Respiratory Interface Vent Adaptor With Membrane Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory therapy devices, such as CPAP machines and masks, face challenges in comfort, ease of use, and compliance due to issues like poor fit, noise, and complexity, particularly for patients with respiratory disorders like sleep apnea, leading to reduced effectiveness and patient adherence.
Innovation Solution
The development of a patient interface with a moulded perimeter shape complementary to the wearer's face, a vent system with a membrane that dynamically adjusts vent flow to maintain constant pressure, and a positioning and stabilising structure for secure fit, along with a simplified design for easy use and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient interface with a moulded perimeter shape is used to improve fit and comfort, then patient compliance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface incorporates a membrane that dynamically adjusts vent flow in response to pressure changes. The membrane moves between a first position (allowing maximum vent flow) and a second position (restricting vent flow) based on the pressure differential across it, enabling automatic adaptation to patient breathing patterns without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vent flow parameter dynamically by utilizing the membrane's position-dependent flow characteristics. At low pressures, the membrane allows maximum flow; at high pressures, it restricts flow. This parameter change is achieved through the physical movement of the membrane rather than active control, simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If a vent system with membrane is used to maintain constant pressure, then therapeutic effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane-based vent system is self-regulating and requires no external power source, control electronics, or active components. The membrane automatically responds to pressure changes by changing its position and flow characteristics, making the system self-service and highly reliable for maintaining therapeutic pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the patient interface. It mediates the pressure differential by physically moving to balance forces, thereby maintaining constant therapeutic pressure without requiring complex control systems
3Productivity
If multiple orifices are used to discharge gas to atmosphere, then venting efficiency improves, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent system divides the gas discharge function across multiple orifices rather than using a single large opening. This segmentation allows gas to be discharged through several smaller pathways simultaneously, improving overall venting efficiency while reducing the noise generated by any single orifice
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
Improves patient compliance and comfort by providing a secure, efficient, and easy-to-use respiratory therapy solution that maintains therapeutic pressure while reducing noise and complexity, enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is elastically deformable due to pressure within the pressurized volume to apportion the vent flow between the at least one first orifice and the at least one second orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A vent system for use during respiratory therapy with a flow of pressurized gas may provide a continuous vent flow of gas. The vent system may include a vent housing having an outer wall; an inner wall, the inner wall defining an inlet for the flow of gas; and a base positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall, the base having at least one first orifice and at least one second orifice. The vent system may include a membrane, the membrane being shaped and dimensioned such that the membrane does not cover the at least one first orifice to allow the vent flow through the at least one first orifice, and the membrane being shaped and dimensioned such that in a first position the membrane is positioned over the at least one second orifice to allow the vent flow through the at least one second orifice.