Detachable CPAP Humidifier Assembly With Shared Microprocessor Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPAP devices are costly and lack the flexibility to upgrade to humidification systems, with integrated and separate configurations often requiring complex electrical connections and separate power supplies, increasing production costs and limiting user options.

Innovation Solution

A CPAP flow generator with integrated software control for a detachable humidifier, utilizing a low-cost microprocessor to manage humidification functions, reducing hardware components and allowing for easy upgradeability without additional costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a humidifier is integrated with the CPAP device, then humidification functionality is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidification functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humidifier is designed as a separate detachable component from the CPAP device, allowing it to be removed or attached as needed. This segmentation reduces the base CPAP device complexity while maintaining the option for humidification functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow generator is designed with universal control capabilities that can manage both the CPAP blower and the humidifier heating element through a single microprocessor, reducing the need for separate control systems and minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate humidifier is used with the CPAP device, then humidification is provided, but electrical connections and power supply requirements increase cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry for the humidifier heating element is merged with the existing flow generator microprocessor and control system. This eliminates the need for separate control electronics and reduces manufacturing costs by utilizing shared components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow generator's microprocessor is designed to universally control both the blower motor and the humidifier heating element, consolidating control functions and reducing the need for additional dedicated control circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If control circuitry is integrated into the humidifier, then humidification control is provided, but hardware components and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidification controlVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality for humidification is extracted from the humidifier hardware and relocated to the flow generator's software. This removes the need for separate control circuitry, potentiometers, or switches in the humidifier, reducing hardware components while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical control elements (such as potentiometers, switches, or dedicated control circuits) are replaced with software-based control in the flow generator's microprocessor, reducing physical hardware components while maintaining ease of operation through digital control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a low-cost, upgradeable CPAP system with simplified electrical connections, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing user flexibility while maintaining comfort and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element, a control to enable the level of humidification to be varied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12409283B2Low cost CPAP flow generator and humidifier assembly

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A method for controlling a humidifier of a CPAP device including a controller, the method including controlling a heating element in the humidifier with command signals from the controller, sensing a temperature of a fluid in the humidifier with a sensor in the humidifier that transmits signals to the controller, establishing an acceptable operating range for the signal transmitted to the controller; determining whether the transmitted signal is within the acceptable operating range, if the signal is within the acceptable operating range treating the signal as being indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the humidifier and using the signal to control the heating element, and if the signal is outside of the acceptable operating range, the controller determines the humidifier to be unavailable.