OPEP Device Flow Valve and Therapy Selector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices for respiratory therapy are difficult to adjust, lack durability, and require frequent sterilization, with aesthetics and design issues that diminish their effectiveness and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
An improved OPEP device with a tear-resistant, self-sterilizing flow valve, an adjustable therapy selector with clear indicators, an integrated handle, and a vented dust cap, allowing for easy use and connection to multiple respiratory devices, while preventing partial withdrawal that reduces therapy efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating mouthpiece is used to adjust frequency and pressure, then therapy settings can be changed, but the device becomes difficult to adjust and settings are hard to visualize
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy selector is divided into discrete, segmented position settings rather than a continuous rotating mechanism. Each segment corresponds to a specific therapy level with clear visual indicators, making adjustment intuitive and easily visualizable while maintaining therapy adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators such as colored windows or colored position markers are incorporated to show the current therapy setting. This allows patients to easily visualize and confirm their selected therapy level without complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the therapy selector is made adjustable, then therapy can be customized, but the selector can be partially withdrawn altering device characteristics and reducing efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
A constraint mechanism is built into the therapy selector to prevent partial withdrawal. This preliminary protective measure ensures that once a therapy setting is selected, the selector cannot be partially removed, maintaining consistent and reliable therapy delivery while preserving customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
The therapy selector uses a dynamic locking mechanism that allows easy adjustment to different positions but automatically locks into place, preventing unintended partial withdrawal while maintaining full adjustability for therapy customization.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flow valve is made planar and frictionally fitted, then installation is simple, but the valve is prone to splitting and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The flow valve is constructed from composite materials or reinforced silicone that combines ease of installation with enhanced strength and tear resistance. The material composition provides both the flexibility needed for simple installation and the durability to prevent splitting and tearing during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements or thicker wall sections are built into the flow valve design at stress concentration points before the valve is installed. This preliminary strengthening prevents future splitting and tearing while maintaining the overall simple installation process.
4Reliability
If the device requires frequent sterilization, then hygiene is maintained, but the device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow valve is designed to be self-sterilizing through its material properties or integrated sterilization features, reducing the need for external sterilization processes. This maintains hygiene reliability while simplifying device maintenance and reducing overall sterilization requirements.
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 improved OPEP device provides consistent and effective mucocillary clearance with enhanced patient compliance due to its intuitive design, durability, and reduced need for frequent sterilization, ensuring consistent therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a series of pressure waves (oscillatory vibrations) additionally provide a percussive effect, reducing the viscoelasticity of the mucus
Implementation Method 2
reducing the viscoelasticity of the mucus, and dislodging these secretions from the lungs
Implementation Method 3
a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) is exerted back into the lungs increasing air pressure into the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli. This pressure prevents airway collapse by stenting the airways
Implementation Method 4
the gentle application of a series of pressure waves (oscillatory vibrations) additionally provide a percussive effect, reducing the viscoelasticity of the mucus, and dislodging these secretions from the lungs
Data Source
AI summary
An improved oscillating positive expiratory pressure (“OPEP”) device, for respiratory therapy having a self sterilizing flow valve capable of insertion into the curved OPEP body without tools or aids. The flow valve is also tear resistant and incorporates a flared reinforced proximal end. To maximize the benefit to patients, the adjustable therapy selector is constrained from withdrawal and is dimensioned to accept commercially available, standardized respiratory fittings adaptors, mouthpieces and “Tees” that are capable of connection to multiple respiratory therapy devices or medicated aerosol delivery units. The aesthetics have been altered by the addition of an arced handle.