Ozone Sanitizing Device for CPAP Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device users face challenges with non-compliance due to the difficulty and time-consuming nature of cleaning and maintaining these devices, especially when traveling, as they require regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and mold buildup, with existing methods being cumbersome and ineffective for sanitization on the go.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-operated ozone sanitizing device that attaches to CPAP devices, featuring a distribution channel and non-permeable bag for sanitizing all components, including the face mask, using ozone gas to effectively disinfect and sanitize CPAP devices between uses, with a built-in timer and safety filter to ensure safe ozone release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used for CPAP devices, then users can clean the components, but the process is time-consuming and difficult, leading to poor compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated ozone generation system. The device uses an ozone generator to produce ozone gas that automatically circulates through the CPAP components, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and rinsing while achieving thorough sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-service by automatically generating ozone, distributing it through the components, and decomposing it back to oxygen without requiring user intervention during the cleaning process. Users simply place components in the device and the system handles the entire sanitization cycle autonomously.
2Reliability
If daily cleaning is performed to prevent bacterial buildup, then hygiene is maintained, but the complexity of cleaning multiple components individually makes it impractical, especially when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated device. The ozone sanitizing device combines ozone generation, gas distribution, component containment, and decomposition into one unit that can sanitize masks, tubing, and other CPAP components simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cleaning steps for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed with universal applicability to handle various CPAP components (masks, tubing, filters) through a single ozone generation process. The system can sanitize different types of components using the same mechanism, making it adaptable to various cleaning needs without requiring separate specialized tools.
3Reliability
If ozone is used for sanitization, then thorough disinfection is achieved, but safety concerns arise regarding ozone exposure to users
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by generating ozone only during the cleaning cycle and ensuring complete decomposition back to oxygen before the user retrieves the components. The timing is controlled so that sanitization occurs when the device is sealed, and the ozone is naturally decomposed within 20-30 minutes, eliminating exposure risk to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ozone gas into a beneficial sanitizing agent that is then naturally decomposed back into harmless oxygen. The system leverages ozone's strong oxidizing properties for effective disinfection, then allows it to naturally decompose, turning a harmful substance into a beneficial cleaning tool that leaves no harmful residue.
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 ozone sanitizing system provides a convenient, efficient, and effective method for sanitizing CPAP devices and their components, enhancing user compliance by ensuring thorough disinfection and reducing bacterial growth, even when users are away from home, with ozone naturally breaking down into oxygen within 20-30 minutes, posing no environmental risk.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone operating system, a distribution line connecting the portable device with an ozone operating system to a CPAP device, to distribute ozone generated in the ozone operating system
Implementation Method 2
ozone naturally breaking down into oxygen within 20-30 minutes, posing no environmental risk
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally related to an apparatus and method for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and device that attach to a CPAP device and sanitizes all of the parts of the CPAP device, including the inner areas of the hose, reservoir and face mask most prone for bacteria buildup. The device has an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distributes ozone to a CPAP device and a non-permeable bag for sanitizing a CPAP mask.