Breathing Device Expiratory Valve Aperture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory assistance devices struggle to switch between fully open, fully closed, and intermediate states of the expiratory valve, making it difficult to achieve precise control of airflow.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectrically controlled opening and closing device with a movable mechanism that adjusts the aperture ratio of the expiratory hole, allowing for switching among open, closed, and intermediate states, using a deformable piezo element and an aperture area adjusting member to control the airflow pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a diaphragm valve is used to control the expiratory hole, then the valve can be switched between fully open and fully closed states, but it is difficult to achieve intermediate states where part of the expiratory hole is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The expiratory hole is divided into multiple independent flow holes (first flow hole, second flow hole, etc.) arranged in parallel. Each flow hole can be independently controlled by separate opening and closing mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve various intermediate opening states by selectively opening or closing individual flow holes. This segmentation enables precise control of the overall aperture ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing mechanisms are designed to be movable between different positions (first position for closing, second position for opening). The mechanisms can dynamically adjust their positions to control the aperture ratio of each flow hole, enabling transition between fully closed, partially open, and fully open states of the expiratory hole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow holes are provided in the separating member, then intermediate states can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each opening and closing mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to close its associated flow hole completely (when in the first position) and to control partial opening (when in intermediate positions). This universal design allows a single mechanism to handle multiple operational states, reducing the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing mechanisms are positioned adjacent to each other and can be arranged in a compact, nested configuration within the separating member structure. This spatial arrangement minimizes the overall device footprint and reduces structural complexity while maintaining the functionality of multiple independently controllable flow holes.
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
Enables precise control of airflow by allowing the device to switch between open, closed, and intermediate states, improving the functionality of respiratory assistance devices and reducing the risk of blockages, while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable piezo element and an aperture area adjusting member to control the airflow pathway
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An opening and closing device includes a mask 13 having an inner surface 13f in which an expiratory hole 13a is opened, and an opening and closing mechanism 15 for opening and closing the expiratory hole 13a. The expiratory valve 15 is movable along the inner surface 13f between a first position and a second position each having a different aperture area of the flow hole 13a. When a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the expiratory valve 15 is defined as a width direction W, an aperture length LW of the flow hole 13a in the width direction W increases or decreases from the first position toward the second position.