Pulsating Air Pulse Generator for Respiratory Mucus Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for respiratory mucus clearance, such as chest physiotherapy, are labor-intensive, technique-sensitive, and require assistance, limiting the independence of individuals with conditions like cystic fibrosis, and are not effective for those with reduced mucociliary transport.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an air pulse generator with programmable controls and a thoracic therapy garment that delivers high-frequency thoracic wall oscillations to enhance airway clearance and bronchial drainage, using an air displacer assembly with rigid members to provide consistent air pressure and pulses, allowing for portable and adjustable therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chest physiotherapy methods are used, then mucus clearance can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and requires constant caregiver assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-administered therapy through automated high-frequency chest wall oscillations. The programmable controller automatically delivers predetermined sequences of pressure pulses to the thoracic garment, eliminating the need for manual caregiver intervention while maintaining effective mucus clearance through consistent, reproducible oscillation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical percussion with an automated pneumatic system. The air pulse generator uses controlled air pressure pulses transmitted through the thoracic garment to produce chest wall oscillations, substituting the manual clapping and pounding actions with a programmable mechanical system that delivers consistent therapeutic forces.
2Reliability
If manual chest physiotherapy techniques are applied, then mucus clearance is achieved, but the effectiveness is highly technique-sensitive and degrades as the giver becomes tired
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable controller provides automated feedback control by delivering predetermined sequences of pressure pulses based on pre-set parameters. This ensures consistent oscillation frequency and amplitude throughout the therapy session, eliminating technique variability and fatigue-related degradation that occurs with manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the manual technique-dependent process into a parameter-controlled automated system. The programmable controller regulates air pressure, pulse frequency, and duration as fixed parameters, ensuring reproducible therapeutic effects regardless of operator fatigue or skill variation.
3Reliability
If high-frequency pressure pulses are applied to the thorax, then airway clearance and bronchial drainage are improved, but the device requires portable and adjustable therapy capability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a portable air pulse generator, a removable thoracic garment, and a programmable controller. This segmentation allows the therapy system to be easily transported, stored, and adapted to different patient positions and treatment requirements while maintaining effective high-frequency pressure pulse delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic garment is designed with flexible materials and adjustable fastening systems that adapt to different patient body sizes and positions. The programmable controller allows dynamic adjustment of pressure pulse parameters to optimize therapy for individual patient needs while maintaining portability.
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 effectively promotes mucus clearance and bronchial drainage, improving respiratory function and reducing the need for constant caregiver assistance, enhancing the independence of patients with respiratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A medical device and method to deliver high-frequency thoracic wall oscillations... an air pulse generator with user programmable time, frequency and pressure controls... to subject the thoracic wall of a person to high-frequency oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method coupled to a therapy garment to apply pressure and repetitive compression forces to a body of a person has a positive air pulse generator and a user programmable time, frequency and pressure controller operable to regulate the duration of operation, frequency of the air pulses and a selected air pressure applied to the body of a person. The air pulse generator has rigid displacers that are angularly moved with power transmission assemblies to draw air into the air pulse generator and discharge air pressure pulses to the therapy garment.