Respiratory Interface Degradation Detection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with sleep-related and respiratory disorders face challenges in determining the degree of degradation of user interfaces in respiratory therapy systems, which affects the effectiveness of treatment due to reduced seal and fit issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an electronic interface to receive data and determine the degree of degradation of user interfaces worn during respiratory therapy, using visual and audible indicators, or a combination thereof, to assess the level of degradation and suggest replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the user interface is used over time, then the respiratory therapy system provides continuous treatment, but the user interface degrades and fit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of user interface degradation by collecting sensor data (leakage, pressure, flow) before the degradation becomes critical. This allows proactive detection and replacement scheduling, preventing the seal quality from deteriorating to unacceptable levels while maximizing the usable lifespan of the user interface.
2Reliability
If the user interface is replaced frequently, then the seal quality is maintained, but the cost and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (leakage rate, pressure variations, flow patterns) and provides feedback on the actual degradation state of the user interface. This feedback loop enables determination of the optimal replacement timing based on real condition data rather than fixed schedules, extending replacement intervals while maintaining seal quality above acceptable thresholds.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to assess degradation, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation assessment function is segmented across multiple sensors that monitor different aspects of user interface performance (leakage sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors). Each sensor provides specialized measurement for its specific parameter, and the control system integrates these segmented measurements to form a comprehensive degradation assessment, achieving high measurement precision through functional segmentation rather than using a single complex sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a degree of degradation of a user interface worn by an individual during one or more uses of a respiratory therapy system includes receiving data associated with the user interface. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on the received data, a value of at least one degradation indicator associated with the user interface. The method further includes determining the degree of degradation of the user interface based at least in part on the value of the at least one degradation indicator.