Self-Sanitizing PAP Base Unit With Integrated Ozone Generator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices, particularly positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, require inconvenient, messy, and time-consuming cleaning processes due to bacterial growth in humid environments, leading to user resistance and inadequate sanitization.

Innovation Solution

A self-sanitizing PAP system integrates a sanitizing gas generator within the PAP base unit, using ozone as the sanitizing gas, with controllers to regulate operations, ensure safe use, and distribute gas efficiently, eliminating the need for external connectors and reducing pressure requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning methods are used for PAP devices, then users can remove visible dirt and debris, but the process is time-consuming, messy, and difficult to perform thoroughly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidtime required for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated chemical sanitization system. A sanitizing solution is automatically pumped through the PAP device components, and a heating element accelerates the sanitization process, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and rinsing while achieving more thorough sanitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the PAP device to sanitize itself automatically. The device includes integrated components such as pumps, heating elements, and fluid reservoirs that work together to circulate sanitizing solution through the device components without requiring user disassembly or manual intervention, making the cleaning process as convenient as operating the PAP device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the sanitization system directly into the PAP device base unit, combining two separate functions (PAP delivery and sanitization) into a single integrated system. The sanitizing solution reservoir, pump, heating element, and control circuitry are incorporated within the existing device housing, eliminating the need for separate external sanitizing accessories and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PAP device base unit is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering pressurized air to the user, heating and humidifying the air, and sanitizing the device components. This multi-functionality is achieved by incorporating shared components such as the heating element that serves both air heating and solution heating purposes, and the pump that can move both air and sanitizing solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If thorough sanitization is achieved through manual cleaning, then bacterial growth is reduced, but the process requires disassembly and reassembly of components which is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization thoroughnessVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated chemical sanitization system. A sanitizing solution is automatically pumped through the PAP device components, and a heating element accelerates the sanitization process, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and rinsing while achieving more thorough sanitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the PAP device to sanitize itself automatically. The device includes integrated components such as pumps, heating elements, and fluid reservoirs that work together to circulate sanitizing solution through the device components without requiring user disassembly or manual intervention, making the cleaning process as convenient as operating the PAP device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system provides effective, convenient, and thorough sanitization of PAP components, enhancing user confidence and safety by minimizing contamination spread while reducing operational complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

A self-sanitizing PAP system integrates a sanitizing gas generator within the PAP base unit, using ozone as the sanitizing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 2

using ozone as the sanitizing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20250288766A1Self-sanitizing medical devices, systems and methods using the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 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.