Compartmentalized Micro-Pump for Compact CPAP Air Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP treatments for sleep apnea are cumbersome and difficult to use due to the need for masks that blow air into the nose, and traditional air compressors are large, loud, expensive, and consume high power.
Innovation Solution
A micro-pump system with a compartmentalized pump chamber and membranes driven by electrical signals, capable of high flow rates and pressures, is used to provide air pressure for CPAP devices and replace traditional air compressors, offering a compact, low-power, and efficient solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional air compressors are used for CPAP devices, then high pressure air delivery is achieved, but the device becomes large, loud, expensive, and high power consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical air compressors with a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based piezoelectric pump. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical energy directly to mechanical motion of the diaphragm, eliminating the need for large mechanical compression components, motors, and associated machinery. This substitution enables high pressure air delivery in a compact, low-power device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from traditional mechanical compression to piezoelectric-driven pneumatic compression. By using the piezoelectric effect to generate high-frequency diaphragm vibrations, the system achieves compression ratios and flow rates suitable for CPAP therapy without requiring large physical dimensions or high power input.
2Reliability
If masks that blow air into the nose are used for CPAP treatment, then airway pressure is maintained, but the treatment becomes cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air delivery system into multiple micro-chambers with individual piezoelectric actuators and flexible walls. This segmentation allows for precise local control of air pressure and flow, enabling the device to adapt to user breathing patterns and provide comfortable, effective treatment while maintaining reliable airway pressure.
3Volume of stationary object
If piezoelectric diaphragm vibration is used to move air, then compact size and low power consumption are achieved, but high flow rates and pressures must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic vibration of the piezoelectric diaphragm at high frequency to move air through the micro-chambers. By oscillating the diaphragm back and forth, the system creates periodic pressure changes that drive continuous air flow. This periodic action allows compact pump dimensions while achieving sufficient flow rates for CPAP therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous air delivery by using multiple micro-chambers that operate in sequence or parallel. While one chamber is in the compression phase, another is in the expansion phase, maintaining continuous airflow output. This continuity of useful action compensates for the small displacement of individual micro-chambers, achieving high overall flow rates.
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 micro-pump system provides a compact, efficient, and comfortable solution for CPAP treatment, reducing the size and power consumption of air delivery systems while maintaining high flow rates and pressures, improving user compliance and reducing the burden of traditional air compressors.
Implementation Method 1
the pump uses a piezoelectric diaphragm, which vibrates up and down when a sine wave voltage is applied, the vibrations force air into the micro-blower and out through a nozzle on the top of the device
Implementation Method 2
configured to be driven by a set of electrical signals applied to the fourth plurality of electrodes to cause the third plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to deflect according to polarities of voltages applied to the fourth plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Discloses is a micro-pump that includes a pump body having a compartmentalized pump chamber, with plural inlet and outlet ports and a plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to provide compartments. The membranes are anchored between opposing walls of the pump body and carry electrodes disposed on opposing surfaces of the membranes and walls of the pump body. Also discloses are applications of the micro-pump including as a heat remover and a self-contained continuous positive airway pressure breathing device.