Dual-Pump Respiratory Simulator for Dynamic Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerosol exposure systems fail to simulate the dynamic breathing patterns and the filtering action of the conducting airways, leading to inefficient dose delivery and unrealistic representation of aerosol interactions within the respiratory tract.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two pumps and a connecting structure, where the first pump represents the oral and oropharyngeal cavity, the second pump represents the lung lumen, and the connecting structure represents the conducting airways, allowing for simulation of breathing patterns and aerosol interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If continuous unidirectional aerosol flow is used, then aerosol delivery is simplified, but dynamic breathing patterns and filtering action cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static continuous flow to dynamic bidirectional flow that mimics inhalation and exhalation patterns. The pump alternates between positive pressure (inhalation) and negative pressure (exhalation) phases, creating realistic breathing dynamics that enable both operational simplicity and physiological accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol delivery system implements periodic cycling between inhalation and exhalation phases, with each cycle lasting several seconds to match human breathing rhythms. This periodic action allows the system to maintain simplicity while accurately representing dynamic breathing patterns and associated filtering mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aerosol dilution is achieved by continuously adding dilution air upstream, then mixing is improved, but mouth hold-period and aging effects are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates dense aerosol in the oral cavity region before introducing dilution air, allowing the aerosol to age and undergo physicochemical changes during the simulated mouth hold-period. This preliminary concentration phase followed by delayed dilution preserves temporal dynamics that are critical for realistic aerosol behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilution process transitions from continuous upstream mixing to dynamic phase-separated mixing, where dense aerosol and dilution air are introduced at different times and locations. This dynamic approach preserves the temporal sequence of aerosol generation, aging, and subsequent dilution that occurs during natural breathing.
3Quantity of substance
If passive aerosol sedimentation is used, then particle deposition is enhanced, but differential delivery of particles and gases cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces passive gravitational sedimentation with active pneumatic control using positive and negative pressure phases. During inhalation, aerosol is actively transported to simulate upper airway delivery; during exhalation, negative pressure enables deposition in lower airways. This pneumatic approach simultaneously achieves particle deposition and realistic differential delivery of particles and gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The deposition mechanism transitions from static gravitational settling to dynamic pressure-driven transport and deposition. The system alternates between active aerosol introduction during inhalation and passive/depositional phases during exhalation, creating temporal and spatial variations that accurately represent respiratory tract exposure patterns.
4Device complexity
If single-chamber pump system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but accurate simulation of different respiratory compartments is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the respiratory tract into distinct compartments (oral cavity, pharynx, lungs) using multiple pump chambers with specific volume ratios. Each chamber represents a different anatomical region with accurately controlled volume, enabling precise simulation of aerosol distribution and deposition patterns across respiratory zones while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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 system effectively simulates the interaction between a test atmosphere and a simulated respiratory tract, providing a more representative aerosol delivery and allowing for the study of aerosol dynamics and their effects on cell cultures.
Implementation Method 1
Continuous aerosol flows are generated by positive or negative pressure and the aerosols are directed perpendicularly towards the biological test system
Implementation Method 2
Continuous aerosol flows are generated by positive or negative pressure and the aerosols are directed perpendicularly towards the biological test system
Implementation Method 3
Electrostatic attraction of the aerosol particles to the test system may be used to increase aerosol particle deposition
Implementation Method 4
a first port adapted for receiving and outputting gas and comprising a valve for regulating the flow of gas through the first port
Data Source
AI summary
There is described herein a system for determining the interaction between a test atmosphere and a simulated respiratory tract, said system comprising: (a) a first pump comprising: (i) a chamber configured for containing a first volume of gas comprising a test atmosphere; (ii) a first port adapted for receiving and outputting gas and comprising a valve for regulating the flow of gas through the first port, said valve being moveable between open and closed positions, wherein in the open position said valve is openable towards a test atmosphere or surrounding air; (iii) a second port adapted for outputting and receiving gas and comprising a valve for regulating the flow of gas through the second port, said valve being moveable between open and closed positions; (iv) a piston plate in the chamber, said piston plate comprising one or more apertures for the uptake or inflow of gas into the chamber wherein one or more, or each, of the apertures include a valve that is movable between open and closed positions and is capable of regulating the uptake or inflow of gas; (b) a second pump comprising: (i) a chamber configured for containing a second volume of gas, wherein the first and second volumes of gas are different; (ii) a port adapted for receiving and outputting gas; and (iii) a motor for controlling the operation of the second pump; (c) a connecting structure operable to transmit the gas from the first pump into the second pump; and (d) one or more openings in the first pump or the second pump or the walls of the connecting structure or a combination of two or more thereof, said openings being capable of receiving a module for containing a cell culture medium or for monitoring conditions in the chamber or for gas sampling or for gas characterisation.