CPAP Mask Voice Patch Using Piezoelectric Speech Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients wearing hard plastic masks for noninvasive ventilation face significant communication barriers, as the masks prevent them from speaking effectively, leading to isolation and potential complications due to claustrophobia and the inability to convey vital medical information.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating a piezoelectric element with the mask to detect vibrations, amplify, and filter human voice signals, allowing for wireless or wired transmission to a speaker system, enabling clear communication without removing the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard plastic mask is placed over the patient's nose and mouth to provide positive pressure ventilation, then the patient's respiratory system is supported and the patient remains conscious, but the mask creates a sound barrier that completely prevents the patient from communicating with the outside world
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary system that includes a microphone to capture sound vibrations inside the mask, a processing unit to filter and analyze the vibrations, and a speaker or display to output the processed communication. This mediator enables information transfer through the mask barrier without compromising the mask's sealing and ventilation function.
2Reliability
If the patient is kept conscious during noninvasive ventilation, then the patient can maintain awareness, but the patient experiences feelings of claustrophobia and isolation that may cause them to try and remove the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device provides real-time feedback by capturing the patient's voice vibrations, processing them, and outputting audible or visible communication. This feedback loop allows the patient to express their feelings and needs, reducing the psychological distress of claustrophobia and isolation while maintaining mask wear for effective ventilation.
3Loss of information
If communication boards with pictures and alphabet are used to facilitate patient communication, then some communication is possible, but the method is ineffective and unnatural for conveying medical history and complaints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical communication board system with an electronic acoustic system. Instead of requiring the patient to manually point at or spell out messages using physical boards, the system uses a microphone to capture voice vibrations, electronically processes the signal, and outputs the communication, providing a more natural and efficient communication method.
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
Facilitates effective voice communication through hard plastic masks, enhancing patient care by allowing patients to convey medical information and reducing anxiety related to claustrophobia and isolation.
Implementation Method 1
A system integrating a piezoelectric element with the mask to detect vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to providing a flexible patch and system for communicating through hard plastic masks such as CPAP/BiPAP® masks. Using electronic circuitry and novel designs, the present systems and methods can detect speech vibrations and output audible speech from hard plastic mask wearers. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods can recognize speech through a CPAP/BiPAP® mask, filter out non-human voice related noise, and output the resulting speech of the mask wearer.