Mask-Integrated Micro Pump for Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positive airway pressure apparatuses for treating obstructive sleep apnea are uncomfortable to wear and inconvenient due to their size and the need for a ventilation hose, leading to reduced patient compliance and treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A micro pump is integrated directly into a mask, eliminating the need for a ventilation hose and reducing the apparatus's volume, with a piezoelectric actuating pump providing sufficient air pressure and a processor for pressure regulation and respiratory state analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional vacuum pump and ventilation hose are used to supply positive airway pressure, then the air pressure output is sufficient, but the apparatus volume is large and wearing comfort is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum pump from the external body and integrates it directly into the mask structure. The mask now contains both the pump mechanism and the breathing chamber, eliminating the need for a separate external pump and ventilation hose. This extraction and integration reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining sufficient air pressure output for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vacuum pump, mask, and breathing chamber into a single integrated unit. The pump is positioned within the mask structure, and the breathing chamber is formed by the mask itself rather than requiring a separate external container. This merging of components eliminates the ventilation hose and reduces the number of separate parts, thereby reducing apparatus volume while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a ventilation hose is used to connect the pump to the mask, then air can be supplied to the respiratory tract, but the user must maintain a fixed sleeping posture to prevent hose compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ventilation hose from the system by integrating the pump directly into the mask. Without the hose connecting external components, there is no hose to be compressed or kinked during sleep. This eliminates the constraint on sleeping posture while maintaining continuous air supply to the respiratory tract, as the pump remains positioned within the mask close to the user's airway.
3Power
If the apparatus is worn externally with a ventilation hose, then air pressure can be delivered, but the patient experiences wearing discomfort and cannot wear it all night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and mask into a single integrated unit that can be worn directly on the user's face. This integration eliminates the need for external connections and ventilation hoses that cause discomfort. The unified design allows the apparatus to be worn comfortably throughout the night, improving patient compliance while maintaining effective air pressure delivery to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
4Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is made portable with reduced volume, then comfort and portability are improved, but the air pressure output may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump mechanism from the external body and places it within the mask structure. This relocation allows the air pressure generation component to be positioned closer to the user's airway, improving the efficiency of air delivery. The integrated design maintains sufficient air pressure output while reducing overall apparatus volume, as the pump no longer requires a separate external housing.
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 design enhances comfort and portability, allowing patients to wear the apparatus for longer periods without interrupting treatment, improving sleep quality and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuating pump
Data Source
AI summary
A positive airway pressure apparatus is disclosed and includes a mask, a micro pump and a processor. The mask is fastened on a user's face and is spatially corresponding to an airway opening of the user, so as to form a closed space. The micro pump is assembled with the cover and is in fluid communication with the exterior of the mask. The processor transmits an actuation control signal to the micro pump so as to actuate the micro pump. Consequently, air is transported into the closed space from the exterior of the mask, and a positive pressure airflow is formed and flows into the airway of the user. A pressure sensor is disposed within the closed space to detect the pressure of the closed space, so that the processor can determine the respiratory state of the user and control the air pressure output of the micro pump correspondingly.