Respiratory Care Device Steam Cooling and Counter-Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD pose challenges due to airway obstruction, mucus accumulation, and ineffective medication delivery, exacerbated by poor air quality and inflammation, which can lead to complications like pneumonia and cardiac issues.

Innovation Solution

A device with sensors to monitor and control airflow and steam temperature, incorporating counter-pressure breathing and steam inhalation to open airways, making mucus more fluid and easier to clear, while potentially delivering medication deeper into the lungs, and a system for data analysis to optimize respiratory function and wellness training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If steam inhalation is used to moisturize airways and make mucus more fluid, then mucus clearance is improved, but risk of scalding and thermal damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemucus clearanceVSAvoidthermal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device transforms boiling water (100°C) into steam and then cools it to a safe temperature range (40-60°C) before delivery to the user. This parameter transformation maintains the therapeutic benefits of steam inhalation while eliminating the scalding risk associated with direct contact with boiling water or high-temperature steam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system between the steam source and the user's airways. The steam is generated, then passed through a cooling mechanism that reduces its temperature to a safe level, acting as a mediator that preserves the therapeutic effect while removing the harmful thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensors and control systems are added to monitor airflow and temperature, then safety and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor airflow and temperature, feeding this information back to a control system that automatically adjusts steam generation and delivery parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures safe and effective operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If counter-pressure breathing is applied to open airways and improve ventilation, then respiratory function is improved, but user discomfort and difficulty in breathing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverespiratory functionVSAvoidbreathing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements periodic cycles of positive and negative pressure during the breathing cycle. During inhalation, positive pressure helps open airways; during exhalation, negative pressure allows natural relaxation. This periodic application of pressure provides therapeutic benefits while maintaining breathing comfort through natural rhythmic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances mucus clearance, reduces respiratory disease symptoms, and potentially lowers medication consumption by ensuring effective delivery, while improving lung function and overall respiratory health through controlled steam inhalation and data-driven optimization.

Implementation Method 1

a first space of the inner volume is adapted to be filled with liquid, a second space of the inner volume being arranged to receive steam forming in the first space of the inner volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

sensors in connection with an airflow channel to measure airflow and temperature of inhaled airflow and steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11673021B2Device for the care of respiratory wellbeing and for training and the improvement of respiratory function

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 WELLO2 OY

AI summary

A device including a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a body part including an inner volume. A first space of the inner volume is adapted to be filled with liquid and a second space of the inner volume is arranged to receive steam. The device further includes means for conveying a gas flow from the steam space of the inner volume via the first flow channel to the outside of the device during inhalation and means for conveying the exhaled gas flow from the outside of the device via the second flow channel to the first space of the inner volume. The device further includes means for measuring a flow and a temperature of an airflow, and means for adjusting the flow of the airflow mechanically and/or automatically. The present disclosure further relates to a method and a system.