CPAP Apparatus with Nested Humidifier and Composite Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP machines face challenges in balancing size reduction with performance and noise levels, often requiring trade-offs between compactness and effectiveness, and incorporate foam in the air path that degrades over time.
Innovation Solution
A compact breathable gas supply apparatus with integrated humidifier and flow generator, featuring novel architectural designs and materials for noise reduction, modular data connections, and elimination of foam in the air path, including a metal and plastic composite blower enclosure and elastomeric linings for acoustic damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of CPAP machines is reduced, then compactness is improved, but noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the humidifier within the flow generator housing, nesting one component inside another to reduce overall machine size. The humidifier assembly is positioned inside the flow generator case, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining separate functional zones for gas generation and humidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with metal and plastic materials in the flow generator housing and blower assembly. This allows optimization of acoustic properties while maintaining structural integrity in a compact form factor, addressing noise concerns in smaller machines.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If foam is used in the air path for sound absorption, then noise is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to foam degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes foam from the air path entirely, extracting the problematic material that causes degradation. Instead of using foam for sound absorption or sealing, the design relies on rigid structural seals and alternative acoustic damping methods that do not involve degradable foam materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates components that require replacement due to degradation. By removing foam from the air path, the design avoids the need for periodic maintenance or replacement of degraded foam elements, improving long-term reliability.
3Device complexity
If the humidifier is integrated with the flow generator, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated unit into separable modules: the humidifier assembly can be detached from the flow generator. The connection interface includes detachable components such as the air conduit connection and electrical connectors, allowing the humidifier to be removed while maintaining the integrated design during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic connection features that allow the humidifier to be easily attached and detached. The connection mechanism includes movable parts such as snap-fit connectors or bayonet mounts that enable quick attachment/detachment without complex tools or procedures, balancing integration with ease of operation.
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
The solution achieves a compact size with noise performance comparable to larger machines, improved durability by eliminating foam degradation, and enhanced user convenience through easy humidifier detachment and modular data connections.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric linings for acoustic damping
Implementation Method 2
metal and plastic composite blower enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator. In addition, the CPAP device includes a second elastomeric face seal, a portion of which is configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat external surface portion of the water container surrounding the water container air outlet.