Wearable Oscillating Motor Array With Strap Tension Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory therapy devices for airway clearance, such as high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) systems, lack the ability to adjust force application zones based on individual patient anatomy, leading to suboptimal treatment efficacy, and existing compliance monitoring systems fail to ensure proper usage and effectiveness of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained high frequency chest wall oscillator system with adjustable engine positioning and compliance monitoring features, allowing customizable oscillation force application and real-time feedback to ensure effective treatment and adherence to prescribed regimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HFCWO systems use fixed engine positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment efficacy cannot be optimized for individual patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic engine positioning capabilities where oscillation engines can be moved to different locations on the chest wall. The system includes adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow engines to be repositioned based on individual patient anatomy and treatment requirements, transforming a static device into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillation engine array is divided into multiple independently positionable engine units that can be selectively placed on different zones of the chest wall. This segmentation allows each engine to be independently adjusted to target specific anatomical regions, enabling customized treatment patterns while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If compliance monitoring is not implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates compliance monitoring systems that track and provide feedback on device usage. Sensors detect when the device is worn and activated, and this information is transmitted to healthcare providers to verify treatment compliance. The feedback mechanism includes alerts and reporting features that notify users and providers of treatment status, ensuring reliable treatment delivery.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable components are used, then sanitation between patients is simplified, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into reusable core components (control unit, power source, oscillation engines) and disposable interface components (chest wall interface, sensors). This segmentation allows the expensive, complex mechanical components to be reused across patients while the simpler interface components are discarded, simplifying sanitation while reducing overall waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sensors and interface components that come into direct contact with patients. These low-cost, single-use elements are replaced between patients to maintain sanitation standards, while the expensive, complex oscillation engines and control systems are retained and reused, balancing sanitation requirements with cost efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device system including a wearable harness worn, during use, on a torso of a subject. Engines coupled to the wearable harness apply an oscillation force to at least one treatment area of the subject in order to mobilize at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent to the at least one treatment area. The wearable harness is secured on the subject using one or more straps coupled to the wearable harness. A controller determines a tension force applied by at least one of the straps by receiving measurements of at least one property from a force sensing element (e.g., a force sensor) integrated with the strap. The tension force may also be correlated to forces being applied to the subject by the engines.