Inductive Tubing for Wireless Pressure Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure support systems face challenges in transmitting information from patient interface devices to controllers without cumbersome hardwired connections, and wireless solutions are undesirable due to bulk and mass considerations for devices worn by patients.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductive tubing with coils between the gas flow generating system and the patient interface device, allowing for inductive coupling of power and signals, which includes a first inductive coil coupled to the processing component and a second inductive coil on the patient interface device, structured within the tubing to transmit power or signals without direct electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used to transmit information from patient interface device to controller, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection system with an inductive coupling system. The inductive tubing contains coils that transmit power and signals wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors while maintaining reliable communication between the patient interface device and controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive tubing acts as an intermediary medium between the patient interface device and controller. It carries both the gas flow and the electromagnetic fields required for power and signal transmission, serving as a unified interface that eliminates direct electrical connections.
2Device complexity
If wireless transmission solutions are implemented, then connection complexity is reduced, but device bulk and mass increase due to batteries and transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive tubing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the gas delivery conduit, the power transmission medium, and the signal communication channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wireless transmission components like batteries and transmitters, reducing overall device mass while maintaining connectivity.
3Reliability
If direct electrical connections are used, then power and signal transmission is reliable, but patient interface device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes direct electrical connections with inductive coupling within the tubing system. This allows power and signals to be transmitted through the gas flow path without requiring additional electrical connectors or wiring in the patient interface device, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining transmission reliability.
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
This solution enables reliable and efficient power and signal transmission between the controller and patient interface device, reducing bulk and enhancing therapy responsiveness by eliminating the need for direct electrical connections, thus improving the reliability and functionality of pressure support systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive tubing includes a third inductive coil coupled thereto and structured to inductively couple power or a signal between the first inductive coil of gas flow generating system and the second inductive coil of the patient interface device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A pressure support system (138) includes a gas flow generating system (112) a patient interface device (140), and a tubing (142). The flow generating system includes a gas source (124), a controller (144), and a first inductive coil. The patient interface device (140) includes a second inductive coil (148) and an input element. The tubing is disposed between the flow generating system and the patient interface device to carry a flow of gas from the gas source o to the patient interface device. The tubing includes a third inductive coil (152) structured to transmit power and/or a signal between the first inductive coil of the pressure support system controller and the second inductive coil of the patient interface device.