Variable Resistance and Elastance Lung Simulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lung simulators fail to simulate changes in respiratory mechanics during breathing, such as variations in airway resistance and lung elastance, which are essential for modeling respiratory conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Innovation Solution

A variable resistance device with an adjustable iris diaphragm and a variable elastance device with a flexible membrane are introduced, allowing for simulation of time-variations in airway resistance and elastic properties, respectively, to mimic the respiratory system's mechanics during breathing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed resistance devices are used in lung simulators, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to simulate time-variations in airway resistance during breathing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate time-variations in airway resistanceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed resistance elements with variable resistance devices that can change their resistance characteristics over time. Specifically, the use of adjustable orifices and flow resistors that can be modulated during the breathing cycle allows the lung simulator to dynamically replicate the time-varying airway resistance observed in real respiratory systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between simulation fidelity and device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed elastance devices are used in lung simulators, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to simulate time-variations in lung elastic properties during breathing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate time-variations in lung elastanceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed elastance elements with variable elastance devices that can change their elastic properties over time. The use of adjustable compliance chambers and elastance elements that can be modulated during the breathing cycle allows the lung simulator to dynamically replicate the time-varying lung elastic properties observed in real respiratory systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between simulation fidelity and device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If variable resistance and elastance devices are added to lung simulators, then the simulation accuracy of respiratory mechanics is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation accuracy of respiratory mechanicsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing variable resistance and elastance devices with controlled modulation capabilities. These devices can be adjusted to replicate specific respiratory pathologies such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea by varying resistance and elastance parameters throughout the breathing cycle, thereby significantly improving simulation accuracy while maintaining a manageable device structure through systematic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling dynamic adjustment of resistance and elastance parameters in the lung simulator. By modulating these parameters over time to match the physiological variations observed in different respiratory conditions, the system achieves high measurement precision and simulation fidelity. The parameter changes are implemented through controlled variation of orifice sizes, flow resistor values, and compliance chamber characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These devices enable realistic simulation of respiratory conditions by varying resistance and elastance within each breath, improving the functionality of existing lung simulators and providing a more accurate representation of respiratory mechanics for training and research purposes.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable restrictive element disposed within the channel and having an orifice that is adjustable to vary the resistance experienced by air that passes through the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 2

a flexible membrane disposed within the chamber and being shaped to provide an air pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the membrane separating the chamber into first and second sections that are at first and second pressures, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11610513B2Benchtop within-breath dynamic lung simulator

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 NOVARESP TECH INC

AI summary

There is disclosed a simulation system for simulating a respiratory system. The simulation system includes a variable resistance device that provides a variable resistance to the airflow it receives to simulate a variation in resistance for the respiratory system during breathing and a variable elastance device that provides a variable elastance to the airflow it receives to simulate a variation in elastance for the respiratory system during breathing.