Pivotable Outlet Port for Comfortable Respiratory Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory therapy devices for conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea are often uncomfortable, difficult to use, and aesthetically unappealing, leading to reduced patient compliance due to poor design and fit, which can impact the effectiveness of treatment.
Innovation Solution
A portable respiratory pressure therapy device with a pivotable outlet port and integrated humidifier, featuring a water reservoir dock and air delivery tube configuration that allows for easy connection and decoupling, providing a comfortable and efficient delivery of pressurized breathable gas, and a patient interface designed to maintain positive pressure at the airways with improved comfort and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid connection is used between the flow generator and air delivery tube, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different patient positions and comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet port is designed to be pivotable relative to the flow generator housing, allowing it to rotate between a first position (aligned with the housing) and a second position (angled relative to the housing). This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different patient positions and comfort requirements while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
2Reliability
If a complex connection mechanism is used between water reservoir and air delivery tube, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct modular components: the water reservoir dock with outlet port, the air delivery tube with connector, and the flow generator. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed for optimal performance while enabling simple attachment and detachment operations. The modular design maintains reliable pneumatic connections through standardized interfaces while facilitating easy operation by patients and caregivers.
3Ease of operation
If a portable design is implemented, then patient comfort and compliance are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated portable unit: the flow generator, water reservoir dock, and control systems are merged into a single portable device. This consolidation eliminates the need for external bulky components, making the system easier to transport and use at home while improving patient compliance. The integrated design manages device complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a pressurised flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient includes a pivotable outlet port structured and arranged to connect to an air delivery tube configured to pass the pressurised flow of breathable gas to a patient interface. The pivotable outlet port is able to pivot about at least one axis.