Modular Pulmonary Treatment System with Venturi Air Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulmonary treatment devices are inefficient, wasteful, provide non-uniform medication delivery, are expensive, and difficult to use, especially for patients with respiratory conditions, due to issues with aerosol particle deposition and medication synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A modular pulmonary treatment system with interchangeable parts that allows for different operating modes, including gas delivery and aerosolized medication delivery, featuring a patient interface device with inhalation and exhalation valves, a heat moisture exchange (HME) unit, and a venturi device for air entrainment, enabling precise control of medication and gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for different pulmonary treatments (MDI, DPI, SVN, LVN), then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple pieces of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface device is designed with multiple valve assemblies (primary inhalation valve, secondary inhalation valve, exhalation valve) and interchangeable adapter components that enable a single device to perform multiple pulmonary treatment functions including MDI, DPI, SVN, and LVN operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each treatment type
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates modular adapter components that can be interchangeably attached to the main body, allowing different treatment modalities to be integrated through separate but compatible modules, maintaining functional optimization while reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If aerosolized medication is delivered without proper synchronization with patient inhalation, then the delivery system is simpler to operate, but medication deposition efficiency decreases and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs valve assemblies that respond to patient respiratory efforts by detecting pressure changes during inhalation and exhalation, automatically opening and closing to synchronize medication delivery with patient breathing cycles, ensuring efficient deposition without requiring manual synchronization by the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The primary and secondary inhalation valves are designed to automatically activate in response to patient inhalation efforts, with the valves opening when negative pressure is detected during inhalation and closing during exhalation, allowing the system to self-regulate medication delivery timing based on patient breathing patterns
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pulmonary treatment device supports multiple operating modes (gas delivery, aerosolized medication delivery), then the device versatility improves and cost decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface device integrates multiple valve assemblies and adapter interfaces that enable a single device to support various treatment modes including gas delivery, aerosolized medication delivery via MDI, DPI, and SVN, providing comprehensive versatility without requiring multiple separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses interchangeable adapter components that can be attached to the main body to enable different treatment modalities, allowing the core device structure to remain relatively simple while functionality is expanded through modular additions
4Quantity of substance
If DPI delivers larger powder doses, then the therapeutic effect increases, but cough provocation occurs and device performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The DPI mechanism incorporates a capsule structure that segments and controls powder release, allowing measured doses to be prepared and delivered in a controlled manner that prevents excessive dosing and associated coughing while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
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 system improves medication delivery efficiency, reduces waste, provides uniform concentration, is cost-effective, and simplifies use by allowing multiple treatment modes with a single device, enhancing patient care for respiratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi device for air entrainment
Implementation Method 2
an exhalation valve member that is configured to vent exhaled air when open
Implementation Method 3
a primary valve member that moves between open and closed positions... a secondary valve member that moves between open and closed positions
Implementation Method 4
a heat moisture exchange (HME) unit
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface system for delivering a gas to a patient includes a patient interface device that includes at least one inhalation valve and at least one exhalation valve. The system also includes a venturi device that has at least one port for connection to a gas source. The venturi device has at least one primary air entrainment window and at least one secondary air entrainment window which is downstream of the at least one primary air entrainment window. The inhalation valve is disposed between: (1) the main body and (2) the primary and secondary air entrainment windows of the venturi device. At least one of the primary air entrainment window and secondary air entrainment window includes a means for closing the respective window, thereby changing a degree at which the respective window is open and changing a flow rate of the air flowing through the respective window.