Optical Filter Coupling Verification for Pressure Support Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure support systems struggle to accurately identify patient interface devices in environments where multiple devices are present, as existing methods like RFID technology fail to distinguish between coupled and uncoupled devices, leading to incorrect device recognition and operational adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure support system that incorporates an optical emitter and detector with a patient interface device featuring an optical filter, which emits and receives filtered light to uniquely identify the device only when coupled, ensuring precise device recognition and enabling seamless switching between interfaces without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID technology is used to identify patient interface devices, then device identification capability is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between coupled and uncoupled devices in multi-device environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source, optical filter, and light detector. The optical filter acts as a mediator that only transmits light when the patient interface device is properly coupled to the mask, creating a physical intermediary condition that must be satisfied for identification to occur. This resolves the contradiction by adding a coupling verification layer between the RFID tag and reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the identification parameter from purely RFID signal presence to optical transmission state. By monitoring whether light can pass through the optical filter (which is only possible when the device is coupled), the system transforms the identification criterion into a parameter that inherently reflects coupling status, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing identification capability.
2Measurement precision
If manual device type entry is required, then device identification can be achieved, but operational efficiency and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service identification where the patient interface device automatically communicates its type information to the pressure support system through the optical coupling mechanism. The device itself provides the identification data without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining accurate device type recognition while dramatically improving ease of operation and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter and light detector are pre-configured in the mask to automatically detect and communicate device type information as soon as the patient interface device is coupled. This preliminary action of automatic detection eliminates the need for subsequent manual entry, maintaining precise device recognition while enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience from the moment of coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patient interface devices are present in the same room, then device availability and versatility are improved, but the ability to identify the correct coupled device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the optical filter and light detector components specific to each mask-device coupling location. Each mask has its own localized optical detection system that only responds to devices coupled to that specific mask, creating spatially distinct identification zones. This allows multiple devices to coexist in the same room while maintaining precise identification accuracy for each coupled pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the identification function into individual mask-specific optical detection units. Each mask independently monitors its own coupled device through dedicated light sources and detectors, dividing the overall identification task into separate, non-interfering segments. This segmentation enables versatile support for multiple devices while preserving accurate identification for each specific coupling.
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 effectively identifies the patient interface device only when it is operatively coupled, preventing recognition of uncoupled devices and allowing for automatic adjustment of operating parameters based on the identified device, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience in multi-device environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical filter is structured to receive the broadband light from the optical emitter through the first light transmitting element and in response thereto output filtered light of a specific frequency or range of frequencies that is associated with the patient interface device
Implementation Method 2
The filtered light is transmitted to the optical detector through the second light transmitting element, the optical detector being structured to detect the specific frequency or range of frequencies
Data Source
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AI summary
An airway pressure support system (2) that includes a pressure generating device (4) structured to produce a flow of gas and a component (8) such as a patient interface device (8) structured to be selectively coupled to the pressure generating device (4), wherein the pressure generating device (4) and the component (8) are structured to enable the component (8) to be to wirelessly identified by the pressure generating device (4) only when the component (8) is coupled to the pressure generating device (4). Also, a method of identifying a component (8) in an airway pressure support system (2) that includes steps of coupling the component (8) to a pressure generating device (4) of the airway pressure support system (2) and enabling the component (8) to be to wirelessly identified by the pressure generating device (4) only when the component (8) is coupled to the pressure generating device.