Handheld Pressure Support System for Dyspnea Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable devices for managing dyspnea in COPD patients are limited by slow-acting bronchodilators, reliance on expensive pharmaceuticals, and the need for face-worn devices that restrict mobility, while existing portable ventilators are either bulky or inefficient in power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld pressure support system that includes a pressure generator, non-invasive subject interface, sensors, processors, and a power source, allowing for controlled delivery of pressurized breathable gas to alleviate shortness of breath without the need for face-worn devices, with adjustable therapy modes and parameters based on real-time respiratory data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bronchodilators are used to alleviate dyspnea symptoms, then shortness of breath is relieved, but the treatment is slow-acting (4-20 minutes) and relies on expensive pharmaceuticals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmaceutical treatment with a mechanical respiratory support system that delivers pressurized breathable gas directly to the airway. This mechanical intervention provides immediate relief of dyspnea symptoms without the 4-20 minute delay inherent in bronchodilator absorption and action, while eliminating reliance on expensive pharmaceuticals.
2Weight of moving object
If portable ventilators are designed to be compact and lightweight, then portability and user comfort are improved, but power consumption efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable speed control of the blower motor based on real-time respiratory parameters (breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory flow demand). By dynamically adjusting the blower speed to match actual respiratory needs rather than operating at constant high speed, the system achieves effective respiratory support with reduced power consumption, enabling compact and lightweight design without sacrificing portability.
3Reliability
If face-worn devices are used to deliver positive air pressure, then respiratory support is provided, but mobility is restricted and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blower mechanism from a face-worn configuration and relocates it to a handheld portable unit. This separation allows the patient to hold the device externally rather than wearing it on the face, eliminating restrictions on head movement and improving comfort while maintaining the ability to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the airway through a mouthpiece or nasal interface.
4Device complexity
If portable ventilators are designed with basic functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different respiratory conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of therapy parameters (pressure support level, inspiratory time, flow rate) based on patient response and clinical needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through a control system that processes respiratory sensor data and automatically adjusts blower output, providing versatility for different respiratory conditions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated control algorithms.
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 rapid alleviation of dyspnea symptoms in COPD patients and others, improving exercise capacity and mobility by providing adjustable pressure support therapy in a compact, lightweight, and user-friendly format, reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals and enhancing respiratory management.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generator configured to generate a pressurized flow of breathable gas
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a portable handheld pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject. The pressure support system is configured to treat COPD and/or other patients suffering from dyspnea and/or other conditions. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that a subject may carry the system and use the system as needed without requiring a device to be worn on the face. The present disclosure contemplates that the portable handheld pressure support system may be used to treat symptoms and/or conditions related to dyspnea, and/or for other uses. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, a portable power source, a housing, a handle, and/or other components.