Lung Aerosol Collection Device Using Venturi Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting samples from the lower respiratory tract are contaminated by upper respiratory materials, making it difficult to accurately diagnose pneumonia and other lung-related conditions, as they require invasive procedures or complex devices.
Innovation Solution
A simple, inexpensive device that separates lower respiratory aerosols from upper airway contaminants using a conduit with a narrowed section and a filter, allowing for effective collection of lower airway material without the need for complex valving or electronic detection, utilizing a Venturi channel to create negative pressure and separate aerosols based on flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sputum specimen is collected from the upper respiratory tract, then the sample collection is simple and non-invasive, but the sample is contaminated with upper respiratory tract organisms making accurate diagnosis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the respiratory tract sampling into two distinct pathways: one for upper respiratory air (collected in chamber 20) and one for lower respiratory aerosols (passed through filter 16). This segmentation allows simple non-invasive collection while achieving accurate diagnosis by separating contaminated from clean samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts and removes upper respiratory contaminants from the sample stream by directing them into chamber 20, while allowing lower respiratory aerosols to pass through filter 16 to the collection medium. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating the harmful contamination while preserving the diagnostic sample.
2Measurement precision
If invasive techniques such as bronchial lavage or alveolar biopsy are used, then accurate detection of lung pathogens is achieved, but the procedures are costly, painful, and carry greater risk to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a mouthpiece and conduit system as an intermediary between the patient's respiratory tract and the collection medium. This simple intermediary structure enables accurate pathogen detection from lower respiratory aerosols without requiring complex invasive procedures like bronchial lavage or biopsy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a disposable collection medium in the filter assembly that can be easily replaced. This approach achieves accurate pathogen detection without the need for expensive, complex, and reusable invasive equipment, resolving the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and procedure complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complex devices with multiple valves and chambers are used to collect lower airway material, then contamination from upper airway material is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the airflow path into distinct zones: upper respiratory air is directed to chamber 20 while lower respiratory aerosols pass through filter 16. This simple segmentation achieves sample purity without requiring complex multi-valve systems, resolving the contradiction between sample quality and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex valves to actively direct airflow, the device inverts the approach by using passive flow dynamics and resistance differences to automatically separate upper and lower respiratory aerosols. This inversion achieves sample purity through simple structural design rather than complex active control.
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
The device is 50-100% effective in separating lower airway aerosols from upper airway material, allowing for accurate diagnosis of pneumonia and other lung conditions without significant contamination, and can be used for multiple breaths without resetting, providing a non-invasive and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
A lower respiratory aerosol sample collection device is provided that is simple, inexpensive, and accurate for the collection of aerosols from the alveoli and bronchioles of the lung while excluding contaminating material from the upper airway. The inventive device functions without the need for complex valving, switching, or actual collection of air from the lower respiratory system.
Implementation Method 2
The breath travels through the conduit which is connected to a shaft that preferably has higher flow resistance than a second open end.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting material from lung aerosols. The device functions by collecting aerosols from the lower airway separated from material in the by collecting air from the upper airway in a chamber that when full causes the remaining exhaled aerosols from the lungs to be captured by a filter. The filter collects sample of material from the separated lung aerosols.