Gapless Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) bands are not sensitive enough and are not readily adjustable, leading to inaccurate respiratory volume and rate measurements, particularly in pediatric applications, due to gaps in the band that introduce electrical noise and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
An extensible RIP band with an intermeshed energizable conducting wire and a buckle or snap assembly that forms a gapless conducting loop around the subject's thorax or abdomen, ensuring full circumference measurement and minimizing extraneous signals, thereby enhancing sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RIP bands with separate connector outputs are used, then the band can be connected to monitoring apparatus, but electrical noise is introduced and signal-to-noise ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separate connector outputs into a single integrated connector assembly where the conducting wire forms a continuous gapless loop. This merging eliminates the variable planar area between separate connectors that generates electrical noise, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining reliable connection to the monitoring apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RIP bands are made adjustable for different subject sizes, then pediatric and various animal applications are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an extensible band design with an intermeshed conducting wire that can dynamically adjust to different circumferences. The buckle assembly with engaging teeth allows the band to be easily adjusted to fit various subject sizes (pediatric and animal applications) without requiring multiple different band sizes, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the conducting wire forms a complete loop around the subject, then full circumference measurement is achieved, but the band becomes less adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conducting wire into two portions that connect to the buckle assembly, allowing the wire to form a complete measurement loop around the subject while the buckle provides adjustability. The gapless connection is maintained through the engaging teeth of the buckle, which electrically connect the two wire portions without breaking the inductive loop, thus achieving both precision and adaptability.
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 solution provides improved sensitivity and accuracy in measuring respiratory effort by eliminating noise and ensuring a consistent signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more precise respiratory volume and rate determination across various subject sizes, including children and animals.
Implementation Method 1
Respiratory inductive plethysmography exploits the principle that a current applied through a loop of wire generates a magnetic field normal to the orientation of the loop and that a change in the area enclosed by the loop creates an opposing current within the loop directly proportional to the change in the area.
Implementation Method 2
The movement during breathing changes the cross-sectional area of the portion of the body encircled by an RIP band, and thus changes the shape of the magnetic field generated by the band to induce an opposing current signal that can be processed and measured with an associated signal-processing unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to improved apparatus and methods for respiratory inductive plesthysmography. The invention includes apparatus for measuring changes in the circumference of a subject comprising of an energisable conducting wire having two ends, engagement means for engaging said ends to form a gapless conducting loop, the engagement means being in electrical communication with the conducting wire. The relationship between the elements of the apparatus provides a reduced level of noise associated with a measureable signal attributed to the changes in circumference. Signals generated in the apparatus may be processed and communicated through various means for analysis of respiratory effort. A method is disclosed for measuring respiratory effort with a gapless conducting wire energised with current.