Respiratory Mask Integrated Light Therapy Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and circadian rhythm disorders, lack effective methods to synchronize light therapy with the patient's sleep state and respiratory therapy, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory therapy system that includes a mask with integrated light therapy, where the light is controlled by a processor to adjust intensity and activation based on the patient's sleep state, detected through respiratory characteristics, and synchronized with the therapy duration, using a flow generator to deliver pressurized gas and potentially aroma therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light therapy is administered without synchronization to patient's sleep state and respiratory therapy, then treatment coverage is comprehensive, but treatment efficacy is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light therapy delivery with the existing respiratory therapy system by integrating a light source into the mask assembly. The light source is positioned to illuminate the patient's eyes while the mask seals around the nose and mouth. This merging of functions allows synchronized delivery of both therapies through a single integrated device, improving treatment efficacy while managing system complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect patient sleep state parameters and use this feedback to control the timing and intensity of light therapy delivery. The processor receives sensor data indicating when the patient transitions between sleep states and automatically adjusts light therapy accordingly, ensuring optimal treatment timing without requiring complex manual synchronization.
2Reliability
If light therapy intensity is kept constant, then delivery is simple, but treatment effectiveness varies with patient's sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The light source intensity is made dynamically adjustable based on detected patient sleep state. The system transitions from static constant intensity to dynamic variable intensity, where the processor controls the light source to deliver different intensities at different times during the therapy session. This dynamic adjustment optimizes treatment effectiveness for each sleep state while using automated control to manage the complexity of intensity variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the light intensity parameter in response to detected sleep state transitions. When sensors detect specific sleep state parameters, the processor automatically adjusts the light intensity to appropriate levels for that state, enabling effective treatment across different sleep stages without manual intervention for each parameter change.
3Reliability
If light therapy is delivered independently from respiratory therapy timing, then system operation is simple, but circadian rhythm synchronization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light therapy delivery is merged with the respiratory therapy timing system. The processor that controls respiratory therapy parameters also controls light therapy timing, creating a unified control system. This merging ensures that light therapy is automatically synchronized with both the respiratory therapy schedule and the patient's circadian rhythm without requiring separate coordination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to control respiratory therapy delivery and to control light therapy timing and intensity. This universal control mechanism allows the single processor to manage multiple therapy functions and their synchronization, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise circadian rhythm alignment.
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 system provides personalized and synchronized light and respiratory therapy, improving treatment efficacy for sleep disorders by adjusting light intensity and timing according to the patient's sleep state, enhancing the transition between sleep and awake states.
Implementation Method 1
A therapy light having an off state and an on state may also be included in the system. The therapy light may be in electrical communication with the flow generator, and the flow generator may be configured to switch the light between the off state to the on state
Data Source
AI summary
A system for therapy may include a mask (200) for a patient having a frame, cushion, forehead support and a light (100). The mask is connectable to a respiratory treatment apparatus, such as a flow generator, to receive breathable gas for a respiratory therapy. The light may also be connected to the power system and/or control system of the apparatus. A light may also be included in a module, such as a docking station, for a respiratory treatment apparatus. The lights may be controlled by one or more processors, and may be responsive to detected conditions, to assist with therapy. For example, the light may be turned on at a predetermined time or may be synchronized with the patient's sleep state, to assist in waking up the patient or re-setting the patient's circadian rhythm. Other components, such as sound and aroma generators of the system, may also be controlled for such therapies.