Plenum Chamber Valves for Comfortable Respiratory Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy devices and patient interfaces are uncomfortable, difficult to use, and lead to reduced patient compliance due to issues such as pressure sensitivity, noise, and poor fit, which can disrupt sleep and therapy effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a plenum chamber and valves that adjust pressure based on predetermined thresholds and sleep detection, along with methods for gradual pressure increase and sleep position monitoring, to enhance comfort and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full treatment pressure is supplied to the patient interface, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and difficulty in falling asleep increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by supplying air at a reduced pressure before the patient falls asleep, then transitions to full treatment pressure after sleep is detected. This preliminary reduced-pressure phase prepares the patient for therapy without causing discomfort, while the subsequent full-pressure phase ensures therapy effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure supplied to the patient interface based on the detected sleep state. When the patient is awake, reduced pressure is supplied for comfort; when asleep, full treatment pressure is supplied for effectiveness. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between comfort and therapy effectiveness.
2Reliability
If pressure is increased to treatment level, then CO2 washout is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining reduced pressure during the patient's awake period, then increases to full pressure after sleep detection. This timing ensures CO2 washout requirements are met at full pressure while minimizing discomfort during the transition phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleep detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that mediates between the conflicting requirements of CO2 washout (needing high pressure) and patient comfort (preferring low pressure). Based on the sleep state detected, the system intelligently selects the appropriate pressure level.
3Speed
If pressure changes are made quickly, then transition to therapy pressure is faster, but patient discomfort and sleep disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing reduced pressure before sleep, then transitions to full pressure after sleep detection. This timing allows for a controlled transition that balances speed with comfort, avoiding sudden pressure changes that would disrupt sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sleep detection to determine when to transition pressure levels. This periodic monitoring ensures that pressure changes occur at appropriate times (when asleep) rather than during wakeful periods, maintaining both speed and comfort.
4Reliability
If valves are designed for adequate CO2 washout, then minimum pressure is maintained, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the detected sleep state. During wakeful periods, valves maintain minimum opening for adequate CO2 washout at reduced pressure. When asleep, valves adjust to allow full treatment pressure while maintaining comfort. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between washout adequacy and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter based on sleep state detection. During wakefulness, reduced pressure with adequate CO2 washout is maintained. When asleep, full treatment pressure is applied. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by applying different pressure levels appropriate to different physiological states.
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
Improves patient comfort and compliance by reducing pressure sensitivity and noise, allowing for smoother transitions to therapy pressure, and optimizing therapy delivery based on sleep state and position.
Implementation Method 1
the or each valve member is biased away from the seat portion and is configured to close when a pressure within the plenum chamber exceeds a predetermined valve closing pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A patient interface comprises a plenum chamber and a valve, or a plurality of valves. Each valve is in fluid communication with the plenum chamber. Each valve comprises a valve member and a valve seat portion. The valve member is biased away from the seat portion and is configured to close when a pressure within the plenum chamber exceeds a predetermined valve closing pressure.