Respiratory Mask Non-Contact Optical Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy systems face challenges in accurately collecting data for sleep-related and respiratory disorders without disrupting the user's sleep or treatment, as traditional sensors can be intrusive and interfere with ongoing therapies.
Innovation Solution
A user interface for respiratory therapy systems featuring a strap assembly, frame, and non-contact sensors positioned to abut target areas on the user, allowing for data collection without direct contact and minimizing disruption during sleep or treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to collect data, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors interrupt the user's sleep or treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensors with non-contact optical sensors (such as TOF sensors and photodetectors) that use light to detect physiological parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between sensors and the user's body, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding disruption to sleep or treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the user's body. The optical sensors emit light that interacts with physiological features (such as blood flow or tissue properties) and detects changes in the reflected or transmitted light, enabling indirect measurement without physical contact.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned to contact the user for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the user's comfort and sleep quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with non-contact optical sensing systems positioned in the user interface mask. These sensors use optical fields instead of physical contact to detect physiological parameters, eliminating pressure points and discomfort while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional contact-based measurement approach to a three-dimensional optical field-based approach. The sensors are positioned in the mask structure and utilize light propagation through space to interact with physiological features, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement process without requiring direct contact.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and flow rate sensors are positioned within the housing, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the main device housing and integrates it into the user interface mask. By positioning optical sensors in the mask rather than within the compressor housing, the system eliminates the need for complex internal sensor mounting structures while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface mask serves multiple functions: it delivers pressurized air to the user and simultaneously houses the optical sensors for physiological monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates the sensing system into an existing component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface of a respiratory therapy system includes a strap assembly, a frame, a connector, and a sensor. The strap assembly is positioned about a head of a user when the user wears the user interface. The frame is physically and electrically connected to the strap assembly, and defines an aperture. The connector has a first end portion and second end portion. The first end portion of the connector can be positioned within the aperture of the frame such that the connector is physically and electrically connected to the frame. The sensor is coupled to the strap assembly or the frame such that the sensor abuts a target area of the user when the user wears the user interface.