Wearable Thorax Percussion Device with Rigid Actuator Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable thorax percussion devices for cystic fibrosis patients are either cumbersome, constrict breathing, or less effective in transmitting mechanical forces due to reliance on intimate contact and compressible mediums.
Innovation Solution
A wearable thorax percussion device featuring a garment with external rigid elements and electromechanical actuators driven by a magnetic interaction, providing direct and consistent mechanical percussion without the need for a trained therapist, adjustable for different thoracic dimensions, and ergonomically designed for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wearable devices use pneumatic pressure or acoustic waves transmitted through compressible mediums (vest material, gel, fluid), then the device can be worn comfortably, but the transmission of mechanical forces becomes less efficacious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid coupling element as an intermediary between the actuator and the thorax, replacing the compressible vest material as the transmission medium. This rigid element maintains mechanical force transmission efficacy while the vest provides only the wearing interface, resolving the contradiction between comfort and force transmission effectiveness.
2Reliability
If wearable devices rely on intimate contact between the vest and patient's thorax to transmit forces, then mechanical percussion can be delivered, but the patient's normal breathing motions may be constricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into a flexible vest portion (for wearing) and separate rigid coupling elements positioned at specific thoracic locations. This segmentation allows mechanical percussion at discrete points without the continuous constriction of a traditional form-fitting vest, maintaining percussion efficacy while reducing breathing restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest is designed as a flexible garment that does not require form-fitting construction, allowing the thorax to expand and contract freely during breathing. The flexible vest supports the rigid coupling elements without constraining the patient's breathing motions.
3Reliability
If manual CPT is performed by therapists using hands to repeatedly percuss the patient's thorax, then effective mucous dislodgement can be achieved, but the treatment is physically and time demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-administered thorax percussion therapy through wearable actuators that automatically deliver percussive forces. Patients can perform CPT independently without requiring a trained therapist's physical presence, eliminating the physical demand and time commitment for both therapists and patients while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the therapist's manual mechanical percussion with electromechanical actuators that automatically deliver controlled percussive forces. This substitution eliminates the need for therapist intervention, reducing physical demand and allowing treatment to be administered independently.
4Reliability
If rigid elements are attached to the external surface of the garment, then consistent mechanical percussion can be delivered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid elements serve multiple functions: they provide a mounting structure for actuators, maintain consistent coupling between actuators and thorax, and deliver the percussive force itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while ensuring consistent mechanical percussion delivery.
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 offers effective, comfortable, and convenient thorax percussion, maintaining consistent contact and force similar to manual therapy, reducing therapist workload and accommodating various patient sizes, while minimizing breathing constriction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromechanical actuator retained by the at least one rigid element and exhibiting a reciprocating motion when energized with electricity for intermittently percussing the thorax
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable thorax percussion device for dislodging mucous buildup in the airways of a human patient, the device comprising a garment fitting over the thorax, a rigid element attached to the external surface of the garment, an electromechanical actuator retained by the rigid element to intermittently percuss the thorax, and an electronic controller for generating and modulating an electrical signal to energize the actuator. The rigid element may be adjustably positioned on the garment to accommodate thoraxes of different dimensions. The actuator may be compressible between the rigid element and the thorax to better maintain contact with the thorax.