Dual-Pressure Ventilation Interface for Separate Nasal and Oral Gas Delivery

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation interfaces for treating obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions that prevent adequate oxygen intake often require a single pressure setting for both nasal and oral breathing, which may not be optimal for individual patient comfort and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation system with a gas supply tube that divides into separate nasal and oral channels, allowing for the delivery of breathable gas at different pressures to each passage, utilizing valves or other mechanisms to regulate pressure and improve comfort and treatment efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pressure setting is used for both nasal and oral breathing in ventilation interfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to individual patient needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation interface structureVSAvoidpressure setting adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation interface is segmented into separate nasal and oral channels, each capable of receiving independently controlled pressurized breathable gas. The gas supply tube is divided into a first portion for nasal delivery and a second portion for oral delivery, allowing separate pressure settings for each breathing passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different pressure settings are applied to different regions (nasal vs. oral passages) based on individual patient needs. The system allows local customization of pressure parameters for each breathing route, enabling optimized treatment for patients with specific anatomical or physiological requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate pressure settings are implemented for nasal and oral breathing, then the adaptability to patient needs is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure setting adaptabilityVSAvoidventilation interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation interface is segmented into separate nasal and oral channels, each capable of receiving independently controlled pressurized breathable gas. The gas supply tube is divided into a first portion for nasal delivery and a second portion for oral delivery, allowing separate pressure settings for each breathing passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation interface maintains universal compatibility with standard CPAP devices while adding the capability for separate nasal and oral pressure control. The system can operate in both single-pressure and dual-pressure modes, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely new equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a single pressure setting is used for both nasal and oral breathing, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the treatment effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation interface operationVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different pressure settings are applied to different regions (nasal vs. oral passages) based on individual patient needs. The system allows local customization of pressure parameters for each breathing route, enabling optimized treatment for patients with specific anatomical or physiological requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic pressure control where the pressure settings for nasal and oral channels can be independently adjusted and modified during treatment. This allows the ventilation interface to adapt to changing patient needs while maintaining ease of operation through programmable settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8881728B2System, method and ventilation interface for providing pressurized breathable gas to the mouth and nose separately

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 SALTER LABS LLC

AI summary

In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway.