Head-Mounted CPAP Flow Generator Without Tube Drag Leaks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CPAP systems are bulky, cumbersome, and difficult to use, leading to leaks, discomfort, and reduced treatment efficacy due to tube drag and the need for a power source, making them inconvenient for travel and daily use.
Innovation Solution
A CPAP system integrated into a single wearable device with a compact flow generator and integrated mask, eliminating the air delivery tube and incorporating a rechargeable power supply, designed for anthropometric fit and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long air delivery tube is used to connect the flow generator to the patient interface, then the patient can move more freely, but the tube exerts drag force on the patient interface which disrupts the seal and causes leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the air delivery tube from the system entirely. The flow generator is integrated directly with the patient interface components, eliminating the tube that causes drag force and seal disruption. This extraction of the problematic element resolves the contradiction by maintaining patient mobility while preventing leaks through direct integration rather than tubular connection.
2Ease of operation
If the flow generator and patient interface are integrated into a single wearable device, then patient mobility and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow generator, patient interface, and power supply into a single integrated wearable device. This combining of previously separate components creates a unified system that improves patient mobility and comfort while managing complexity through integrated design rather than multiple separate components requiring coordination.
3Volume of moving object
If the flow generator is made compact for portability, then the device becomes more portable and easier to travel with, but the power requirements and noise levels may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the flow generator design to achieve compact dimensions while controlling power consumption and noise levels. By optimizing parameters such as motor efficiency, impeller geometry, and operating pressure, the system maintains portability without sacrificing energy efficiency or generating excessive noise.
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 patient comfort and mobility, reduces leaks, and allows for portable use away from home, providing effective treatment with improved ease of use and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
a flow generator, including for example an air blower, that generates a flow of pressurized breathable gas
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable flow generator is configured to deliver a flow of breathable gas at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to a patient interface in communication with an entrance to a patient's airways including at least an entrance of the patient's nares, while the patient is sleeping, to ameliorate sleep disordered breathing. The flow generator includes a motor, an impeller assembly and housing that encases the motor and the impeller assembly. The housing is configured to be mounted on the patient's head and comprises an inlet to receive the flow of breathable gas and a pair of opposing outlets to deliver the flow of breathable gas. In addition, the impeller assembly is configured to pressurize the flow of breathable gas received from the inlet, and the housing is configured to convey the pressurized flow of breathable gas through both outlets.