Respiratory Hose Attachment via Compressed Insertion and Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic devices for respiratory passages require significant manual dexterity to exchange the hose, posing a challenge for patients with restricted finger mobility or low dexterity, and are not easily cleaned or sterilized.
Innovation Solution
The device features a hose with a smaller circumference at one end that can be compressed to fit into a pipe section without stretching, held by a preload force and form-locked connection, using bulges and grooves for a lamellar seal, and modular passage duct branches with valves for alternating airflow directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hose is made from elastic polymer and drawn onto the nozzle, then the hose can be securely attached to the mouthpiece, but exchanging the hose requires significant manual dexterity and is complicated for patients with restricted finger mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the mouthpiece with integrated passage duct and the hose are designed as distinct modules that can be easily connected and disconnected. The hose features a free end that can be inserted into and removed from the passage duct without requiring complex manipulation, enabling patients with limited dexterity to exchange components independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose is designed to be inserted into and nested within the passage duct of the mouthpiece. The free end of the hose fits inside the passage duct, creating a compact integrated assembly during use while allowing easy separation when needed. This nested configuration secures the hose during operation but simplifies exchange procedures.
2Reliability
If the hose is expanded and slid onto the nozzle, then the hose can be attached to the mouthpiece, but the expansion and sliding process is time-consuming and requires manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is pre-formed with a free end having specific dimensional characteristics (circumference and width relationships) that enable direct insertion into the passage duct without requiring expansion or stretching during the attachment process. The hose geometry is prepared in advance during manufacturing to facilitate quick, tool-free connection by simply inserting the free end into the passage duct.
3Reliability
If the hose is held by preload force after insertion, then the hose remains securely in position, but the insertion process requires compressing the hose which may be difficult for patients with low manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The hose geometry is designed with specific parameter relationships: the circumference of the free end is smaller than or equal to the passage duct circumference, while the width of the long side is larger than the passage duct diameter. This parameter configuration allows the hose to be inserted by slight compression and then automatically expand to engage with the passage duct walls, creating secure contact and preload force without requiring significant manual compression effort from the patient.
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
Enables easy hose replacement and maintenance by patients with limited dexterity, while ensuring effective sealing and vibration for respiratory training, and facilitating user-friendly cleaning and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
the hose is held in the passage duct by a preload force after having been inserted... the hose attempts to return to its initial shape as a result of its elastic properties
Implementation Method 2
the long sides are pressed against the passage duct due to the condition of tension
Implementation Method 3
one or more bulges to be arranged on the first free end of the hose, on the side facing the passage duct. The bulges protrude outwardly from the hose and seal the air gap between the hose and the passage duct
Data Source
AI summary
In a therapeutic device for respiratory passages (1) for the treatment of respiratory problems, comprising at least one pipe section (3) which has at least one passage duct (4) through which air (5) can be inhaled or exhaled and at least one elastic hose (8) with its first free end (9) arranged on one free end on one of the pipe sections (3) and which can vibrate during inhalation or exhalation in one flow direction (6) because of the throughflow, the hose (8) should be able to be exchanged in a straightforward and uncomplicated procedure even by people with restricted finger mobility or manual dexterity.This task is achieved in that the circumference of the first free end (9) of the hose (8) is smaller than or equal to the circumference of the passage duct (4) of the free end of the pipe section (3), that the width (b) of one of the long sides (14) of the first free end (9) of the hose (8) is larger than the width or diameter (d) of the passage duct (4), that areas of the hose (8) can be inserted into the passage duct (4) by compressing the long side (14) and that the hose (8) is held in the passage duct (4) by a preload force after having been inserted.