Micro-fan Damping Elements for Respiratory Device Noise and Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory assistance devices, or medical ventilators, face challenges in easy assembly, maintenance, and ensuring a good gas seal and secure hold of the micro-blower within the casing, leading to inadequate acoustic performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates flexible damping elements made of elastomeric materials, such as silicone, to provide a fluid seal and secure the micro-blower in place, simplifying assembly and reducing the need for additional support, while maintaining a rigid frame and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid support structures are used to secure the micro-blower in the casing, then the micro-blower is firmly held in position, but the acoustic noise is attenuated poorly and the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible damping elements made of elastomeric material to replace rigid support structures. These flexible elements secure the micro-blower while providing acoustic attenuation, resolving the contradiction between firm positioning and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by using elastomeric material with specific damping properties. This transforms the rigid support into a compliant element that simultaneously provides mechanical support and acoustic attenuation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components and rigid supports are used to secure the micro-blower, then the micro-blower is firmly positioned, but the assembly and maintenance become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the damping elements: they provide mechanical support, acoustic attenuation, and gas sealing simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are designed to perform multiple functions: securing the micro-blower, attenuating noise, providing gas sealing, and absorbing shocks. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to maintain the micro-blower position, then the micro-blower is securely held, but gas tightness defects may occur and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic, flexible damping elements instead of rigid supports. These elements can deform elastically to accommodate slight position variations and maintain gas tightness while securing the micro-blower, and their flexibility facilitates easier maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric damping elements provide compliant support that maintains gas tightness through flexible sealing contact, preventing gas leakage while allowing for easier assembly and maintenance compared to rigid structures.
4Reliability
If additional sealing components are added to ensure gas tightness, then gas sealing is improved, but the device architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the structural support function in the damping elements. The elastomeric material provides gas sealing through its flexible contact surfaces while simultaneously providing mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are designed as multi-functional components that provide mechanical support, acoustic attenuation, and gas sealing simultaneously. This universal design reduces architecture complexity while ensuring reliable gas sealing.
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 solution facilitates easy and cost-effective assembly, ensures a secure gas seal, and effectively attenuates noise and shocks, improving the overall performance and reliability of the ventilator.
Implementation Method 1
damping elements made of flexible material, that is to say flexible and/or elastically deformable
Implementation Method 2
flexible and/or elastically deformable
Implementation Method 3
ensuring a fluid seal between them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a respiratory assistance device comprising a housing (14) comprising a micro-blower (1) comprising an electric motor (2) with a rotating shaft (3), arranged in a casing (4), the shaft (3) carrying at least one impeller (5) housed in an internal compartment (6) located in a volute (7), said internal compartment (6) comprising a gas inlet (9) and a gas outlet (10), the gas outlet (10) being in fluidic communication with a gas outlet duct (11). A first damping element (12) made of flexible material, arranged around and in contact with the housing (4) of the motor (2) ensuring fluidic sealing between them, and a second damping element (13) made of flexible material, arranged around and in contact with the outlet duct (11) ensuring fluidic sealing between them.The second damping element (13) rests on the first damping element (12) ensuring a fluidic seal between them, and the micro-blower (1) is held in a fixed position in the housing (14) by said first and second damping elements (12, 13).