Electromagnetic Valve Actuation for Silent Gas Venting in Sleep Apnea Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep apnea treatment devices, such as CPAP and BiPAP, often cause discomfort due to continuous air venting, leading to a constant flow of air across the face, which can be uncomfortable and disturb patients, and existing actuators generate loud clicking noises during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with a gas vent valve that closes during inhalation and opens during exhalation, using an electromagnetic actuator with silent switching and a gas pressure reduction device to facilitate easier exhalation, and a valve and piston actuation assembly to deliver a controlled flow of gas, reducing noise and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuously open exhaust port is used in existing masks, then excess air can be vented continuously, but this causes a continuous flow of air across the face which is uncomfortable and disturbing for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust port is made dynamically controllable through a valve mechanism that can open or close based on breathing phase. During inhalation, the valve closes to prevent air leakage and maintain positive pressure. During exhalation, the valve opens to allow exhaust venting. This dynamic control eliminates the need for a continuously open exhaust port while maintaining effective venting when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically respond to breathing patterns without requiring external control. The valve opens and closes based on pressure differential and flow conditions created by the user's own breathing, enabling self-regulating exhaust control that adapts to individual breathing rhythms.
2Ease of operation
If existing actuators are used to control the exhaust valve, then the valve can be actuated, but they generate loud clicking noises during operation that disturb patients
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical latch-based actuator is replaced with an electromagnetic valve mechanism. The electromagnetic valve uses a coil and movable valve element that opens and closes smoothly through electromagnetic force without mechanical impact. This substitution eliminates the loud clicking noise associated with mechanical latch engagement while maintaining reliable valve control.
3Reliability
If positive air pressure is maintained continuously in the mask, then sleep apnoea can be treated effectively, but users feel it is difficult to breathe because of the positive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure levels based on the breathing phase. During inhalation, the exhaust valve closes to maintain positive pressure for apnoea treatment. During exhalation, the exhaust valve opens to reduce pressure, allowing easy breathout without resistance. This dynamic pressure regulation maintains treatment effectiveness while improving breathing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust valve operates in a periodic manner, opening during exhalation and closing during inhalation. This periodic action creates alternating periods of high and low pressure that synchronize with the user's breathing rhythm, making the positive pressure less noticeable and more comfortable to tolerate throughout the night.
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 provides a more comfortable breathing experience by eliminating the need for a continuously open exhaust port and minimizing noise, ensuring effective gas flow management during both inhalation and exhalation, thus improving patient comfort and reducing disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator comprising: an armature comprising a permanent magnet; two coils; and two coil cores
Implementation Method 2
a gas pressure reduction device coupled to a vent gas flow path carrying exhaled gas from a user to reduce the gas pressure in the vent gas flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A valve actuation assembly, a system for providing gas for inhalation by a user, and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. The assemblies and systems may be suitable for use in controlling the delivery of air to a person suffering from sleep apnoea or a person requiring ventilator support. A system for controlling a supply of gas for inhalation by a user comprises a supply outlet (23) for supplying gas to a user, a vent inlet (25) for receiving exhaled gas from a user, a gas vent valve (21) for opening and closing a gas flow path from the vent inlet, an actuator (78) arranged to open and close the gas vent valve, and a controller (9) for controlling operation of the actuator