Modular Mouthpiece With Directional Valves for Pure Breath Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath analysis devices face challenges in preventing cross-contamination between patients and ensuring effective analyte concentration, particularly in exhaled breath samples, with current solutions being difficult to implement or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular mouthpiece with directional valves and chambers that separate inhalation and exhalation paths, allowing for single-use disposal and optional analyte concentration through breath recycling, while incorporating filters to prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable mouthpiece is used to prevent cross-contamination, then hygiene and safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is designed as a segmented modular structure with distinct components including a mouth-engaging element, housing with apertures, conduit sections, and valve assemblies. Each segment serves a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, making the overall disposable unit more manageable despite its complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The entire mouthpiece assembly is designed as a disposable single-use component that is discarded after one patient use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures between patients. This resolves the contradiction by accepting the complexity of the structure in exchange for simplified hygiene protocols through disposability
2Reliability
If directional valves are incorporated to separate inhalation and exhalation paths, then cross-contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Directional valves are positioned as intermediary components within the conduit system, acting as mediators that automatically direct airflow along predetermined paths based on pressure differentials during inhalation and exhalation. These valves ensure sample purity by preventing mixing of inhalation and exhalation streams without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The directional valves are designed to operate automatically based on the natural pressure changes during breathing cycles, without requiring external control systems. The valves self-regulate airflow direction, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable path separation
3Measurement precision
If a large breath sample is taken to obtain sufficient analyte concentration, then measurement feasibility is improved, but patient comfort and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece design enables continuous breath sampling through the directional valve system that maintains sealed connection between patient and device throughout the breathing cycle. This continuity allows accumulation of sufficient analyte concentration over multiple breaths without requiring the patient to hold their breath or exert unusual effort
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece incorporates dynamic airflow management through directional valves that adapt to the patient's natural breathing pattern. The system dynamically directs exhaled air through analysis paths while maintaining comfortable inhalation flow, enabling adequate sample collection without fixed rigid sampling protocols that would increase patient effort
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 mouthpiece effectively reduces cross-contamination risks and enhances analyte concentration, enabling safe, efficient breath analysis with minimal patient effort and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first directional valve, allowing air into the mouthpiece from atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
a second directional valve housed within the second fluid flow path
Implementation Method 3
a filter is interposed between the first aperture and the mouth-engaging element to filter particulate material out of the inhaled air
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthpiece is disclosed through which a user inhales and exhales when providing an exhaled breath sample. The mouthpiece includes a mouth-engaging element about which a user places their mouth when using the mouthpiece and also a housing having a housing wall. The housing wall defines a first aperture through the housing wall, the first aperture being linked by a conduit defining a first fluid flow path to the mouth-engaging element. Interposed therebetween is a first directional valve, allowing air into the mouthpiece from atmosphere. A second conduit is provided, defining a second fluid flow path from the mouth-engaging element, and directing exhaled air out of a second aperture of the mouthpiece. The second conduit houses a second directional valve housed within the second fluid flow path.