Breathing Mask Sensor Suite for Hypoxia Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for pilots and aircrew, divers, and first responders fail to accurately detect and predict dangerous breathing conditions such as hypoxia, fatigue, and equipment malfunctions, leading to potential health risks and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A portable, non-invasive sensor suite integrated into a breathing mask system that monitors physiological and environmental data to detect changes in breathing gases and physiological states, providing real-time alerts and adjusting oxygen delivery based on individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current monitoring systems are used for pilots and aircrew, then the system structure is simple, but the detection precision of dangerous breathing conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (oxygen saturation sensor, respiratory rate sensor, heart rate sensor, temperature sensor) into an integrated monitoring system that collectively detects dangerous breathing conditions. This merging of multiple detection functions into one system resolves the contradiction by achieving high detection precision through multi-parameter monitoring while managing system complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to detect multiple types of dangerous conditions simultaneously (hypoxia, respiratory distress, cardiac issues, fever) using a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection precision across various breathing and physiological conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each condition.
2Ease of operation
If a portable non-invasive sensor suite is integrated into breathing mask, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor suite is nested within the breathing mask structure, with sensors integrated into the mask's existing components. The oxygen saturation sensor is incorporated into the mask frame, and other sensors are positioned to utilize the mask's structure for optimal detection. This nesting approach improves ease of operation by eliminating separate wearable devices while managing complexity through space-efficient integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing mask is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides respiratory protection and comprehensive physiological monitoring. By integrating multiple sensor functions into the single mask structure, the system achieves ease of operation (one device does everything) while managing complexity through unified design rather than multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and prediction of breathing conditions is implemented, then the reliability of safety detection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, with the processor analyzing sensor data at scheduled times to detect dangerous conditions. This periodic sampling approach maintains reliability of safety detection by regularly monitoring physiological parameters while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated alert generation and threshold comparison functions that operate autonomously without requiring constant external processing. The processor automatically compares sensor readings against predetermined thresholds and generates warnings when conditions become dangerous, enabling the system to maintain high reliability through self-monitoring while minimizing energy-intensive external intervention.
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 effectively detects and predicts dangerous breathing conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and health issues by providing timely warnings and adjusting oxygen delivery to maintain safe breathing levels.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system utilizes an optical sensor having a signal related to a partial pressure of oxygen in a breath sample of the subject, the optical sensor comprising a light source, a glass longpass filter, a surface coated in fluorescent dye, a photodiode, and a conical reflective component adapted to direct light reflected from the surface coated in fluorescent dye to the photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a wearable device for comprehensive bio-monitoring of physiologic metrics to determine metabolic, pulmonary and cardiac function and oxygen saturation measurements from breathing mask apparatuses. The device non-invasively monitors the physiologic profile of the subject, and is capable of detecting physiologic changes, predicting onset of symptoms, and alerting the wearer or another person or system. In some embodiments, the device comprises both a wearable sensor suite and a portable gas composition and flow analysis system. In preferred embodiments, it comprises a miniaturized non-invasive sensor suite for detecting physiologic changes to detect dangerous breathing or other health conditions. The system utilizes advanced fast-response sensors with improved efficiency and lifespan, and provides rapid analysis for substantially real-time monitoring of the subject's present condition to predict, mitigate and/or prevent the onset of dangerous conditions.