Wearable Oscillation Harness With Strap Tension Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compliance monitoring systems for medical devices, such as high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy, are inadequate as they only track operational usage time and cannot determine if the device is used correctly or effectively, leading to potential misuse or underuse, and lack dynamic tracking and monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable high frequency chest wall oscillation system with adjustable engine positioning and a control unit that allows for customizable treatment protocols, including frequency and amplitude settings, and includes compliance monitoring features using sensors to ensure proper usage and data collection for patient feedback and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional compliance monitoring systems only track operational usage time, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot determine if the device is used correctly or effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect strap tension and provide real-time data to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor not just usage time but also proper device application, allowing the controller to provide alerts or warnings when compliance criteria are not met, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual compliance verification with electronic sensing and data processing systems. Sensors electronically detect strap tension and transmit data to a controller that automatically analyzes compliance, substituting mechanical/manual monitoring methods with automated electronic systems to improve accuracy while managing complexity through integration
2Reliability
If no dynamic tracking and monitoring capabilities are implemented, then the device is easier to operate, but patient compliance and proper usage cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors and controllers that automatically track compliance data without requiring active patient involvement. The device self-verifies proper usage through strap tension detection and automatically records compliance information, eliminating the need for manual patient reporting while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback is provided to patients through alerts or warnings when compliance criteria are not met, encouraging proper usage without requiring complex patient intervention. The system automatically monitors and communicates compliance status, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
3Measurement precision
If strap tension sensing elements are integrated into the wearable system, then proper device application can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap tension sensing elements are merged with the wearable harness structure itself, integrating the sensing function into the existing straps rather than adding separate external monitoring devices. This integration approach detects proper device application while minimizing additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The straps serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the wearable device and simultaneously act as sensing elements for detecting proper application through tension measurement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining structural and sensing roles in a single component
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device system is disclosed that includes a wearable harness (900) worn, during use, on a torso of a subject. Engines coupled to the wearable harness (900) may apply an oscillation force to at least one treatment area of the subject in order to mobilize at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent to the at least one treatment area. The wearable harness (900) may be secured on the subject using one or more straps (120) coupled to the wearable harness (900). A controller (650) may determine a tension force applied by at least one of the straps (120) by receiving measurements of at least one property from a force sensing element (e.g., a force sensor) integrated with the strap (120). The tension force may also be correlated to forces being applied to the subject by the engines.