Wearable Oscillation Harness with Contamination Shields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compliance monitoring systems for medical devices, such as those used in respiratory therapies, are inadequate as they only track operational usage time and do not ensure that patients use the devices correctly or prevent cross-contamination between subjects, leading to inefficiencies and potential health risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a wearable harness with oscillation engines and shields to apply oscillation forces to the chest, coupled with a controller to monitor and ensure proper use, while also preventing contamination through shielded compartments and materials that absorb or repel fluids, allowing for dynamic tracking of compliance and effective use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If compliance monitoring systems only track operational usage time, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of actual proper use is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through accelerometers and gyroscopes that continuously monitor oscillation characteristics and provide data to a controller. This feedback loop enables the system to distinguish between proper and improper use by comparing measured parameters against predetermined thresholds, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses the device's own motion sensors and processing capabilities to self-evaluate proper use. The accelerometers and gyroscopes integrated into the device enable it to autonomously detect and report compliance status, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If disposable equipment is used to prevent cross-contamination, then the reliability of preventing cross-contamination is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle to the outer vest that contacts the patient, while the expensive oscillation engines and control electronics are reused. This selective disposability prevents cross-contamination through the vest while minimizing substance loss by preserving valuable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into disposable components (outer vest, barriers) and reusable components (engines, controller, batteries). This segmentation allows the disposable parts to prevent cross-contamination while the reusable parts are protected from contamination through barrier mechanisms, thereby reducing overall substance loss.
3Reliability
If shields and barriers are added to prevent cross-contamination, then the reliability of preventing cross-contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contamination prevention function is extracted into separate shield and barrier components that can be easily attached and removed. This extraction allows the main oscillation system to remain simple while adding contamination protection only where needed, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible barrier films and shields that conform to the patient's body and the device surfaces. These thin film barriers provide effective contamination prevention without adding significant bulk or complexity to the device structure, maintaining ease of use while improving reliability.
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 monitors and ensures proper use of medical devices, preventing cross-contamination and improving patient compliance by dynamically tracking usage and ensuring correct application of oscillation forces, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
materials that absorb or repel fluids
Implementation Method 2
wearable harness with oscillation engines and shields to apply oscillation forces to the chest
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method may include inhibiting contamination of a medical device. The method may include positioning a first shield on a torso of a subject. The first shield may inhibit transmission of solid and fluid contaminants. The method may include positioning a wearable harness of a medical device on a torso of a first subject. The method may include positioning a second shield on a torso of a subject such that the wearable harness is positioned between the first shield and the second shield. The second shield may inhibit transmission of solid and fluid contaminants. The method may include applying an oscillation force to at least one of the treatment areas using at least some of a plurality of engines coupled to the wearable harness. The method may include mobilizing at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent to the treatment areas.