Pneumatic Valve Control for Cough Assistance Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cough assistance devices face limitations in controlling air pressure during insufflation and exsufflation phases, with energy consumption issues and bulkiness hindering portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gas insufflation and exsufflation device featuring a powered turbine with a system of pneumatic valves and solenoid control means for precise phase control, enabling rapid switching between insufflation and exsufflation, reduced energy consumption, and a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If solenoid valves are used for phase switching, then rapid switching between insufflation and exsufflation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and battery capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical solenoid valves with a purely pneumatic valve control system. The turbine's own exhaust air is used to actuate pneumatic valves through pressure differential, eliminating the need for electrical solenoid actuators. This substitution reduces energy consumption while maintaining rapid phase switching capability, as the pneumatic system responds quickly to pressure changes without electrical inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own exhaust air to control the valve timing. The turbine exhaust pressure automatically actuates the pneumatic valves to switch between insufflation and exsufflation phases, making the control system self-regulating without external energy input. The exhaust air serves dual purposes: therapeutic function and control actuation.
2Device complexity
If constant turbine speed is maintained, then device simplicity is preserved, but air pressure control during insufflation and exsufflation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure differential to control valve timing and airflow direction. The turbine exhaust pressure itself is used to actuate the pneumatic valves, creating a self-regulating system that automatically adjusts airflow phases based on pressure conditions. This pneumatic control mechanism enables precise pressure control during both insufflation and exsufflation without requiring complex electronic speed regulation of the turbine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different airflow phases (insufflation and exsufflation) using pneumatic valve actuation. The valves respond dynamically to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the timing and duration of each phase. This dynamic valve control enables precise pressure management throughout the respiratory support cycle while the turbine maintains constant rotational speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pneumatic valves are used instead of solenoid valves, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine exhaust air serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides therapeutic airflow to the patient and acts as the control medium for actuating the pneumatic valves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems, reducing overall device complexity despite using pneumatic valves. The same gas stream performs both treatment and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic valve system acts as an intermediary that translates turbine exhaust pressure into controlled airflow phases. Rather than directly using electrical signals to control airflow, the system uses pneumatic pressure as an intermediate control medium. This intermediary approach simplifies the control architecture by using the system's own operating parameters (exhaust pressure) to regulate its own behavior.
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 device achieves precise control of air pressure and flow phases, reduces energy consumption, and enhances portability by minimizing size and weight, improving treatment efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a fourth pneumatic valves arranged on the exhaust line, the first pneumatic valve controlling a fluidic connection of the exhaust line with the atmosphere and the fourth pneumatic valve controlling a fluidic connection of the common gas supply line with the exhaust line
Implementation Method 2
a motorized turbine comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet... an insufflation line fluidly connected to the gas outlet of the turbine, an exsufflation line fluidly tuned to the gas inlet of the turbine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas insufflation and exsufflation device (10), i.e., a cough assistance device comprising a motorized turbine (1), insufflation lines (4) and exsufflation lines (5), a common line (6) fluidically connected to said insufflation lines (4) and exsufflation lines (5), and control means for operating the turbine (1). According to the invention, the device (10) comprises two pairs of pneumatic valves controlling the fluidic communication of the exsufflation line (5) or exsufflation line with the atmosphere and, furthermore, of the common gas supply line (6) with the exsufflation line (5) or with the insufflation line (4); and pneumatic control means (7, 8), such as solenoid valves controlled by the pilot means, pneumatically controlling said pneumatic valves (11, 12, 13, 14).Such a device can be used to treat people suffering from respiratory disorders requiring assistance in clearing pulmonary secretions.