External Stimulation System for Breathing Disorder Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing breathing-related disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring, including CPAP machines and invasive implantable devices, are cumbersome, invasive, and often ineffective, leading to complications and high discontinuation rates due to discomfort and lack of early detection and management options.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple sensors and external stimulators that provide non-invasive, user-controlled monitoring and stimulation, using oximetry and other sensors to detect breathing anomalies and deliver targeted external stimulation, such as TENS or EMS, to improve airway openness and reduce apnea episodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP machines are used to manage sleep apnea, then breathing is kept open under air pressure, but the device becomes cumbersome, bulky, and noisy causing awakening and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of airway management from the bulky CPAP machine by using external stimulators that activate specific muscles (geniohyoid, stylohyoid, sternocleidomastoid) to physically open the airway, eliminating the need for continuous pressurized air delivery and associated cumbersome equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic system of CPAP machines with an electrical stimulation system that uses controlled muscle activation to achieve airway patency, substituting a complex mechanical pressure delivery system with a more compact electrical stimulation apparatus
2Reliability
If CPAP machines are used to treat sleep apnea, then airway remains open, but correct fitting and avoiding airleaks require continuous medical assistance and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated sensor monitoring that detects breathing patterns and apnea events, automatically adjusts stimulation parameters, and provides feedback without requiring continuous medical intervention or complex manual fitting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor breathing parameters and provide real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts stimulation delivery to maintain airway patency based on detected breathing conditions
3Reliability
If treatment is implemented after disorder fully develops, then management is possible, but early detection and prevention opportunities are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action through continuous monitoring and early detection of breathing anomalies, allowing the system to initiate preventive stimulation before apnea events fully develop, thereby preventing disorder progression rather than merely managing established conditions
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 enables early detection and management of breathing disorders, reducing the need for invasive treatments and improving sleep quality by providing a comfortable, user-friendly solution that can delay or avoid the use of CPAP machines, thereby reducing chronic disorder risks.
Implementation Method 1
an oximetry/O2 level sensor and at least one additional sensor, wherein the sensors are connectable to the user controller and adapted for sensing and providing sensed data of at least one characteristic relevant to a breathing related disorder
Implementation Method 2
US 2015/018895 A1 discloses an electric stimulation method and system for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Syndrome using an external actuator on the pharyngeal-laryngeal muscles. Using this actuator, the muscles involved receive an electric stimulus, with the aim of widening the muscular opening and attaining sufficient air flow to prevent the lack of air.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for aiding early detection and management of breathing related disorders including a plurality of the at least one external sensor and a control means for receiving to the predefined operative framework a predefined effective operative range of each of the plurality of the at least one external sensor; wherein sensing by at least two of the plurality of the at least one external sensor with a trigger analysis including reviewing multiple sensors and if multiple single sensor trigger points from multiple sensors have been received within a predefined time period there is created a trigger actuation and outputting trigger output to operative framework to instigate external stimulation and if multiple single sensor trigger points from multiple sensors have not been received within a predefined time period there is a return to further sensing and further trigger analysis.