Electrostatic Micro-Pump Chambers for Portable CPAP Air Pressure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPAP treatments for sleep apnea are cumbersome and difficult to use due to the need for masks that blow air into the nose, and traditional air compressors are large, expensive, loud, and consume high power.

Innovation Solution

A micro-pump system with compartmentalized pump chambers and membranes driven by electrical signals, capable of high flow rates and pressures, is used to provide air pressure for breathing devices, replacing traditional air compressors and improving the portability and comfort of CPAP treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If traditional air compressors are used to provide air pressure for CPAP treatments, then sufficient air pressure can be achieved, but the device becomes large, expensive, loud, and consumes high power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair pressureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump chamber is divided into multiple compartments (first, second, and third compartments) separated by membranes. Each compartment can be independently controlled by electrodes, allowing the pump to achieve sufficient air pressure through coordinated operation of multiple smaller chambers rather than relying on a single large compressor chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression systems with an electrostatic-based micro-pump system. Electrical signals applied to electrodes cause membranes to deflect and compress gas in the pump chambers, eliminating the need for large mechanical compressors, moving parts, and associated mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional air compressors are used for CPAP treatments, then adequate airflow can be provided, but the device size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump chamber is divided into multiple compartments (first, second, and third compartments) separated by membranes. Each compartment can be independently controlled by electrodes, allowing the pump to achieve sufficient air pressure through coordinated operation of multiple smaller chambers rather than relying on a single large compressor chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression systems with an electrostatic-based micro-pump system. Electrical signals applied to electrodes cause membranes to deflect and compress gas in the pump chambers, eliminating the need for large mechanical compressors, moving parts, and associated mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional CPAP masks are used to deliver pressurized air, then effective treatment can be provided, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression systems with an electrostatic-based micro-pump system. Electrical signals applied to electrodes cause membranes to deflect and compress gas in the pump chambers, eliminating the need for large mechanical compressors, moving parts, and associated mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a macro-scale mechanical compressor system to a micro-scale electrostatic pump system. By miniaturizing the pump chambers and using electrical fields instead of mechanical forces, the system achieves the same therapeutic effect in a much more compact and user-friendly form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 micro-pump system is compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, providing effective air pressure for breathing disorders like sleep apnea while being lightweight and quiet, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP machines.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electrodes, with a first pair of the plurality of electrodes disposed on a pair of opposing walls of the pump body, and a remaining ones of the plurality of electrodes disposed on major surfaces of the membranes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3120023B1Micro pump systems

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 MARSH STEPHEN ALAN

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

Discloses is a micro-pump that includes a pump body having a compartmentalized pump chamber, with plural inlet and outlet ports and a plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to provide compartments. The membranes are anchored between opposing walls of the pump body and carry electrodes disposed on opposing surfaces of the membranes and walls of the pump body. Also discloses are applications of the micro-pump including as a heat remover and a self-contained continuous positive airway pressure breathing device.