CPAP Housing Layout for AC/DC Adapter Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP devices lack sufficient heat dissipation structures, particularly when incorporating an AC/DC adapter, which generates heat and requires additional space, posing an obstruction and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The CPAP device incorporates a first air blower, a flow path case, an AC/DC adapter positioned below the flow path case, a second air blower to cool the adapter, and a housing case with openings allowing communication between upper and lower spaces, facilitated by a metal shield member to block electromagnetic noise and guide heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the AC/DC adapter is incorporated into the CPAP device, then the device can be more compact and portable, but the AC/DC adapter generates heat that requires sufficient heat dissipation structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heat dissipation by utilizing the vertical dimension through a dual-layer housing structure. The housing case is divided into an upper space and a lower space separated by the flow path case, with openings that allow communication between these spaces. This vertical arrangement enables effective heat dissipation pathways without increasing the device's horizontal footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between compact device size and adequate heat dissipation space.
2Temperature
If the AC/DC adapter is attached externally to the device, then heat dissipation is easier, but the adapter becomes an obstruction and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC/DC adapter with the main device body by integrating it into the lower space of the housing case. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external attachment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation pathways through the designed openings between upper and lower spaces.
3Reliability
If the housing case is sealed to prevent water entry, then water resistance is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective openings in specific locations of the housing case to facilitate heat dissipation while maintaining overall water resistance. The flow path case includes openings that allow communication between upper and lower spaces, enabling heat dissipation pathways that are localized and do not compromise the overall sealed structure's water resistance.
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 enables efficient heat dissipation, reducing the device's size and enhancing electrical safety while minimizing mechanical noise and water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a second air blower provided below the flow path case and configured to cool the AC/DC adapter
Implementation Method 2
at least two openings that allow an upper space and a lower space of the housing case separated by the flow path case to communicate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The medical device of the present disclosure includes the following: a first air blower that generates an airflow to be delivered to an airway of a patient; a flow path case in which a flow path for the airflow is formed; a circuit board provided above the flow path case; an AC/DC adapter provided below the flow path case; a second air blower provided below the flow path case and configured to cool the AC/DC adapter; a housing case that houses the first air blower, the flow path case, the AC/DC adapter, and the second air blower; and at least two openings that allow upper and lower spaces of the housing case separated by the flow path case to communicate with each other.