Respiratory Therapy Power Scheduling for Flow Generator Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory treatment devices for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing face challenges in power management, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to simultaneous peak power operations of flow generators and accessory components like heaters and humidifiers.
Innovation Solution
A controller is integrated with the respiratory treatment apparatus to manage power by offsetting peak operations of the flow generator and accessory components, such as heaters, during the inspiratory phase, and interleaving their operations using pulse width modulated signals, prioritizing the flow generator over accessory devices to avoid simultaneous peak power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow generator and accessory components (heaters, humidifiers) operate simultaneously at peak power, then the treatment functionality is complete and comfortable, but the energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by cycling the operation of accessory components (heaters, humidifiers) in alternation with the flow generator during peak power periods. The system uses pulse width modulated signals to periodically activate these components only when power is available, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that prevents simultaneous peak power demands while maintaining overall treatment functionality throughout the treatment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the operation of accessory components conditional and variable based on real-time power availability. The controller dynamically adjusts which components operate at any given moment, shifting operational states between active and standby based on power source capacity, thereby adapting the system's power consumption profile to match available power while preserving essential treatment functions.
2Ease of operation
If accessory components (heaters, humidifiers) are operated continuously, then patient comfort is improved, but power demand increases beyond what limited power sources can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing comfort conditioning (heating, humidification) selectively and locally in time rather than continuously. The controller determines which specific accessory components receive power at any given moment based on available power capacity, ensuring that comfort features are delivered when power is available while preventing aggregate power demand from exceeding source limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by providing comfort conditioning intermittently rather than continuously. The controller delivers heating and humidification in partial cycles aligned with power availability, accepting that comfort will be imperfect or variable but ensuring that power demand remains within sustainable limits of the power source.
3Reliability
If the flow generator prioritizes power consumption, then essential treatment is maintained, but accessory components must be limited or cycled
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that mediates between the flow generator and accessory components. It receives power availability information and intelligently allocates power resources, acting as an intermediary decision-maker that ensures the flow generator receives sufficient power for essential treatment while distributing remaining power to accessory components in a controlled, cycled manner that prevents power overload.
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.