Swing-Valve OPEP Structure for Easier Cleaning and Secretion Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OPEP devices are bulky and complex, making them difficult to clean and inefficient for loosening respiratory secretions.
Innovation Solution
A compact oscillating positive expiratory pressure device with a swingable oscillating unit and weighting pieces that produce oscillating vibrations during exhalation to loosen tracheal secretions, utilizing the Coanda effect for efficient secretion clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional OPEP device uses a magnet to control expiration resistance, then the therapeutic function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnet component from the conventional OPEP device structure. Instead of using a magnet to control expiration resistance, the invention uses a simple oscillating valve mechanism that opens and closes based on airflow pressure, thereby achieving the therapeutic function without the complex magnetic control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic control mechanism with a purely mechanical oscillating valve system. The valve automatically oscillates between open and closed states in response to airflow pressure changes during exhalation, eliminating the need for magnetic components while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If a conventional OPEP device uses a magnet to control expiration resistance, then the therapeutic function is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the magnet and complex internal control mechanisms, the patent creates a device with fewer internal components and crevices that could trap secretions. The simplified structure allows for easier disassembly and cleaning, addressing the hygiene concerns associated with conventional devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with separable components including the mouthpiece, oscillating valve assembly, and housing. This segmentation allows each component to be easily removed and cleaned independently, improving overall ease of cleaning while maintaining the complete therapeutic function
3Reliability
If a conventional OPEP device is bulky, then it may contain sufficient components for therapy, but it is not easy to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates bulky components such as magnets and complex control mechanisms while retaining the essential therapeutic function through a streamlined oscillating valve design. This reduction in size and component count directly improves ease of cleaning
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 device effectively loosens and expels respiratory secretions through oscillating vibrations, improving secretion clearance efficiency and ease of cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
OPEP therapy uses a conventional OPEP device (such as an Acapella device) to open clogged tracheas and loosen secretions by oscillating vibrations of expiratory air pressure during the expiration of a user
Implementation Method 2
A compact oscillating positive expiratory pressure device with a swingable oscillating unit and weighting pieces that produce oscillating vibrations during exhalation
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device includes a housing, a top cover, and an oscillating unit. The housing includes a bottom wall and a surrounding wall. The bottom wall has an inclined enclosing surface extending downwardly and terminating at an opening. The oscillating unit is swingably connected to and disposed within the housing. The oscillating unit includes a swing member, and first and second weighting pieces. The swing member includes a swing arm, and first and second swing blocks connected to the swing arm. The first weighting piece is carried on the first swing block. The second weighting piece is carried on the second swing block. The swing arm is swingable to move the second swing block to block and unblock the opening.