Spirometer Visual Auditory Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spirometers lack effective visual and auditory feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for users to learn and perform spirometer tests correctly, leading to inefficient learning and potential test failures due to incorrect breathing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing containing guiding, outlet, and inlet channels, a main valve, a visual assembly with moveable members and vent holes, and a sound making assembly, which generates visual and auditory feedback to guide users through the breathing process by regulating fluid flow and sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional spirometer uses a screen to display learning instructions, then users can see breathing guidance, but the screen must be turned to face the user which is tedious and the user cannot learn effectively during the actual test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual feedback function from the electronic screen and implements it through physical visual assemblies (transparent plates with moving members) that are integrated into the spirometer's air flow path. This allows visual feedback to be displayed directly in the user's field of view without requiring screen rotation or external monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual assemblies and sound making assemblies as intermediaries between the user's breathing actions and the feedback mechanism. These assemblies convert air flow into visual movements and audible sounds that provide real-time guidance during the test
2Reliability
If a conventional spirometer lacks visual and auditory feedback mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot receive real-time feedback during the test leading to slow and limited learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles to drive the visual and auditory feedback mechanisms. Air flow from the user's breathing directly moves the visual assemblies and activates the sound making assemblies, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, or power sources while maintaining real-time feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanisms are self-powered by the user's own breathing. The air flow generated during the spirometer test automatically activates the visual and auditory feedback without requiring external power sources or complex control systems
3Measurement precision
If a medical professional monitors the screen to know the test result, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the professional must repeatedly explain the test procedure which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual and auditory feedback that guides users through the correct breathing technique during the test. This reduces the need for repeated verbal instructions from the medical professional while maintaining test accuracy through immediate correction of improper breathing patterns
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
Facilitates easier learning and performance of spirometer tests by providing immediate visual and auditory feedback, allowing users to adjust their breathing techniques correctly and improving the learning process.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flowing through the guiding channel, the fluid further flowing to the at least one vent hole through the main valve, the second outlet channel, and the check valve, thereby moving the at least one movable member up and down repeatedly to generate a visual encouraging effect
Implementation Method 2
the fluid reversely flowing through the inlet channel and through the check valve, thereby the fluid flowing through the sound maker to generate a sound encouraging effect
Data Source
AI summary
A device for encouraging and guiding a spirometer user includes a housing, a main valve, a visual assembly, and a sound making assembly. The housing has a guiding channel, a first outlet channel, a second outlet channel, and an inlet channel. The main valve is disposed in a housing communicating with the guiding channel, the first outlet channel, the second outlet channel or the inlet channel and configured to regulate or control fluid flowing paths. The visual assembly includes a check valve in the second outlet channel, and at least one movable member. The sound making assembly includes a check valve and a sound maker. So, it can generate the visual and sound encouraging effects for learning how to use a spirometer correctly.