Self-Sanitizing PAP Equipment with Controlled Ozone Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices, particularly positive airway pressure (PAP) equipment, require frequent and cumbersome cleaning to prevent bacterial and pathogen growth, with existing sanitizing systems being inconvenient, potentially harmful to components, and difficult to ensure thorough sanitization, especially in humidifier portions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sanitizing gas generator within the PAP system, using ozone as a sanitizing agent, with controlled distribution and operation to sanitize components, including a diffuser under the water level in the humidifier, and a controller to ensure safe and efficient sanitization without simultaneous operation of PAP and sanitizing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning methods are used to sanitize PAP device components, then sanitization can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PAP device automatically performs sanitization of its own components using an integrated ozone generator and circulation system, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by users while ensuring thorough sanitization of all internal surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated chemical sanitization system using ozone gas generation and circulation, which thoroughly sanitizes components without requiring user intervention or manual handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If external sanitizing accessories are added to PAP devices, then sanitization capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitization system is merged with the PAP device by integrating the ozone generator, circulation pump, and control system into the existing device architecture, allowing sanitization functionality to be achieved without adding separate external accessories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PAP device is designed to perform multiple functions including both patient therapy and self-sanitization, with the ozone generation system serving dual purposes of therapeutic gas delivery and disinfection of internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sanitizing gas is circulated through PAP components, then bacterial growth is prevented, but some components may be damaged by the sanitizing gas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene maintenanceVSAvoidcomponent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ozone concentration and circulation parameters are carefully controlled and adjusted based on component sensitivity, with lower concentrations used for ozone-sensitive components and higher concentrations for ozone-resistant materials, optimizing both sanitization effectiveness and component protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If thorough sanitization of all components is achieved, then bacterial growth is prevented, but gas usage and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization completenessVSAvoidgas consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitization system applies different ozone concentrations and circulation patterns to different components based on their specific hygiene requirements and ozone sensitivity, concentrating sanitization effort where most needed while reducing gas usage in less critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Provides efficient, safe, and convenient self-sanitization of PAP equipment, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, minimizing component damage, and ensuring thorough sanitization with reduced gas usage and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

sanitizing gas generator configured to generate a flow of sanitizing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 2

using ozone as a sanitizing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

a diffuser under the water level in the humidifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12357781B2Self-sanitizing medical devices, systems and methods using the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SOCLEAN INC

AI summary

Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing positive airway pressure (PAP) systems are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a PAP delivery system comprising a hose and a PAP mask, a positive pressure supply system configured to generate a flow of pressurized air which is delivered to a user through the hose to the PAP mask of the PAP delivery system, a sanitizing system configured to sanitize one or more components of the self-sanitizing PAP system, and a PAP base unit housing, wherein one or more components of the positive pressure supply system and the sanitizing system are disposed at least partially within the PAP base unit housing.