Split Motor Respiratory Apparatus Reducing Noise and Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory apparatuses face challenges in integrating a humidifier and blower efficiently, leading to issues with noise, vibration, and the need for separate components that complicate design and maintenance, while also requiring effective humidification to prevent airway drying in patients.

Innovation Solution

A respiratory apparatus with a split motor configuration where the stationary and rotating components are separated, allowing for a compact design with the blower and humidifier integrated within a chamber, using a magnetic impeller driven by electromagnetic coils, and incorporating a spiral flow pathway for enhanced humidification and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a humidifier and blower are integrated within a chamber, then device complexity is reduced and maintenance is simplified, but noise and vibration increase due to closer proximity of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is divided into two separate portions: a stationary portion (stator) and a rotating portion (rotor). This segmentation allows the stationary portion to be positioned away from the air path and electronic components, reducing noise and vibration transmission to the humidified air while maintaining the integrated chamber design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary portion of the motor and electronic components are extracted from the air path region and placed in the base. This removes the primary noise and vibration sources from proximity to the humidifier chamber, allowing integration benefits while mitigating harmful acoustic and vibrational effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If the blower and humidifier are integrated within a chamber, then a compact design is achieved, but electronic components may be exposed to moisture and heat from the humidifier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidelectronic component reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is segmented into stationary and rotating portions, allowing the stationary portion and electronic components to be physically separated from the humidifier chamber. This maintains compact overall design while creating a protective barrier that shields electronics from moisture and heat exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electronic components and the stationary motor portion are extracted from the humidifier chamber environment. This removes them from exposure to moisture and heat generated by the heating element and water tub, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining device compactness through integrated base design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a magnetic impeller is used in the blower, then noise and vibration are reduced compared to traditional mechanical coupling, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical coupling system (shaft, belts, gears) is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based system. The stationary coils generate a magnetic field that directly interacts with the magnet on the impeller, eliminating mechanical contact and associated noise and vibration while requiring precise magnetic component alignment during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration reduces noise and vibration, improves humidification efficiency, and simplifies maintenance by isolating electronic components from the air path, providing a compact and effective solution for delivering pressurized and humidified air to patients.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic impeller driven by electromagnetic coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a water tub having a capacity of several hundred milliliters, a heating element for heating the water in the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a heating element for heating the water in the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10842956B2Respiratory breathing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A respiratory apparatus comprising a base and removable chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to hold a supply of water and include a blower arrangement adapted to provide a supply of pressurized air or gas to the supply of water. In certain embodiments the respiratory apparatus includes a split motor, wherein the stationary components are located within a base and the rotating portions are located within a chamber.