Vibratory PEP Device Sensor for Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with respiratory impairments often neglect to use respiratory therapy apparatus regularly, making it difficult for clinicians to determine if condition deterioration is due to non-compliance or other factors, as there is no effective way to maintain a record of usage, especially when used at home.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory therapy apparatus equipped with a sensor, such as an accelerometer or piezoelectric element, that monitors and records the oscillatory movement caused by breathing, providing parameters on usage duration and quality, which can be stored and displayed to users and clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If respiratory therapy apparatus is used regularly at prescribed intervals, then therapeutic benefit is maintained, but patient compliance deteriorates due to difficulty in tracking usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by equipping the respiratory therapy apparatus with sensors that automatically detect and record usage parameters (breathing rate, depth, duration). This feedback is then provided to both patients and clinicians, enabling patients to monitor their own compliance and allowing clinicians to verify actual usage patterns, thereby improving both reliability of therapy and ease of operation through automated tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs self-monitoring and self-recording of usage data without requiring external intervention. The sensor system automatically detects breathing patterns and stores compliance information internally, enabling the device to serve itself in tracking usage, which reduces the burden on patients and eliminates the need for manual recording
2Loss of information
If manual recording of usage is implemented, then compliance tracking is possible, but complexity of record-keeping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical record-keeping with an automated electronic sensing and data storage system. Sensors detect breathing parameters and convert them into digital signals that are automatically stored in memory, eliminating the need for manual writing or logging. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation reduces record-keeping complexity while ensuring accurate retention of usage information
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates automated digital copies of usage data through sensor detection and electronic storage. Instead of requiring physical manual records, the system generates and stores digital replicas of breathing pattern information, which can be easily retrieved and analyzed without adding complexity to the user interface
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
Enables users to track compliance and clinicians to assess if condition deterioration is due to non-use, allowing timely interventions and ensuring maximum therapeutic benefit.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a beam including a piezoelectric element, the beam being supported at one end such that vibration transmitted through the structure causes the beam to flex and produces a change of output from the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
the sensor (20) includes an accelerometer (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A vibratory PEP respiratory therapy device (100) includes a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the apparatus. An accelerometer (20) including a piezoelectric beam (22) supported at one end (23) is mounted on the outside of the housing (2) of the device to respond to vibration transmitted though the housing caused by oscillating movement of the rocker arm (12). The output of the accelerometer (20) is supplied to a circuit (28), (29) that determines when the device (100) is used and the duration and quality of use of the device.