Flexible Patch Voice Interface for Hard Plastic Ventilation Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients wearing hard plastic masks for noninvasive ventilation face communication barriers, as the masks prevent them from speaking effectively, leading to isolation and potential complications due to claustrophobia and the inability to convey vital medical information.
Innovation Solution
A system integrated with a hard plastic mask, featuring a piezoelectric element, electronic filters, and a processor that converts speech vibrations into amplified human voice output, allowing patients to communicate without removing the mask, using a flexible patch with a base, flexible circuit, and a wax paper layer for attachment and interference protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard plastic mask is used for noninvasive ventilation, then the patient's respiratory system receives positive pressure support, but the patient cannot communicate effectively with the outside world
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between the patient and the outside world. The device includes a microphone that detects vibrations through the mask, a processor that converts these vibrations into audio signals, and a speaker that outputs the patient's voice. This intermediary system allows communication to occur through the mask without compromising the mask's sealing and ventilation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical communication method (removing the mask to speak) with an electronic system. Instead of mechanically removing the mask to enable speech, the system uses sensors, processors, and speakers to electronically capture and reproduce the patient's voice through the mask material.
2Loss of information
If the patient removes the mask to communicate, then communication is restored, but the patient faces risk of severe complications
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device serves as a safe intermediary that enables communication without requiring mask removal. The system processes vocal vibrations through the mask material itself, allowing the patient to maintain the seal and receive continuous ventilation support while still being able to communicate with medical staff and family members.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the patient to communicate independently without requiring mask removal or assistance from medical personnel to physically remove or adjust the mask. The patient simply speaks as normal, and the device automatically captures and transmits their voice.
3Loss of information
If a communication board is used for patient communication, then some information can be conveyed, but the communication process is inefficient and unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, mechanical process of pointing at communication board pictures with an electronic voice-based system. Instead of requiring the patient to physically locate and indicate symbols on a board, the system electronically captures and transmits the patient's natural speech, dramatically improving communication speed and naturalness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication from visual-symbol-based (communication board) to acoustic-wave-based (voice). This parameter change allows for much faster and more nuanced communication, as speech can convey complex information continuously rather than requiring sequential selection of discrete symbols.
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
Enables patients to communicate naturally and effectively with medical staff through the mask, improving treatment efficacy by facilitating the transmission of vital information and reducing patient anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element, electronic filters, and a processor that converts speech vibrations into amplified human voice output
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to providing a flexible patch and system for communicating through hard plastic masks such as CPAP/BiPAP® masks. Using electronic circuitry and novel designs, the present systems and methods can detect speech vibrations and output audible speech from hard plastic mask wearers. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods can recognize speech through a CPAP/BiPAP® mask, filter out non-human voice related noise, and output the resulting speech of the mask wearer.