Percussive Ventilation Driver Unit Using Solenoid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current percussive ventilation devices for lung treatment are costly, power-inefficient, noisy, and require frequent maintenance due to the use of pneumatic air interrupter valves, which suffer from pressure loss and damping effects through hoses, and lack effective low-cost, low-power alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a Driver Unit that supplies constant pressure gas to a Patient Interface Device with a reusable gas interrupter valve and a disposable sliding venturi system, reducing complexity and bulk, enabling battery-powered operation and lower maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic air interrupter valve is used in the Driver Unit to supply high-frequency air pulses, then the percussive therapy effect is improved, but the device becomes large, noisy, power-inefficient, and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic air interrupter valve with an electronic solenoid-operated valve system. The solenoid valve is controlled by a microprocessor that generates pulse signals to open and close the valve, converting mechanical pneumatic control to electronic control. This substitution reduces device size, noise, and power consumption while maintaining the high-frequency pulse generation capability needed for effective percussive therapy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the valve system by using a microprocessor to precisely control the valve opening and closing timing, frequency, and duration. The system can vary pulse frequency (e.g., 5-20 Hz) and duty cycle dynamically, allowing effective percussive therapy at lower pressures and reducing the need for high-pressure air supply, thereby减小ing device complexity and power requirements
2Reliability
If high pressure (up to 40psi) is used to reliably provide high-frequency percussive effect through pneumatic valve, then the therapy efficacy is improved, but the device becomes noisy and power-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed action instead of continuous high-pressure flow. The microprocessor-controlled solenoid valve opens briefly to deliver high-frequency air pulses (e.g., 5-20 Hz) and then closes, allowing the air column to oscillate naturally. This periodic delivery achieves effective percussive therapy with much lower average power consumption compared to continuous high-pressure flow, as the valve only needs to overcome air resistance during brief pulse intervals rather than maintaining constant high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse frequency, duration, and pressure based on therapeutic requirements and patient response. The microprocessor can vary the duty cycle and frequency in real-time, allowing the system to achieve effective treatment at lower average pressures while maintaining high peak pressures only when needed for pulse generation, thereby improving power efficiency
3Ease of operation
If an air interrupter valve is used to generate percussive ventilation, then the therapy function is achieved, but the valve suffers from wear and requires expensive maintenance due to millions of cycles of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable patient interface device containing the air interrupter valve, which is replaced after a single use or limited number of uses. This eliminates the need for expensive maintenance and repair of the valve in the permanent Driver Unit, as the disposable unit absorbs the wear from millions of valve cycles. The reusable Driver Unit contains only the durable solenoid control system, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs
4Reliability
If a sliding venturi mechanism is used to enhance percussive effect, then the therapy efficacy is improved, but the system requires high working pressure (up to 40psi) which increases bulk and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the patient's own airway as an intermediary to generate the venturi effect. Instead of requiring a mechanical sliding venturi mechanism driven by high pressure, the system delivers pulsed air flow that creates negative pressure in the patient's airway during the pulse decay phase. This natural venturi effect at the patient interface enhances the percussive effect on mucus without requiring high working pressures in the device, reducing bulk and noise
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 provides effective, continuous high-frequency percussive therapy with reduced noise and power consumption, facilitating convenient transport and lowering manufacturing and service costs while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi valve configured to receive the pulsed and pressurized gas stream from the gas interrupter valve, transform the pulsed and pressurized gas into a sub-tidal volume of pulsed and pressurized gas, and deliver the sub-tidal volume of pulsed and pressurized gas to the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for providing percussive ventilation therapy to a patient airway preferably includes at least one driver unit configured to provide pressurized, non-pulsate gas. At least one patient interface device preferably has structure configured to (i) receive the pressurized, non-pulsate gas from the at least one driver unit and transform it into a pulsed and pressurized gas, and (ii) supply at least one sub tidal volume of pulsed and pressurized gas to a patient through a patient connection orifice. At least one flexible tube is preferably configured to provide pressurized, non-pulsate gas from the at least one driver unit to the at least one patient interface device. Preferably, at least one portion of the patient interface device is disposable, and another portion may be reusable. Preferably, the invention uses Adaptive Dynamic Subtidal Ventilation technology.