Oscillating Respiratory Blower Valve for Compact Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory devices that apply both positive and negative pressure to a patient's airway are often bulky, expensive, and heavy due to additional structural elements like valves, diaphragm pumps, and piezoelectric devices used to produce oscillations, which increases their size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory device with a blower, valve, and motor system that allows for oscillating pressure applications by rotating a valve member through angular displacements, using a stepper motor to adjust frequency and oscillation, and includes a sensor to control pressure and airflow, reducing the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional structural elements (valves, diaphragm pumps, piezoelectric devices) are added to produce oscillations, then oscillating pressure capability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillation generation function with the existing blower and valve system. The valve member oscillates between open and closed positions to create pressure variations, merging the oscillation function into the existing positive pressure delivery components rather than adding separate oscillation-generating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower and valve system performs multiple functions: it delivers positive pressure to the patient's airway and simultaneously generates oscillating pressure variations through the oscillating valve member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated oscillation-generating components, reducing overall device weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional structural elements (valves, diaphragm pumps, piezoelectric devices) are added to produce oscillations, then oscillating pressure capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation generation function is merged into the existing blower and valve assembly. The valve member's oscillating motion between open and closed positions creates pressure variations within the existing housing volume, eliminating the need for additional space-dedicated oscillation-generating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing blower and valve system is made multi-functional by enabling the valve member to oscillate and generate pressure variations. This allows the same structural elements to serve both positive pressure delivery and oscillation generation, optimizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional structural elements (valves, diaphragm pumps, piezoelectric devices) are added to produce oscillations, then oscillating pressure capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oscillation generation function into the existing valve and blower system. The valve member's oscillating motion creates pressure variations without requiring additional expensive components like diaphragm pumps or piezoelectric devices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve and blower system is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering positive pressure and generating oscillations. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and eliminates the need for expensive dedicated oscillation-generating components, lowering overall device cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a valve member is rotatably oscillated to produce oscillations, then oscillating pressure is provided, but valve complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical oscillation mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using a relatively simple oscillating valve member that opens and closes to create pressure variations. The complexity is reduced by using a straightforward valve oscillation mechanism rather than complex diaphragm or piezoelectric systems.
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 provides oscillating positive and negative pressures efficiently while being smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective, with adjustable oscillation frequencies and controlled pressure delivery, enhancing patient comfort and caregiver convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet of the blower may be coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure may be provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface
Implementation Method 2
The inlet of the blower may be coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure may be provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface
Implementation Method 3
The valve member may be rotatably oscillated back and forth through a second angular displacement so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, may be provided to the patient's airway
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position. The valve member is rotatably oscillated back and forth when the valve member is in the first position and when the valve member is in the second position so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, are provided to the patient's airway.