Wearable Oscillation Harness With Disposable Shields For Respiratory Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory therapy systems for patients with conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis face challenges in effectively clearing airway secretions, monitoring compliance with treatment regimens, and preventing cross-contamination between users, particularly in home-based rehabilitation settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wearable harness with adjustable oscillation engines and shields to inhibit contamination, along with a controller for monitoring effective use, ensures proper secretion mobilization and compliance tracking while preventing cross-contamination through impermeable and antimicrobial materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wearable harness with oscillation engines is reused across multiple patients, then productivity and cost-effectiveness improve, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wearable harness into separable components: a reusable outer harness and disposable inner liners/shields. This segmentation allows the main structure to be reused while the contamination-prone parts are discarded after single use, resolving the contradiction between productivity and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements disposable inner liners and shields that are discarded after single use. These low-cost, single-use components protect the expensive reusable oscillation engines and harness structure from contamination, enabling device reuse while eliminating cross-contamination risks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shields and disposable components are added to prevent contamination, then cross-contamination risk decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is segmented into modular components (outer harness, inner liners, shields) that can be independently assembled and disposed of. This modular approach manages complexity by making each component simple while the system as a whole achieves contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable inner liners and shields serve multiple functions: they protect against cross-contamination, provide a barrier during oscillation therapy, and can be easily attached/detached. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If compliance monitoring is implemented, then treatment efficacy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides feedback to the patient about their compliance with the treatment regimen. This feedback mechanism motivates patients to follow the prescribed therapy schedule, improving treatment efficacy without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance monitoring system is integrated into the device itself, allowing it to automatically track and report usage data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment or manual tracking, managing complexity while maintaining 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 mobilizes airway secretions, tracks patient compliance, and reduces cross-contamination risks, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety in home-based settings.
Implementation Method 1
High frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) creates high velocity, low amplitude oscillation energy when applied through a vest worn over the thorax
Implementation Method 2
A first shield may be positioned on a torso of a subject. The first shield may inhibit transmission of contaminants through the first shield
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
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, during use, 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.