Modular CPAP Device With Detachable Humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices with humidifying functions face challenges in portability due to increased size and weight, making them less convenient for use away from home.
Innovation Solution
A modular design comprising a main unit with an air blower and a detachable base unit with a humidifier, allowing the device to be used with or without the humidifier, enhancing portability by enabling attachment and detachment of the humidifier unit based on the user's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a humidifier is added to the CPAP device to provide humidifying function, then the user comfort is improved, but the device size and weight increase, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The CPAP device is divided into two separate units: a main unit containing the air blower and a base unit containing the humidifier. This segmentation allows the humidifier to be detached when not needed, reducing the weight and size of the portable main unit while maintaining the option to have humidifying functionality when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a humidifier is added to the CPAP device to provide humidifying function, then the user comfort is improved, but the device size increases, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The CPAP device is divided into two separate units: a main unit containing the air blower and a base unit containing the humidifier. This segmentation allows the humidifier to be detached when not needed, reducing the volume and size of the portable main unit while maintaining the option to have humidifying functionality when required.
3Reliability
If the CPAP device is designed for continuous daily use including travel, then the reliability is improved, but the portability requirements conflict with the need for complete functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular design where the humidifier can be attached or detached based on usage conditions. This allows the device to adapt between two states: a complete configuration for home use and a reduced configuration for travel, maintaining reliability for continuous use while improving portability when needed.
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 modular design allows for both humidified air delivery at home and high portability when the humidifier unit is detached, ensuring convenient and efficient use of the CPAP device in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower for leading out air led therein from the first lead-in part from the first lead-out part
Implementation Method 2
a humidifier which humidifies air led therein from the second lead-in part
Data Source
AI summary
The CPAP device includes a main unit and a second unit to be attached to or detached from the main unit. The main unit includes a first housing having a first lead-out part, an air blower for leading out air from the first lead-out part, and a first electrical connection part provided on the first housing. The second unit includes a second housing having a second lead-in part and a second lead-out part, a humidifier which humidifies air led therein from the second lead-in part, and a second electrical connection part to be connected to the first electrical connection part. The first lead-out part and the second lead-in part are configured to guide, with a connection between them, the first electrical connection part and the second electrical connection part to a position where they are connectable to each other.