Elastic Flap Airflow Sensor for Bidirectional Flow and Breath Sound Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airflow sensors for respiratory applications are limited in their ability to measure bidirectional airflow and sonic vibrations, are difficult to sterilize, and fail to provide simultaneous measurements of airflow and breath sounds, leading to incomplete diagnostic information for respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizable elastic flap airflow sensor with integrated strain gauges that can detect both airflow and sound frequencies, allowing for bidirectional measurement and simultaneous data collection of airflow rate and breath sounds, suitable for spirometry, Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT), and Impulse Oscillometry (IOS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional airflow sensors are used for respiratory applications, then they can measure airflow, but they fail to measure bidirectional airflow and sonic vibrations simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (bidirectional airflow measurement and sonic vibration detection) into a single sensor device. The sensor integrates both flow measurement and acoustic measurement functions, allowing simultaneous capture of respiratory airflow data and breath sound data without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both airflow measurement and sound frequency detection. This universal sensor can measure various respiratory parameters including bidirectional flow rates and sonic vibrations across different frequency ranges, making it adaptable for multiple diagnostic applications in respiratory medicine.
2Reliability
If conventional airflow sensors are used, then they can provide airflow measurements, but they are difficult to sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed as a segmented, modular device with distinct components that can be easily separated for sterilization. The sensor housing, sensing elements, and connection components are structured to allow disassembly and independent sterilization of each part, facilitating thorough cleaning and sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates flexible membranes and thin film structures that are resistant to degradation from sterilization processes. These flexible components are designed to withstand repeated exposure to autoclaving, chemical sterilants, and other sterilization methods while maintaining their functional integrity and measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If conventional sensors are used, then they can measure airflow, but they fail to provide simultaneous measurements of airflow and breath sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor merges airflow sensing and acoustic sensing into a single integrated device, enabling simultaneous measurement of both respiratory flow and breath sounds. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensors and reduces the complexity of the overall measurement system while improving data collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal sensor design allows a single device to perform multiple measurement functions (airflow measurement and sound detection) simultaneously. This multi-functional approach simplifies the measurement system architecture and reduces the number of components required, thereby reducing overall 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 sensor provides accurate, portable, and easy-to-clean measurements of bidirectional airflow and breath sounds, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for respiratory diseases and reducing the complexity and cost of FOT and IOS devices.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes a strain gauge for measuring deformation of the elastic flap
Implementation Method 2
An elastic flap airflow sensor with an integrated strain gauge for measuring deformation and vibration of the elastic flap
Implementation Method 3
simultaneous measurements of displacement and vibration at different frequencies are sensed by the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.