CPAP Control via Mobile Sensors for Lower-Cost Hardware

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory devices, such as CPAP machines, are costly due to integrated hardware modules like sensors and user interfaces, which can also be unfamiliar to patients accustomed to consumer electronics interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is used to control and interact with the CPAP device via wireless communication, delegating user interface functions and sensor data processing to reduce costs and enhance user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated hardware modules (sensors and user interfaces) are included in the respiratory device, then the device functionality is complete, but the device cost increases and the interface becomes unfamiliar to patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the user interface functions and sensor data processing from the respiratory device itself, placing them instead on a mobile computing device that the patient already possesses. This separation reduces the hardware complexity and cost of the respiratory device while maintaining complete functionality through wireless communication between the two devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the mobile computing device's existing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) and user interface capabilities to perform functions that would otherwise require dedicated hardware in the respiratory device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate integrated modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If integrated hardware modules (sensors and user interfaces) are included in the respiratory device, then the device functionality is complete, but the interface becomes unfamiliar to patients accustomed to consumer electronics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiduser interface familiarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is extracted from the respiratory device and implemented on the mobile computing device, which patients are already familiar with from daily use. This allows patients to interact with the respiratory therapy through a familiar touchscreen interface rather than learning new controls on medical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it provides the user interface, processes sensor data, controls the respiratory device, and offers familiar consumer electronics interactions. This universal platform approach makes the medical device operation as intuitive as using a smartphone or tablet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3721930B1Control for respiratory device

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

The operational parameters of a respiratory apparatus can be controlled through the use of a user interface located on a separate or separable mobile computing device. Sensors or features located on the mobile computing apparatus can be used to adjust the operation parameters or therapy of the respiratory apparatus or otherwise improve the compliance of a patient utilizing the respiratory apparatus.