flow path and reduce noise by creating a tortuous airflow passage within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device has a small volume with a short flow path, then the device is compact, but noise levels increase and user comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tortuous airflow passage that curves and winds through the device rather than following a straight line. The airflow path includes multiple bends and turns as it passes through the foam pad and around internal structures, which dissipates kinetic energy and reduces noise generation while maintaining a compact device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foam pad as an intermediary element within the airflow path. This foam pad serves multiple functions: it absorbs excess airflow energy, reduces turbulence-induced noise, and extends the effective flow path length without significantly increasing the external device dimensions
2Productivity
If air flows directly through a smooth shell inlet, then airflow efficiency is high, but shrill noises are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a foam pad material with porous structure placed within the airflow path. This porous material gradually dissipates airflow energy through its cellular structure, reducing the intensity and shrillness of noise while maintaining adequate airflow delivery to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow passage is designed with curved and tortuous geometry rather than straight lines. The air flow follows a winding path through the device, which reduces sudden pressure changes and turbulence that cause shrill noises, while still maintaining efficient air delivery
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 design significantly reduces noise levels, enhancing user comfort and sleep quality by ensuring smooth and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
diversion sound-absorbing foam pad
Implementation Method 2
blower
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous positive airway pressure device has a shell, a diversion sound-absorbing foam pad, a blower, and a partition. The shell has an inlet and an outlet. The diversion sound-absorbing foam pad is disposed inside the shell and forms an airflow passage extending tortuously inside the shell. The blower is disposed on the diversion sound-absorbing foam pad and fluidly communicates with the airflow passage and the outlet of the shell. The partition covers the blower and the diversion sound-absorbing foam pad and has a leading hole fluidly communicating with the airflow passage and the inlet of the shell. After air flows into an interior space of the shell, the air flows through the airflow passage being tortuous and then flows out from the shell, which lengthens flow path of the air, reduces noises generated during the air flowing, and helps the air to flow more fluently.