Self-use Oscillometry Device with Flexible Cheek Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable oscillometry devices require an external operator to hold and operate the device during measurements, limiting their use for self-assessment and making them less adaptable to a user's lifestyle.
Innovation Solution
A self-use oscillometry device with a flexible, deformable user support interface that includes handles or grips, allowing the user to physically support the device while maintaining proper cheek support, enabling hands-free operation and self-assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable oscillometry device is designed to be handheld, then portability is improved, but the user cannot simultaneously support their cheeks with both hands and hold the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional components: a cheek support element that interfaces with the user's face and a handle element that extends from the casing. This segmentation allows the cheek support function to be integrated into the device structure itself, freeing the user's hands from the need to manually support their cheeks while still enabling handheld operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cheek support element and device casing are merged into a single integrated structure. The cheek support element is positioned to contact the user's cheek and mouth floor, while the handle element extends from the same casing, allowing both cheek support and handheld operation to be achieved simultaneously without requiring separate manual support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cheek support structure is used, then cheek support stability is improved, but the device cannot be easily held and operated by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The cheek support element is designed with specific local properties: it contacts the user's cheek and mouth floor at specific locations to provide stable support, while the handle element extends from the casing in a direction that does not interfere with cheek support. This local differentiation allows the device to be both stable during operation and easy to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle element extends from the casing in a direction transverse to the cheek support contact points. This dimensional separation allows the cheek support function to be optimized for stability while the handle provides easy handheld operation, as the two functions operate in different spatial dimensions without interfering with each other.
3Measurement precision
If an independent operator holds the device, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device loses self-assessment capability and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient: the integrated cheek support element provides the necessary support structure built into the device itself, eliminating the need for an independent operator to hold the device. The user can independently perform the measurement by simply placing the device in their mouth and allowing the built-in cheek support to hold it in position, thereby achieving self-assessment capability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An oscillometry device comprises a casing. A user portion forms a conduit entering into the casing, the conduit adapted to receive a breath of a user and, an oscillometry measurement system operatively connected to the conduit in the casing and adapted to produce oscillometry measurement signals from the breath of the user. A user support interface projects from the casing in a common direction with the user portion, the user support interface vertically supporting the oscillometry device relative to a user when the user has his or her mouth on the user portion, the user support interface being made of a flexible deformable material.