CPAP Blower Vibration Suppression via Tri-Point Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPAP devices do not effectively suppress vibrations and noise, as the position of the support member between the blower and the main body case is not optimized to prevent user perception of these phenomena.

Innovation Solution

A CPAP device configuration with three or more support members positioned to support the blower, where the first and second support members pinch the blower near the connection point between the fan unit and the delivery tube, and the third support member is placed on the opposite side, effectively suppressing blower and delivery tube vibrations, thereby reducing vibration transmission to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single support member is used to support the blower, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vibration suppression effect is insufficient and the user can perceive vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of support membersVSAvoidvibration perception by user

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support members (first, second, and third support members) positioned at different locations around the blower. This segmentation allows each support member to address vibrations from different directions, collectively providing comprehensive vibration suppression that a single support member cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different support members are positioned at specific locations with different functions: the first and second support members are positioned to pinch the blower near the connection point between the fan unit and delivery tube to suppress vibrations at this critical location, while the third support member is positioned on the opposite side to provide additional stabilization. This localized positioning optimizes vibration suppression at each support point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If support members are positioned away from the connection point between fan unit and delivery tube, then the blower is more stable, but the delivery tube vibrations are not effectively suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower stabilityVSAvoiddelivery tube vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second support members are specifically positioned to pinch the blower at the connection point between the fan unit and delivery tube. This localized positioning directly addresses the vibration source at the connection point, effectively suppressing delivery tube vibrations while maintaining blower stability through the additional third support member on the opposite side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the blower is directly contacted by the main body case, then the device complexity is reduced, but vibrations are transmitted to the user through the hose and mask

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidvibration transmission to user

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the blower and the main body case. These support members act as mediators that support the blower while isolating it from direct contact with the main body case, thereby preventing vibration transmission through the case to the user via the hose and mask.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration significantly reduces the perception of vibrations by the user, as it effectively suppresses the entire blower and delivery tube vibrations, minimizing their transmission through the hose and mask.

Implementation Method 1

since the blower is supported by, at least, three of the first to third support members, it is possible to suppress the vibrations of the entire blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration suppression: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20230028015A1CPAP device

Publication Date: 2023.01.26 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A blower of a CPAP device is housed inside a main body case of a CPAP device. The blower is roughly divided into a fan unit housing a fan therein, and a delivery tube, through which air sent from the fan passes. In the main body case, a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member are interposed between the main body case and the fan unit to support the fan unit. When viewed from a rotation axis of the fan, the first support member and the second support member are disposed to pinch the blower on the side of a connection point between the fan unit and the delivery tube relative to the rotation axis, and the third support member is located on the opposite side to the connection point between the fan unit and the delivery tube relative to the rotation axis.