PVDF Film Sensor for Simultaneous Respiratory Temperature and Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sleep lab sensors for diagnosing respiratory air temperature and pressure changes are invasive, uncomfortable, and prone to clogging, requiring separate sensors for temperature and pressure measurements, which can cause patient discomfort and are not efficient for simultaneous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A polarized respiratory air temperature and pressure change sensor using two independent polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film transducers in a sandwiched arrangement, allowing for simultaneous detection and separation of temperature and pressure signals, providing a single sensor capable of detecting both nasal and oral respiratory changes, and indicating the polarity of air movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate sensing systems (thermistor/thermocouple for temperature and nasal pressure prong cannula for pressure) are used simultaneously, then both respiratory air temperature and pressure changes can be measured, but the device complexity increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate sensing systems (temperature sensor and pressure sensor) into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor housing contains both the thermistor/thermocouple for temperature measurement and the pressure transducer for pressure measurement, allowing simultaneous measurement of both parameters with one device rather than requiring two separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor serves multiple functions: it measures respiratory air temperature, measures respiratory air pressure changes, and provides polarized output signals indicating inspiration versus expiration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate temperature and pressure monitoring devices
2Measurement precision
If nasal pressure prong cannula is used for pressure measurement, then respiratory air pressure changes can be detected, but the sensor becomes invasive and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical nasal pressure prong cannula system with an electronic pressure transducer that can be integrated into a less invasive sensor design. The pressure changes are detected electronically rather than through mechanical contact with nasal passages, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If separate temperature and pressure sensors are used, then both parameters can be measured independently, but the system requires more components and is prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both temperature and pressure sensing capabilities into a single sensor unit, the patent reduces the total number of separate components that could potentially clog or fail. The unified design minimizes the complexity of having multiple separate sensors while maintaining independent measurement capabilities for both temperature and pressure parameters
4Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used without polarization capability, then temperature and pressure can be measured, but the direction of air flow (inspiration vs. expiration) cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical polarity (analogous to color changes in this context) to encode air flow direction information. The sensor outputs polarized signals where the polarity indicates whether the air flow is inspiration or expiration, allowing the direction of breathing to be distinguished in addition to measuring temperature and pressure changes
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
This solution simplifies the diagnosis of sleep-related disorders by providing a comfortable, non-invasive method for monitoring respiratory air temperature and pressure changes, allowing for accurate graphical representation on a PSG machine, reducing patient discomfort and improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
two independently polarized piezoelectric film sensors
Implementation Method 2
two independently polarized piezoelectric film sensors...one PVDF film transducer more responsive to thermal energy (temperature)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method can be configured to detect respiratory air temperature information and respiratory air pressure information from a patient using a first piezoelectric film and a second piezoelectric film, wherein at least a portion of the second piezoelectric film overlaps at least a portion of the first piezoelectric film. In an example, the first and second piezoelectric films can be sized and shaped to be disposed on an upper lip of a subject. In certain examples, the first piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to nasal respiration, and the second piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to oral respiration.