HFCWO Device Mode Selection for Respiratory Ailment Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy systems lack the ability to differentiate and tailor pressure pulse settings for various respiratory ailments, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and neuromuscular conditions, which can affect treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A HFCWO apparatus with a control panel that allows users to select between different modes for specific respiratory ailments, adjusting baseline pressures, frequencies, and time limits, using an air pulse generator and circuitry to deliver customized pressure pulses to the chest, with optional display screens for user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single mode with fixed baseline pressure range is used in HFCWO therapy systems, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different respiratory ailments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different respiratory ailmentsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multiple selectable modes (first mode and second mode) with different baseline pressure ranges, allowing the device to dynamically adapt its parameters based on the specific respiratory condition being treated. The control panel enables users to switch between modes, making the device flexible and adaptable to various ailments such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and neuromuscular conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters (baseline pressure ranges) based on the treatment mode selected. The first mode provides a first range of selectable baseline pressures optimized for certain respiratory conditions, while the second mode provides a second range of selectable baseline pressures optimized for different conditions, thereby achieving adaptability through parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modes with different baseline pressure ranges are provided for different respiratory ailments, then the adaptability to various conditions is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity in selecting and managing different settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different respiratory ailmentsVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is pre-configured with distinct modes that have pre-determined baseline pressure ranges appropriate for different respiratory conditions. Users can directly select from these pre-configured modes without needing to manually adjust multiple individual parameters, which simplifies the operation while maintaining adaptability to various ailments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operational parameters are segmented into distinct modes, where each mode encapsulates a specific set of baseline pressure ranges tailored for particular respiratory conditions. This segmentation allows users to select a mode based on the patient's condition rather than navigating through numerous individual parameter adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the baseline pressure range is optimized for one respiratory condition, then the treatment efficacy for that condition is improved, but the versatility to treat other conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidversatility to treat different conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The HFCWO therapy system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple modes, each optimized for different respiratory conditions. The first mode with its specific baseline pressure range is optimized for certain conditions, while the second mode with different baseline pressure ranges is optimized for other conditions, allowing a single device to effectively treat multiple respiratory ailments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3782597B1Disease-based configurations in a high-frequency chest wall oscillation device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 HILL ROM SERVICES INC
  • EP3782597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A high frequency chest wall oscillation apparatus includes an air pulse generator carried by a housing. Circuitry is carried by the housing and configured to control the air pulse generator. A control panel is carried by the housing and coupled to the circuitry. The control panel permits a user to select first and second respiratory ailments to be treated by application of pressure pulses from the air pulse generator to a chest of a patient.