Variable Frequency Breathing Valve for Respiratory Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breathing devices for training and medical use lack the ability to vary the frequency of air flow interruptions during operation, which can lead to user accommodation and reduced effectiveness in improving breathing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A breathing device with a valve mechanism, such as a reed or oscillating valve system, that allows for random variation of air flow interruptions between 5 to 100 Hz, controlled by a mechanically or electrically driven valve, enabling strengthening of respiratory muscles through variable frequency training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed frequency valve mechanism is used in breathing devices, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the breathing training effectiveness deteriorates due to user accommodation and reduced improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing training effectivenessVSAvoidvalve control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed-frequency valve mechanism to a variable-frequency mechanism that can randomly adjust its operating frequency during use. This dynamic adjustment prevents user accommodation and maintains training effectiveness by continuously adapting to the user's breathing patterns, thereby resolving the contradiction between training effectiveness and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by randomly varying the frequency parameter of the valve mechanism during operation. This random frequency variation ensures that users cannot adapt to a fixed rhythm, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of breathing training while managing device complexity through controlled parameter adjustment rather than complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the valve frequency is randomly varied during operation, then breathing training effectiveness is improved by preventing accommodation, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing improvement effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a valve mechanism that can randomly adjust its frequency during operation rather than maintaining a fixed frequency. This dynamic capability prevents user accommodation and maintains training effectiveness. The control system achieves this through relatively simple frequency variation mechanisms rather than complex structural changes, balancing effectiveness improvement with acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a motor-driven rotary valve is used with variable frequency control, then respiratory muscle strengthening is enhanced through random frequency variation, but the device becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory muscle strengtheningVSAvoidmotor control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by randomly varying the frequency parameter of the motor-driven rotary valve during operation. This frequency variation enhances respiratory muscle strengthening by exposing muscles to diverse frequency stimuli, preventing adaptation. The control system achieves this through software-based frequency modulation rather than complex hardware changes, thereby enhancing muscle strength while managing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the valve frequency variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to training needs. This dynamic frequency adjustment maximizes respiratory muscle strengthening effectiveness. The motor control system achieves this through controlled frequency variation mechanisms that balance enhanced training effectiveness with acceptable device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances respiratory muscle strengthening by varying the frequency of air flow interruptions, improving lung capacity and oxygenation, and is suitable for both athletic training and medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

The interruption means is a valve mechanism, such as a reed or other oscillating valve system, with the air passing through the valve mechanism being interrupted by a mechanically or electrically controlled valve mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve mechanism interruption: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a reed or other oscillating valve system, with the air passing through the valve mechanism being interrupted by a mechanically or electrically controlled valve mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating valve vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP1897597B1Randomly interrupted breathing device
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 ACTEGY
  • EP1897597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1897597B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1897597B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatus for randomly varying the breathing resistance applied to human and animal subjects to improve their performance.