Fiber Bragg Grating Mask Sensors for Flexible Fit Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automatically identifying and monitoring mask fit, comfort, seal, stability, and wear out in non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies are ineffective and often hinder the intended function due to the use of fragile, rigid sensors with interconnects.
Innovation Solution
A pressure support system utilizing optical fiber-based sensors, specifically fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), integrated into patient interface devices to measure mask comfort, fit, seal, stability, and wear out, with a light source and optical spectrum analyzer to determine these parameters and identify the mask automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical resistance-based metal sensors are used in masks, then mask identification and monitoring can be achieved, but the sensors are fragile and have rigid interconnects that are difficult to integrate and may hinder mask function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical resistance-based metal sensors with optical fiber-based sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for rigid electrical interconnects and fragile metal components, using instead flexible optical fibers that can be easily integrated into mask structures without compromising mask function or comfort. The optical sensors transmit data through light rather than electrical signals, resolving the integration difficulties associated with rigid electrical connections.
2Extent of automation
If RFID tags are used for mask identification, then automatic identification can be achieved, but the tags require additional components that increase mask complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber-based sensors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural integration into the mask, enable automatic mask identification through optical signatures, and monitor mask function and wear. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate RFID tags and other additional identification components, reducing overall mask complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the mask to monitor seal, stability, and fit, then therapy effectiveness can be improved, but the mask structure becomes more complex and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible optical fiber-based sensors that can be seamlessly integrated into the mask structure without adding rigid or uncomfortable components. The optical fibers are thin and flexible, allowing them to conform to the mask surface and patient face without compromising comfort. This enables comprehensive monitoring of seal, stability, and fit while maintaining mask comfort and ease of operation.
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 accurate and reliable assessment of mask performance, improving therapy adherence by optimizing mask selection and personalization, and providing real-time adjustments for enhanced patient comfort and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is structured and configured to provide source light to the number of optical fiber-based sensors and the optical spectrum analyzer is structured and configured to receive reflected light from the number of optical fiber-based sensors
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber based sensor, such as a fiber Bragg grating (FBG), is utilized to automatically identify the mask used in the system and/or measure mask function and/or mask wear out
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure support system includes a pressure generating device, a patient interface device, an optical fiber having distal end provided on or within the patient interface device, a number of optical fiber-based sensors provided in the distal end, and a light source and an optical spectrum analyzer coupled to the proximal end of the fiber. The light source provides source light to the optical fiber-based sensor(s) and the optical spectrum analyzer receives reflected light from the sensor(s). A controller is configured to receive an output of the analyzer and to (i) determine a measure of a seal, stability, and/or fit of the patient interface device based on the output of the analyzer, (ii) determine a degree of wear of the patient interface device based on the output of the analyzer, and/or (iii) automatically identify a component of the patient interface device based on the output of the analyzer.