Flow Therapy Apparatus Breath Cycle Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing assistance apparatuses struggle to accurately adjust gas flow based on patient breath cycles, leading to suboptimal therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A flow therapy apparatus that uses sensors to detect patient breath cycles and adjusts gas flow by synchronizing a control signal with the detected breath cycle, employing phase-shifting and feedback mechanisms to match the patient's inspiration and expiration phases, utilizing ultrasonic sensors and brushless DC motors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect breath cycles and synchronize control signals, then therapy delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor breath cycle parameters (flow rate, pressure, temperature) and the control system adjusts the delivered therapy in real-time based on detected patient breathing patterns, ensuring accurate synchronization while managing system complexity through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple sensing functions (flow, pressure, temperature) and control operations into a unified multi-functional platform, reducing overall device complexity by consolidating what could be separate systems into a single integrated control architecture that handles breath cycle detection and therapy delivery coordination
2Reliability
If phase-shifting and feedback mechanisms are implemented for precise flow adjustment, then therapy efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary phase-shifting of control signals based on predicted breath cycle patterns, preparing the therapy delivery in advance to match anticipated patient breathing phases, which improves synchronization reliability while reducing the complexity of real-time reactive adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
Feedback loops continuously monitor the actual breath cycle and compare it with the phase-shifted control signal, making iterative adjustments to optimize synchronization accuracy and ensure reliable therapy delivery matched to patient needs
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (flow, pressure, temperature) are used to monitor gas properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors into an integrated sensing array that simultaneously monitors multiple gas properties, improving comprehensive measurement accuracy while reducing the complexity that would arise from separate independent sensing systems through unified data acquisition and processing
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
Enhances therapy delivery by synchronizing gas flow with patient breath cycles, improving patient comfort and therapy efficacy through precise adjustment of flow rates and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flow sensor can comprise an ultrasonic sensor assembly
Implementation Method 2
The at least one flow sensor can further comprise a heated temperature sensing element
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and method for conducting respiratory therapy in a respiratory system can adjust a flow of respiratory gases to a patient based upon a detected patient breath cycle. The respiratory system can include a non-sealed patient interface. The respiratory system can be configured to deliver a high flow therapy. A patient breath cycle may be determined using one or more measured parameters, such as a flow rate, a blower motor speed, and/or a system pressure. A flow source may be adjusted to have a phase matching that of the patient's breath cycle, such that flow in increased in response to the patient inhaling, and decreased in response to the patient exhaling.