Respiratory Pressure Therapy Blower Isolation for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory therapies, such as CPAP and NIV, face challenges with patient compliance due to discomfort, difficulty of use, aesthetics, noise, and inefficiency, while RPT devices suffer from noise, size, and ease of use issues, and medical humidifiers lack specialized requirements for comfort and efficacy.

Innovation Solution

The development of an RPT device with noise-reducing features, including a blower rotation limitation structure, flexible connectors, and a compact design, along with a patient interface that enhances comfort and stability, and a humidifier that provides optimal air humidity, combined with data management for improved compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If RPT devices use traditional blower designs, then air delivery function is achieved, but noise output increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise outputVSAvoidair delivery function

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible connector as an intermediary element between the blower and the patient interface. This flexible connector serves multiple functions: it transmits pressurized air while simultaneously acting as a vibration isolator and acoustic dampener. The flexible material and construction of the connector absorb and attenuate noise and vibrations generated by the blower, thereby reducing noise output while maintaining reliable air delivery function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible connector made of elastomeric material that connects the blower to the patient interface. This flexible component serves as both a functional air conduit and a noise-reducing element. The flexibility and elasticity of the material allow it to dampen mechanical vibrations and reduce acoustic noise transmission while maintaining the integrity of the air delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of moving object

If RPT devices are made compact, then portability improves, but ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the RPT device into separable modules: a compact blower unit and a patient interface that can be connected or disconnected. The flexible connector enables this modular design, allowing the device to be compact during storage and transport, yet easily assembled and disassembled for use. This segmentation improves both portability and ease of operation by allowing simple connection and disconnection of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible connector provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the device to transition between compact stored state and expanded operational state. The flexibility of the connector enables easy manipulation and connection during use, while allowing the device to be compact when not in use, thus improving both portability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If patient interface forms tight seal, then therapy effectiveness improves, but comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a soft, compliant seal-forming portion made of elastomeric material that can adapt to different patient facial contours. The material properties (softness, elasticity) are optimized to provide adequate sealing for therapy effectiveness while minimizing discomfort. The compliant nature of the material allows it to form an effective seal without excessive pressure, thus improving comfort while maintaining therapy effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If RPT device includes all therapeutic functions, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic function rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an air conduit, a vibration isolator, a noise dampener, and a mechanical coupling element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining versatility in therapeutic functions while reducing overall device complexity. The patient interface also integrates multiple functions including sealing, venting, and humidification in a single integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260061150A1Respiratory pressure therapy device

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder comprising a housing, a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure, a flexible connector electrically and physically connected to the blower; and a blower rotation limitation structure configured to reduce rotation of the blower during use. The apparatus may comprise first and second blower suspensions for holding opposite ends of the blower. The blower suspension(s) may be flexible and in tension. The apparatus may comprise one or more connector anchors for anchoring a longitudinal middle section of the flexible connector to another part of the apparatus.