Pneumatic Vibration Control for Respiratory Support Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support surfaces for therapeutic vibrational therapy in patients with respiratory ailments are cumbersome due to extensive mechanical and electro-mechanical components, and lack efficient control over vibratory action frequency and deflation.
Innovation Solution
A vibration and modulation system utilizing a high-pressure reservoir and a multi-position valve to control air flow to an array of air cells, enabling precise control over vibratory action frequency and rapid deflation through a vacuum source, integrated into a support surface for effective percussion and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive mechanical and electro-mechanical components (valves, motors, lever arms, cams, large diaphragms) are used to generate vibratory action, then the vibratory therapy can be provided, but the device complexity increases and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical components (motors, lever arms, cams, large diaphragms) from the system and replaces them with a simplified pneumatic control system using only valves and air cells, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining vibratory therapy capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration generation system with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air cells and valve control to produce vibratory action, eliminating the need for motors, cams, and mechanical linkages
2Ease of operation
If conventional valve systems are used to control air flow to air cells, then basic vibration can be achieved, but the control precision over vibratory frequency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors and regulates air flow to the air cells, enabling precise control over the vibratory frequency by adjusting the timing and duration of air cell inflation and deflation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a programmable control system that can dynamically adjust the timing sequences of multiple air cells to achieve precise control over vibratory frequency and patterns, moving beyond fixed mechanical valve timing
3Productivity
If conventional deflation systems are used, then air cells can be deflated, but the deflation speed is insufficient for rapid therapeutic cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes restrictions on deflation speed by using dedicated exhaust pathways and vacuum capability, allowing air cells to deflate rapidly without being limited by conventional one-way valve constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum source to actively extract air from the air cells during deflation, enabling rapid volume reduction and faster therapeutic cycle completion
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 efficient and controlled vibratory action with reduced mechanical complexity, allowing for higher frequency and pressure vibratory action, and rapid deflation of air cells, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for respiratory patients.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source
Implementation Method 2
A size of the high-pressure reservoir is preferably determined based on a total volume of air required to inflate the air cell array to a minimum pressure
Implementation Method 3
at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve
Implementation Method 4
The evacuation structure may additionally include a vacuum source coupled with the vent
Implementation Method 5
enables quick deflation of the air cell array
Implementation Method 6
Vibration, for example, provides approximately 1 to 7 beats per second, while percussion typically provides 7 to 25 beats per second
Implementation Method 7
Percussors and vibrators are known to stimulate the expectoration of mucous from the lungs
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration and modulation system is provided for an array of air cells. The vibration and modulation system includes an air source, a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source, and at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve to effect a vibratory action in the array of air cells.