CPAP Humidifying Tank Flow Layout for Adequate Air Humidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP apparatuses face issues with inadequate humidification due to air flow division, leading to insufficient humidification of air before it is expelled from the humidifying tank.
Innovation Solution
The CPAP apparatus incorporates a flow-dividing section and a shielding section within the humidifying tank to redirect air flow, ensuring it traverses a longer path within the tank, thereby increasing humidification time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow-dividing section is provided in the humidifying tank to divide air flow into multiple directions, then air can be distributed more evenly across the water surface, but the air may not be sufficiently humidified because it does not flow for a long enough time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shielding section that extends in the flow direction from the end surface of the first passage, creating a three-dimensional flow control structure. This shielding section blocks the direct path of air flow, forcing the air to move laterally along the water surface before exiting through the second passage. By adding this dimensional constraint to the flow path, the air is compelled to traverse a longer distance over the water surface, ensuring sufficient humidification time while maintaining even distribution across the tank.
2Productivity
If the air flow path is shortened to allow faster air circulation, then the CPAP apparatus operates more efficiently, but the humidification time becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding section creates a curved flow path that redirects air laterally along the water surface rather than allowing straight-line flow. This curved trajectory increases the effective path length within the humidifying tank, ensuring that air remains in contact with the water surface for sufficient time to achieve adequate humidification, while still maintaining efficient air circulation through the system.
3Device complexity
If the outlet is positioned directly opposite the inlet for straightforward air flow, then the device structure is simpler, but the air does not have sufficient contact time with the water surface for proper humidification
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding section acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and outlet passages. It is positioned at the end surface of the first passage and extends in the flow direction, serving as a flow control mediator that redirects air laterally along the water surface. This intermediary structure modifies the direct flow path without adding complex passage configurations, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring sufficient humidification effectiveness.
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 enhances the humidification process, ensuring that air exiting the tank is adequately humidified, while maintaining the tank's water capacity and preventing excessive water surface fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a blower that pressurizes and feeds air
Implementation Method 2
the air, whose flow has been divided, is humidified with the water stored in the inner space
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifying tank of a CPAP apparatus includes a first passage, a second passage, a flow-dividing section, and a shielding section. An inlet is defined as an opening of the first passage on an inner space side, an outlet is defined as an opening of the second passage on the inner space side, and a vertical axis is defined as a specific axis that intersects a bottom wall. As seen in a direction along the vertical axis, an opening center of the outlet is located so as to be displaced relative to an imaginary axis that passes through an opening center of the inlet and that is parallel to a direction in which the inlet faces.