In-Exsufflation Therapy Auto-Adjustment via Flow Rate Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-exsufflation systems require manual adjustment of pressure and time parameters, which can be inefficient and less effective in expelling airway secretions, as they typically involve a single exsufflation event and lack automated control over pressure waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressure generator, sensors, and processors that modulate gas pressure between multiple levels to generate a percussive pressure waveform during respiratory phases, monitoring flow rate responsiveness and adjusting parameters to enhance effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of pressure and time parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy effectiveness and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts pressure waveform parameters based on real-time flow rate sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The processor monitors flow rate responsiveness and autonomously optimizes pressure levels, frequency, and waveform shape to maximize secretion expulsion effectiveness while maintaining simplified operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow rate sensor provides real-time feedback on the subject's respiratory flow, which the processor uses to dynamically adjust pressure waveform parameters. This closed-loop feedback system continuously optimizes therapy effectiveness by responding to actual respiratory responses, improving productivity while keeping the interface simple for users.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of pressure and time parameters is used, then ease of operation is improved, but therapy effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting pressure waveform parameters based on real-time flow rate feedback. This eliminates the need for users to manually tune complex parameters while ensuring reliable and effective secretion expulsion through automated adaptation to individual respiratory responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pressure waveform parameters (pressure level, frequency, duration, shape) based on real-time flow rate measurements. This automatic parameter optimization ensures reliable therapy effectiveness without requiring users to understand or manually adjust multiple parameters, maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a single exsufflation event is used, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy effectiveness and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers multiple periodic exsufflation events during each respiratory cycle rather than a single event. The pressure generator applies repeated pressure pulses with optimized timing and frequency, increasing the cumulative effectiveness of secretion expulsion while the automated control keeps device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous therapeutic action by delivering multiple exsufflation events throughout the respiratory phase rather than a single discrete event. This continuous application of optimized pressure waveforms maximizes secretion expulsion productivity while the automated system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple events.
4Productivity
If automated pressure waveform control is implemented, then productivity and therapy effectiveness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system uses real-time flow rate sensor feedback to control pressure waveform parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the processor to automatically optimize therapy effectiveness and productivity by adapting to individual respiratory responses, while the feedback-based control architecture manages system complexity through a straightforward sensor-processor-actuator loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization of pressure waveform parameters using automated algorithms that process flow rate data and adjust therapy delivery without user intervention. This self-service capability maximizes secretion expulsion productivity while containing device complexity through integrated automated control rather than requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
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
Automated control of in-exsufflation pressure waveforms enhances the efficiency of secretion expulsion by dynamically adjusting parameters based on flow rate responsiveness, improving the effectiveness of the therapy without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
causing the pressure generator to modulate a gas pressure within a respiratory phase between two or more pressure levels to generate a percussive pressure waveform
Implementation Method 2
generating output signals conveying information related to one or more gas parameters of the flow of breathable gas with the one or more sensors
Implementation Method 3
monitoring the responsiveness of a flow rate of the flow of breathable gas to the modulations in pressure during the respiratory phase
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a method and system configured to in-exsufflate a subject by controlling the in-exsufflation pressure waveform. In some embodiments, the system comprises a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components. The system is configured to assist the subject to loosen and/or expel secretions by inducing a percussive pressure waveform delivered to the subject during inhalation and/or exhalation. The system is configured to control the in-exsufflation therapy delivered to the subject without requiring regular manual setting and/or adjustment of pressures, pressure amplitudes, a frequency range, and/or other parameters of the percussive pressure waveform.