CPAP Motor Power and Speed Monitoring for Apnea Type Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to accurately distinguish between central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), making it impossible to provide specific and effective treatment for each type.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that monitor the instantaneous output power and rotation speed of a CPAP machine's motor to determine airway flow, using an airway flow reference value and oscillating pressure waves to differentiate between CSA and OSA by assessing airway blockage, allowing for tailored treatment pressure adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CPAP machine is used for treatment, then treatment for sleep apnea is provided, but the type of sleep apnea (CSA or OSA) cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment applicabilityVSAvoidapnea type differentiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies oscillatory pressure waveform of known frequency to the patient's airway and uses spectral analysis to detect air flow components at that frequency. The presence or absence of such components distinguishes between OSA (where airway collapse blocks flow) and CSA (where respiratory center dysfunction stops breathing effort), enabling accurate apnea type differentiation while maintaining CPAP treatment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an oscillatory pressure waveform as an intermediary test signal to probe airway status. By analyzing the system's response to this intermediary signal, the device can differentiate between central and obstructive apnea types without requiring separate diagnostic equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment provision and diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If general CPAP treatment is applied, then sleep apnea symptoms are treated, but specific treatment according to apnea type cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single CPAP device: it provides continuous positive airway pressure treatment while simultaneously performing diagnostic differentiation between CSA and OSA types using the oscillatory pressure waveform method. This multi-functionality enables both general treatment and type-specific diagnosis without requiring separate devices, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while avoiding excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The CPAP device performs self-diagnosis by using its own oscillatory pressure waveform output to probe airway status and differentiate apnea types. The device serves itself diagnostically without requiring external specialized equipment, improving treatment productivity while keeping the system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate differentiation between CSA and OSA, enabling specific and effective treatment based on the type of sleep apnea, improving treatment outcomes for patients.

Implementation Method 1

a monitoring unit for monitoring an instantaneous output power and an instantaneous rotation speed of a motor for delivering air in the breathing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower measurement:

Implementation Method 2

means for applying an oscillatory pressure waveform of known frequency to an airway; and data processing means including a spectral analysis element for determining if there is an air flow component at said known frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillatory pressure waveform application:

Implementation Method 3

data processing means including a spectral analysis element for determining if there is an air flow component at said known frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP3263027B1Device for detecting sleep apnea

Publication Date: 2022.11.23 BMC MEDICAL CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention provides a method and device for detecting sleep apnea, which overcomes the current defect that it is hard to distinguish the type of sleep apnea. The method comprises: monitoring an instantaneous output power and an instantaneous rotation speed of a motor for delivering air in a breathing device (S110); according to the instantaneous output power and the instantaneous rotation speed of the motor, obtaining an airway flow reference value represented for the air in an upper airway of a user using the breathing device (S120); when it is determined that the user currently has no spontaneous breathing according to the airway flow reference value, and corresponding duration has reached a preset time threshold value, determining the user to be in an apnea state (S130); judging whether the upper airway of the user is clear (S140); and determining the apnea of the user to be central apnea (S150) or obstructive apnea (S170) depending on whether the upper airway of the user is clear. The method and device can accurately and effectively distinguish the type of sleep apnea.