Respiratory Therapy Humidification and Wireless Sleep Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory disorder treatments face challenges with patient compliance due to discomfort, difficulty of use, high cost, and inefficiencies in medical devices such as masks and air pressure generators, along with inadequate humidification systems.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with integrated wireless communication, improved patient interface designs, and a humidification system that varies thermal engagement based on pressure to enhance comfort and efficiency, along with an integrated data communication interface for improved connectivity and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional masks and air pressure generators are used, then respiratory treatment can be provided, but patient compliance decreases due to discomfort and difficulty of use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a headgear system with adjustable retention members, a mask interface, a humidification system, and a pressure generator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for comfort and function, enabling patients to adjust the headgear and mask for better fit and compliance while maintaining treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates adjustable retention members that can be dynamically modified by the patient to suit different head sizes and shapes. The mask and headgear system allows for dynamic adjustment during use to maintain comfort and proper sealing, thereby improving patient compliance without compromising treatment reliability.
2Reliability
If complex medical devices with multiple features are provided, then treatment functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the headgear provides both structural support and retention, the mask delivers therapy while allowing patient adjustment, and the humidification system enhances comfort. This multi-functionality approach maintains comprehensive treatment capabilities while reducing the need for separate auxiliary devices, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear and mask are combined into an integrated assembly where the retention members are directly coupled to the mask structure. The humidification system is integrated with the air pressure generation system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections, simplifying the overall device while maintaining full treatment functionality.
3Ease of operation
If inadequate humidification systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but patient comfort and treatment efficacy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification system is designed to automatically adjust its operation based on the respiratory therapy parameters. The system self-regulates humidity levels according to the delivered air pressure and flow rate, eliminating the need for manual intervention while enhancing patient comfort through appropriate humidification without adding significant complexity.
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
Enhances patient compliance and treatment efficacy by providing a more comfortable, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for respiratory disorders through improved device connectivity and humidification.
Implementation Method 1
a humidification system that varies thermal engagement based on pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (4000) for use in treating a respiratory disorder, the apparatus comprising: a housing (4010); a pressure generator (4140) within the housing and configured to supply a flow of air; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to the coupled to an air circuit (4170) to deliver the flow of air to a patient interface (3000) for treating a respiratory disorder; a wireless data communication interface (4280) integrated within the housing, the wireless data communication interface configured to connect to another device (4286, 4288) or a network (4282, 4284) to transmit data from the apparatus regarding the patient's previous night's sleep; at least one transducer (4274, 4272) constructed and arranged to measure at least one of a flow rate, a pressure, and a temperature at one or more points in a pneumatic path of the apparatus; a therapy device controller (4240) for controlling the pressure generator; and a central controller (4230) configured to receive an input signal from the at least one transducer, provide an output signal to the wireless data communication interface, and provide an output signal to the therapy device controller.