Inhalation Training System Acoustic Feedback Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with respiratory conditions often misuse inhalers due to incorrect inhalation techniques, leading to reduced therapeutic effects and increased side effects, making repeated training and feedback essential but challenging with existing inhalation training systems.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation training system that includes a mechanical converter apparatus converting air flow into an acoustic signal, which is evaluated by a separate electronic device for providing feedback, and a holding apparatus to securely position the device, allowing for effective, comfortable, and reliable practice without the need for constant realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate electronic device is used to detect the acoustic signal from the converter apparatus, then the system structure becomes simpler and more economical, but the device requires precise alignment and positioning which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holding apparatus as an intermediary component that mechanically couples the electronic device to the converter apparatus. This holding apparatus includes a holding body with a detection unit that positions the electronic device's detector at a predetermined distance from the converter apparatus, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining the benefits of a separate electronic device structure.
2Device complexity
If the electronic device is held manually during inhalation training, then the system remains simple, but the patient cannot comfortably practice for extended periods and repeated re-alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into distinct functional modules: a holding apparatus that provides stable positioning, a converter apparatus that generates the acoustic signal, and a separate electronic device that detects and processes the signal. The holding apparatus can be detached and replaced, allowing the stable positioning function to be separated from the training duration requirement, enabling comfortable extended practice sessions.
3Ease of operation
If the electronic device is permanently attached to the converter apparatus, then alignment is maintained, but the system loses flexibility and adaptability for different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be attached to and detached from both the converter apparatus and the electronic device. The holding body can be positioned at different locations along the air flow path, and the electronic device can be replaced with different models or types, providing adaptability while maintaining proper alignment through the predetermined detection unit positioning.
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 simple, durable, and economical inhalation training with electronic feedback, improving patient adherence to optimal inhalation techniques and increasing the effectiveness of inhaled drugs while being easy to use and expandable.
Implementation Method 1
a converter apparatus which converts an air flow which occurs in an inhalation process of a patient into an acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation training system and a method for practicing of an inhalation process and a method of operating a portable communications device in this respect and to an information storage medium are improved. An air flow during inhalation is converted into an acoustic signal, especially a whistling tone. The acoustic signal is picked up by a microphone of a portable communications device, such as a smartphone, and is electronically evaluated. The inhalation training system has a mouthpiece and a converter apparatus for converting the air flow into the acoustic signal and in addition has a holding apparatus for especially detachable holding of the communications device.