Nasal Patient Interface With Adaptive Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapies, such as CPAP and HFT, often cause discomfort due to nasal dryness and reduced natural nasal cycling, leading to poor patient compliance and inefficiencies in gas delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory treatment system with a flow regulator that directs respiratory gas flow between two headgear tubes based on the patient's head position, mimicking natural nasal cycling and minimizing occlusions, thereby improving comfort and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If respiratory gas is delivered through fixed headgear tubes, then gas flow is maintained, but nasal dryness and discomfort occur due to reduced natural nasal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the headgear tube system adaptive and responsive to patient movements. The tubes are configured to dynamically redirect gas flow based on head position changes, allowing the system to maintain both comfort (by preserving nasal cycling) and reliability (by ensuring consistent gas delivery) simultaneously.
2Reliability
If headgear tubes are made rigid to prevent occlusion, then gas flow is maintained, but patient comfort is reduced due to pressure and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the mechanical properties of different tube sections. The distal portions that contact the patient are made flexible and compliant for comfort, while the proximal portions are more rigid to prevent occlusion and maintain gas flow. This localized variation in tube properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and comfort.
3Productivity
If flow is directed through both headgear tubes simultaneously, then gas delivery is efficient, but occlusions increase when patient moves head to one side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the headgear tube system to automatically adapt its flow distribution in response to patient head movements. When the patient moves their head to one side, the tubes dynamically redirect the majority of gas flow to the opposite side, preventing occlusions while maintaining efficient gas delivery. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a patient interface including: a first flow path configured to be, in use, in flow communication with a first naris of the patient, a second flow path configured to be, in use, in flow communication with a second naris of the patient, and a flow regulator configured to selectively adjust the proportion of the supply of breathable gas that flows from the first flow path to the first naris and from the second flow path to the second naris, wherein the flow regulator comprises a barrier arrangement which selectively limits or prevents the supply of breathable gas flowing from one of the first flow path to the first naris or from the second flow path to the second naris.