Portable Tracheal Vibration Device for COPD Gas Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory assisting devices for COPD patients are invasive, uncomfortable, expensive, and ineffective in vibrating both the alveoli and the gas being exchanged, limiting their portability and ability to perform daily tasks.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that vibrates the trachea using a motor and offset weight, with adjustable controls and sensors, to enhance gas exchange by vibrating both the alveoli and the gas being exchanged, allowing patients to perform routine tasks while improving lung function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic vest is used to oscillate the chest, then the alveoli are vibrated to improve gas exchange, but the device requires an air compressor and is not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air compressor) with a mechanical vibration system. The device uses an electric motor with an unbalanced weight to generate vibrations mechanically, eliminating the need for an air compressor and making the device portable while still achieving alveolar vibration for improved gas exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the air compressor component from the system. By using a standalone mechanical vibration generator that can be worn on the body, the device separates the vibration function from the bulky pneumatic system, achieving portability without compromising the gas exchange improvement benefit.
2Reliability
If a pneumatic vest is used to oscillate the chest, then gas exchange is improved, but the device is uncomfortable and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the intrusive pneumatic vest system with a compact mechanical vibration device that can be worn as a small unit on the chest. This substitution eliminates the need for a tight-fitting pneumatic vest while delivering the same therapeutic vibration effect, thereby improving patient comfort.
3Reliability
If oral high-frequency oscillation devices are used, then the gas being exchanged is vibrated, but the device requires a ventilator and mask that are uncomfortable and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vibration function from the complex ventilator system. By using a dedicated mechanical vibration generator that attaches directly to the chest, the device removes the need for a ventilator and mask, eliminating the invasive and uncomfortable aspects while maintaining the gas exchange improvement benefit.
4Reliability
If oral high-frequency oscillation devices are used, then the gas is vibrated, but the device requires compressed air source and motor making it complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the compressed air source and complex motor system from the device. By using a simple electric motor with an unbalanced weight to generate vibrations directly, the system becomes much simpler while still achieving effective gas exchange improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic system with a simple mechanical vibration generator. This substitution dramatically reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for compressed air storage and delivery mechanisms, while maintaining the therapeutic effect.
5Reliability
If tissue surrounding the chest dampens the oscillation, then the oscillation reaches the alveoli, but the effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration directly to the local area of the chest where the alveoli are located. By placing the vibration source in direct contact with the chest wall, the device delivers concentrated vibration energy to the target area, minimizing energy loss to surrounding tissues and improving the effectiveness of alveolar vibration.
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 improves lung function and activity levels in COPD patients by effectively vibrating the trachea and airways, enhancing gas exchange and allowing for increased mobility and comfort during daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating device and control mechanism housed within a front housing may be provided. The wear plate may attach to the front housing and be adapted to transfer vibration to a user's, such as a patient's, anterior neck
Implementation Method 2
Vibration of the alveoli and the gas being exchanged is known to improve gas exchange in the lung
Data Source
AI summary
A lung gas exchange device includes a front housing, at least one strap configured to affix the front housing to an anterior neck of a user, a vibration device positioned within the front housing, a wear plate configured to transfer vibration from the vibration device to the anterior neck of the user, a power source configured to provide power to the vibration device, a power control mechanism configured to allow a user to turn on and off the vibration device; and a central processing unit board connected to the power control mechanism, the power source, and the vibration device.