Sleep Respiration Control via Adaptive Odor Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to control respiration during sleep without inducing arousal, particularly in addressing snoring and apnea events.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling respiration by repeatedly dispersing odors during sleep, which can prevent snoring and apnea events without causing arousal, by monitoring physiological characteristics and adjusting the odor dispersion accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong olfactory stimuli are used to control respiration, then respiration control effectiveness improves, but arousal frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying odor concentration levels to find the optimal range that controls respiration without causing arousal. Studies cited in the patent demonstrate that by adjusting the concentration parameter of olfactory stimuli from strong to moderate levels, effective respiration control can be maintained while minimizing harmful arousal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent odor delivery rather than continuous exposure. The system delivers odor stimuli in periodic bursts synchronized with respiratory cycles or apnea events, which maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing cumulative exposure and minimizing arousal frequency compared to continuous strong stimulation.
2Reliability
If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used to treat sleep apnea, then apnea events are reduced, but device complexity and patient compliance difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the complex mechanical CPAP system with a chemical/olfactory-based intervention. Instead of using mechanical pressure delivery systems, pumps, and pressure regulation mechanisms, the patent uses odorant delivery to achieve respiratory control, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical apparatus while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses odorants as intermediary substances to mediate the therapeutic effect. Rather than directly applying mechanical pressure to the airway, the system introduces odorant molecules as intermediaries that trigger physiological respiratory responses, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and improving patient compliance.
3Reliability
If odor dispersion is increased to prevent snoring, then respiration control improves, but the risk of inducing wake-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering odor stimuli at sub-maximal concentrations that are sufficient to trigger respiratory responses and prevent snoring but below the threshold that would cause wake-up. The system uses just-enough odor delivery to achieve the therapeutic effect without excessive stimulation that would disrupt sleep continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring respiratory signals and adjusting odor delivery in real-time. The system detects snoring events or apnea episodes and delivers odor stimuli only when needed, with intensity and duration adjusted based on the detected respiratory state, thereby preventing snoring while avoiding unnecessary stimulation that could cause wake-up.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling respiration during sleep based on the user physiological characteristic. The device includes an odor disperser for dispersing an odor; at least one detector for detecting a physiological characteristic of a user; and a controller for controlling respiration of the user by instructing the odor dispenser to disperse an odor responsive to detections by the at least one detector.