CN120303038A - Respiratory device and method for controlling an airflow unit of a respiratory device - Google Patents

Abstract

A respiratory device includes an airflow unit configured to provide a respiratory airflow; a respiratory interface fluidly connected to the airflow unit; at least one pressure sensor configured to generate at least one signal; and a controller communicatively connected to the airflow unit and the at least one pressure sensor. The respiratory interface is configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user. The respiratory interface includes a respiratory inlet configured to receive the respiratory airflow from the airflow unit. The at least one pressure sensor is disposed at the respiratory inlet. The controller is configured to: determine a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal; determine a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure; and control the airflow unit based on the target airflow rate so that the airflow unit provides the respiratory airflow at the target airflow rate.

Description

Breathing apparatus and method for controlling an airflow unit of a breathing apparatus

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a respiratory apparatus comprising an airflow unit and a method for controlling the airflow unit of the respiratory apparatus.

Background

Breathing apparatus are commonly used to provide breathing air to workers in dirty or contaminated work environments where dust, smoke or gas is known or present a risk of potentially dangerous or harmful to the health of the workers. Breathing air is provided to the breathing zone of the staff (the area around the nose and mouth, called the oronasal area) via a breathing interface. The breathing air is provided by an air unit. The flow of breathable air supplied at the breathing interface is based on the breathing air provided by the air unit.

Generally, the air unit is controlled by a control unit that uses complex methods and algorithms to maintain positive pressure at the respiratory interface relative to ambient pressure. In some applications, the air unit must rapidly increase the flow of breathable air to maintain a positive pressure at the respiratory interface relative to ambient pressure. In some cases, non-braking fan/drive electronics and/or auxiliary airways (airbags) with valves are used to rapidly increase the flow of breathable air to increase the response time of the air unit. However, the auxiliary airway may further increase the size and complexity of the breathing apparatus. Moreover, the rapid ramping up of the drive electronics may involve/be confusing to the end user (such as a worker). For example, the pulsing sound and pressure waves may cause interference to the end user. Furthermore, only certain types of breathing interfaces (e.g., tight-fitting breathing interfaces) may be compatible with such breathing apparatus to provide a relative pressure change corresponding to a rapid change in the flow of breathable air.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a breathing apparatus. The respiratory apparatus includes an airflow unit configured to provide a respiratory airflow. The breathing apparatus also includes a respiratory interface fluidly coupled to the airflow unit and configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user of the breathing apparatus. The respiratory interface includes a respiratory inlet configured to receive the respiratory airflow from the airflow unit. The breathing apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor configured to generate at least one signal. The at least one pressure sensor is disposed at the respiratory inlet. The respiratory apparatus also includes a controller communicatively coupled to each of the airflow unit and the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the at least one signal from the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal received from the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure. The controller is further configured to control the flow unit based on the target flow rate such that the flow unit provides the respiratory flow at the target flow rate.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a breathing apparatus. The respiratory apparatus includes an airflow unit configured to provide a respiratory airflow. The breathing apparatus also includes a respiratory interface fluidly coupled to the airflow unit and configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user of the breathing apparatus. The respiratory apparatus also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the airflow unit. The controller is configured to receive at least one sensor signal comprising at least one sensor parameter. The controller is further configured to determine a target airflow rate based at least on the at least one sensor parameter. The controller is further configured to control the flow unit based on the target flow rate such that the flow unit provides the respiratory flow at the target flow rate.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an airflow unit of a breathing apparatus. The method includes receiving at least one signal from at least one pressure sensor disposed at the respiratory inlet. The method also includes determining a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal received from the at least one pressure sensor. The method also includes determining a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure. The method also includes controlling the flow unit based on the target flow rate such that the flow unit provides a respiratory flow at the target flow rate.

The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. It should be understood, however, that the use of numerals in a given figure is not intended to limit the components labeled with like numerals in another figure.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a breathing apparatus and a user of the breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3A is a schematic block diagram of an airflow unit of a respiratory apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3B is a schematic block diagram illustrating an airflow unit of a breathing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4A-4B are detailed schematic block diagrams of a breathing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5A-5B are schematic block diagrams of a controller of a breathing apparatus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is an exemplary graph depicting pressure versus time for a breathing apparatus;

FIG. 6A is an exemplary graph depicting a relationship between airflow rate of an airflow unit and static pressure of a respiratory interface;

fig. 6B is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary graph depicting at least one battery parameter of a battery pack of a respiratory device versus time;

fig. 10 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary graph depicting at least one filter parameter of at least one filter of a respiratory device versus time;

fig. 12 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 13 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15A-15B are detailed schematic block diagrams of a breathing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 16 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 17 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 18 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 19 is a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an airflow unit of a breathing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

In the following disclosure, the following definitions are employed.

As used herein, all numbers should be considered as modified by the term "about". As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one (or more)" are used interchangeably.

As used herein, as a modifier to a characteristic or property, the term "substantially" means that the characteristic or property will be readily identifiable by a person of ordinary skill without requiring an absolute precision or perfect match (e.g., within +/-20% for a quantifiable characteristic), unless specifically defined otherwise.

Unless specifically defined otherwise, the term "substantially" means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/-10% for quantifiable characteristics), but again does not require an absolute precision or perfect match.

The term "about" means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/-5% for quantifiable characteristics) unless specifically defined otherwise, but again does not require an absolute precision or perfect match.

As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" are used as identifiers. Accordingly, such terms should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Throughout the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "first" and "second" are interchangeable when used in connection with a feature or element.

Terms such as identical, equal, uniform, constant, strict, etc. should be understood to be within ordinary tolerances, or within measurement errors applicable to a particular situation, rather than requiring absolute accuracy or perfect matching.

As used herein, "at least one of a and B" should be understood to mean "a only, B only, or both a and B".

As used herein, a numerical range recited by an endpoint includes all values inclusive of the range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" refers to a direct coupling between components and/or an indirect coupling between components via one or more intermediate components. Such components and intermediate components may include, but are not limited to, connectors, communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signal transmitted from a first component to a second component may be modified by one or more intermediate components by modifying the form, nature, or format of the information in the signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal are still transmitted in a manner recognizable by the second component.

As used herein, the term "signal" includes, but is not limited to, one or more electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic signals, analog and/or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, bits and/or bit streams, and the like.

As used herein, the term "microphone" refers to a transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical audio signal.

As used herein, the term "hazardous or potentially hazardous environment" may refer to an environment that includes hazardous or potentially hazardous environmental conditions. Dangerous or potentially dangerous environments may include, for example, fire, chemical, biological, nuclear, industrial, construction, agricultural, mining, or manufacturing sites.

As used herein, the term "gas flow rate" may refer to the volume or mass of breathable gas that passes through the device at a given time.

As used herein, the term "responder" or "emergency responder" refers to any person or persons responsible for addressing an emergency situation, such as a firefighter, a first responder, a healthcare professional, a caregiver, a hazardous materials staff, a security personnel, law enforcement personnel, or any other person working in a hazardous environment.

A user entering a hazardous environment with hazardous conditions (e.g., air contaminated with hazardous materials such as airborne particulates, toxic fumes, smoke, vapors, etc.) may use a variety of breathing apparatuses. The breathing apparatus may provide clean and breathable air to the user. In some cases, the breathing apparatus may provide forced flow of breathable air to the user via a blower. In some cases, the breathing apparatus may provide clean and breathable air to the user from another source (such as an air tank). Examples of breathing apparatus include Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) and supplied air respirators, such as Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), or air supply lines and pressure regulators, and controllable breathing valves.

Breathable air is provided to the user's breathing zone (the area around the nose and mouth, known as the oronasal area) via a breathing interface. Breathable air is provided by an air unit (e.g., a blower or air tank). The flow of breathable air supplied at the breathing interface is based on the breathable air provided by the air unit. Generally, the air cells are controlled by a controller that uses complex methods and algorithms to maintain positive pressure at the respiratory interface relative to ambient pressure. In some applications, the air unit must rapidly increase the flow of breathable air to maintain a positive pressure at the respiratory interface relative to ambient pressure. In some cases, non-braking fan/drive electronics and/or auxiliary airways (airbags) with valves are used to rapidly increase the flow of breathable air to increase the response time of the air unit. However, the auxiliary airway may further increase the size and complexity of the breathing apparatus. In addition, the rapid ramping up of the drive electronics may involve/be confusing to the end user (such as a user). Furthermore, only certain types of breathing interfaces (e.g., tight fitting breathing interfaces) may be compatible with such breathing apparatus to provide relative pressure changes corresponding to rapid changes in breathable air flow.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a breathing apparatus and a method for controlling an airflow unit of the breathing apparatus are disclosed.

The respiratory apparatus includes the airflow unit configured to provide a respiratory airflow. The breathing apparatus also includes a respiratory interface fluidly coupled to the airflow unit and configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user of the breathing apparatus. The respiratory interface includes a respiratory inlet configured to receive the respiratory airflow from the airflow unit. The breathing apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor configured to generate at least one signal. The at least one pressure sensor is disposed at the respiratory inlet. The respiratory apparatus also includes a controller communicatively coupled to each of the airflow unit and the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the at least one signal from the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal received from the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure. The controller is further configured to control the flow unit based on the target flow rate such that the flow unit provides the respiratory flow at the target flow rate.

Because the controller is configured to determine the target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure and to control the airflow unit based on the target airflow rate such that the airflow unit provides the respiratory airflow at the target airflow rate, a rapid increase in the respiratory airflow may not be required to maintain the positive pressure relative to the ambient pressure. Conversely, the flow unit may provide the flow of breathing gas based at least on the breathing inlet pressure, which may or may not be the positive pressure relative to the ambient pressure. This may minimize and/or optimize the respiratory airflow and may thus eliminate the need to rapidly increase the respiratory airflow. Thus, complex airways, valves and/or drive mechanisms may not be required, which may further increase the size and/or cost of the breathing apparatus. In addition, any type of suitable (e.g., tight-fitting, loose-fitting, full-cap, and/or half-cap) breathing inlet may be used with a breathing apparatus according to the present disclosure.

The controller may determine the target airflow rate based on a predetermined relationship between the target airflow rate and a sensed parameter (e.g., the respiratory inlet pressure). The predetermined relationship may include, for example, but is not limited to, a look-up table, a mathematical equation (e.g., a polynomial regression model), a physics-based model, a neural network model, or any other model or algorithm known in the art.

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 and a user 101 of the breathing apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the user 101 may be an emergency responder. The user 101 may use the breathing apparatus 100 in a dangerous or potentially dangerous environment.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, the breathing apparatus 100 is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). However, in some other embodiments, the breathing apparatus 100 may include a supplied air respirator, such as a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the respiratory apparatus 100 includes an airflow unit 110 configured to provide a respiratory airflow 111. In some embodiments, the airflow unit 110 is configured to provide the respiratory airflow 111 through an outlet 124 of the airflow unit 110.

The breathing apparatus 100 further comprises a breathing interface 120 fluidly coupled to the airflow unit 110 and configured to supply a flow of breathing gas 111 to the user 101 of the breathing apparatus 100. In particular, the respiratory interface 120 is configured to supply a respiratory airflow 111 to a respiratory region 102 (the area around the nose and mouth, referred to as the oronasal area) of the user 101. The respiratory interface 120 is typically worn on the head/face of the user 101 and at least partially encloses the head/face to form the breathing zone 102 such that the respiratory airflow 111 is directed to the breathing zone 102. In some embodiments, the respiratory interface 120 includes a head piece or a face piece. In some embodiments, the respiratory interface 120 includes a tight-fitting or loose-fitting head/face component. In some embodiments, the respiratory interface 120 comprises a half mask or a full mask. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, respiratory interface 120 comprises a mask.

The respiratory interface 120 includes a respiratory inlet 122 configured to receive the respiratory airflow 111 from the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, the flow unit 110 supplies the flow of breathing gas 111 to the breathing interface 120 through a tube 103 connected between a breathing inlet 122 of the breathing interface 120 and an outlet 124 of the flow unit 110.

The breathing apparatus 100 further includes at least one pressure sensor 130 configured to generate at least one signal 132. At least one pressure sensor 130 is disposed at respiratory inlet 122. Accordingly, at least one pressure sensor 130 is configured to generate at least one signal 132 indicative of pressure at respiratory inlet 122.

The breathing apparatus 100 also includes a controller 140. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may be disposed inside the airflow unit 110. In some other embodiments, the controller 140 may be disposed external to the airflow unit 110.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may include any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose controllers or microcontrollers or processors (e.g., ARM-based processors, neural Network (NN) processors, etc.), digital Signal Processors (DSPs), programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 includes a memory 140A. Memory 140A may include Random Access Memory (RAM), read-only memory ROM, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store a computer program in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by controller 140.

The memory 140A may store a computer program executed by the controller 140. The memory 140A may also store information that may be used by the controller 140 during operation of the respiratory apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may also include a transceiver 140B.

The controller 140 is communicatively coupled to each of the airflow unit 110 and the at least one pressure sensor 130. The controller 140 is configured to receive at least one signal 132 from the at least one pressure sensor 130. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive the at least one signal 132 from the at least one pressure sensor 130 via the transceiver 140B.

In some embodiments, the respiratory apparatus 100 further includes at least one filter 180 mounted to the airflow unit 110 and configured to filter the respiratory airflow 111. In some embodiments, the at least one filter 180 may be at least one particulate filter. In some embodiments, the at least one filter 180 may be at least one gas/vapor filter. In some embodiments, at least one filter 180 may comprise a plurality of filters. In some embodiments, some of the plurality of filters may be particulate filters and other filters may be gas/vapor filters.

In some embodiments, the respiratory device 100 further includes at least one microphone 190 configured to generate a speech signal 194. In some embodiments, at least one microphone 190 is mounted proximate to the respiratory interface 120. In some embodiments, at least one microphone 190 may be mounted inside the respiratory interface 120. In some other embodiments, at least one microphone 190 may be mounted external to the respiratory interface 120. In some implementations, the at least one microphone 190 may include a plurality of microphones. In some embodiments, some of the plurality of microphones may be mounted inside respiratory interface 120 and other microphones may be mounted outside respiratory interface 120.

The at least one microphone 190 may receive mechanical vibrations from the voice of the user 101 and may convert the mechanical vibrations into an electrical audio signal (i.e., voice signal 194). In some examples, speech signal 194 corresponds to the speech of user 101, and noise signal 191 is indicative of other sounds (such as noise inside or outside of respiratory interface 120). In some embodiments, noise is caused by airflow unit 110.

In some embodiments, the battery pack 170 is electrically coupled to at least the airflow unit 110 and is configured to provide power 171 to at least the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, battery pack 170 is electrically coupled to respiratory apparatus 100 and is configured to provide power 171 to at least airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, the battery pack 170 may be configured to provide power 171 to other components of the breathing apparatus 100 (e.g., the at least one pressure sensor 130 and/or the controller 140). In some embodiments, the breathing apparatus 100 includes a battery pack 170.

The battery pack 170 includes one or more primary batteries and/or one or more secondary batteries. In some embodiments, the one or more secondary batteries include a rechargeable battery (e.g., a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery or a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery) that may be adapted to power at least the airflow unit 110 and may have sufficient power capacity to also provide power 171 to the at least one pressure sensor 130 and/or the controller 140. In some embodiments, one or more primary batteries include a disposable dry cell that can be replaced when its charge is depleted.

In some embodiments, the respiratory device 100 includes one or more input devices 107 communicatively coupled to the controller 140. The one or more input devices 107 may be configured to receive user input 108 from the user 101. In some examples, the one or more input devices 107 include a mouse, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a voice response system, a camera, buttons, a control pad, a microphone, or any other type of input device for detecting user input 108 from the user 101.

Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic block diagram of the airflow unit 110 of the breathing apparatus 100 shown in fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, airflow unit 110 includes motor 112 and blower 114. Blower 114 is fluidly coupled to respiratory interface 120. In some embodiments, the blower 114 is a PAPR blower. The motor 112 is mechanically coupled to the blower 114 and provides mechanical power 112A to the blower 114. The motor 112 drives a blower 114 that generates a flow of breathing gas 111 provided by the flow unit 110.

Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic block diagram of the airflow unit 110 of the respiratory apparatus 100 shown in fig. 2, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, gas flow unit 110 includes a gas source 116 and a valve 118. The gas source 116 is fluidly coupled to a valve 118. Also, valve 118 is fluidly coupled to respiratory interface 120. In some embodiments, valve 118 is a supplied air respirator valve. Valve 118 controls the flow of pressurized air 116A from air source 116 that generates respiratory airflow 111 provided by airflow unit 110.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate detailed schematic block diagrams of the breathing apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 4A, the controller 140 is configured to determine the respiratory inlet pressure 134 based on at least one signal 132 received from at least one pressure sensor 130. The controller 140 is further configured to determine a target airflow rate 142 based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure 134. The controller 140 may determine the target airflow rate 142 based on a predetermined relationship between the target airflow rate 142 and the respiratory inlet pressure 134. The predetermined relationship may include, for example, but is not limited to, a look-up table, a mathematical equation (e.g., a polynomial regression model), a physics-based model, a neural network model, or any other model or algorithm known in the art.

The controller 140 is further configured to control the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. Referring to fig. 3A and 4A, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to control at least one of the motor parameters 113 of the motor 112 and the blower parameters 115 of the blower 114 to achieve the target airflow rate 142. In some embodiments, the motor parameter 113 includes current and/or voltage. The current and/or voltage may further control the mechanical power rate 112A provided to the blower 114. In some embodiments, blower parameters 115 may include a speed of a fan of blower 114.

Referring to fig. 3B and 4A, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to control the valve parameter 119 of the valve 118 to achieve the target airflow rate 142. In some embodiments, the valve parameter 119 may include a size of an opening of the valve 118.

Referring again to fig. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine the pressure parameter 144 over a predetermined period of time based on the at least one signal 132. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine the respiratory inlet pressure 134 based on the pressure parameter 144. In some implementations, the pressure parameter 144 includes one of an average pressure, a minimum peak pressure, and a maximum peak pressure. Thus, the pressure parameter 144 may further reduce the requirement to rapidly increase or decrease the target airflow rate 142, which may optimize operation of the airflow unit 110.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine a respiration rate 146 of the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) based on the pressure parameter 144. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to activate the airflow unit 110 upon determining that the respiration rate 146 indicates respiration of the user 101. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may be configured to generate one or more signals 147A when determining that the respiration rate 146 indicates respiration of the user 101. The controller 140 may also send one or more signals 147A to the airflow unit 110 to activate the airflow unit 110.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to turn off the airflow unit 110 upon determining that the respiration rate 146 does not indicate respiration of the user 101. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may be configured to generate one or more signals 147B upon determining that the respiration rate 146 is not indicative of the respiration of the user 101. The controller 140 may also send one or more signals 147B to the airflow unit 110 to shut down the airflow unit 110.

In some other embodiments, the user 101 may activate or deactivate the airflow unit 110 via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2).

Referring to fig. 4B, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to control the airflow unit 110 to provide the predetermined airflow rate 156 if the controller 140 does not receive the at least one signal 132 from the at least one pressure sensor 130. In some embodiments, the predetermined airflow rate 156 may be based on preset and/or user settings stored in the memory 140A (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the predetermined airflow rate 156 may be based on a maximum airflow rate of the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive at least one signal 132 from at least one pressure sensor 130.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate schematic block diagrams of the controller 140 of the breathing apparatus 100 shown in fig. 2, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 4A and 5A, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to determine the first pressure differential 136 as a difference between the respiratory inlet pressure 134 and the ambient pressure level 131. In some embodiments, the ambient pressure level 131 may be based on preset and/or user settings stored in the memory 104A (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) may select the ambient pressure level 131 via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the ambient pressure level 131 may be greater than ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the ambient pressure level 131 may be less than ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the ambient pressure level 131 may be equal to ambient pressure.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4A, the ambient pressure level 131 may be selected from one of a first ambient pressure level 131A, a second ambient pressure level 131B, and a third ambient pressure level 131C stored in the memory 104A. However, the memory 104A may store any number of ambient pressure levels based on desired application attributes.

Referring to fig. 4A and 5B, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine a second pressure differential 138 that is a difference between the first pressure differential 136 and the target pressure 133. Moreover, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine the target airflow rate 142 based at least on the second pressure differential 138 such that the second pressure differential 138 decreases. The controller 140 may determine the target airflow rate 142 based on a predetermined relationship between the target airflow rate 142 and the second pressure differential 138. The predetermined relationship may include, for example, but is not limited to, a look-up table, a mathematical equation (e.g., a polynomial regression model), a physics-based model, a neural network model, or any other model or algorithm known in the art.

In some embodiments, the target pressure 133 may be based on preset and/or user settings stored in the memory 104A (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the target pressure 133 may be adjusted in discrete or continuous increments between a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and a predetermined maximum target pressure 154. In some embodiments, the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) may select the target pressure 133 via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2).

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on the second pressure differential 138 if the second pressure differential 138 is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and less than or equal to a predetermined maximum target pressure 154. In other words, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on the second pressure differential 138 if the second pressure differential 138 is within a range between a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and a predetermined maximum target pressure 154.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on a predetermined maximum target pressure 154 if the second pressure differential 138 is less than the minimum target pressure 152 or greater than the maximum target pressure 154. In other words, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on the predetermined maximum target pressure 154 if the second pressure differential 138 is not within a range between the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and the predetermined maximum target pressure 154. This may ensure that the respiratory airflow 111 based on the target airflow rate 142 is sufficient for the user 101 (shown in fig. 1).

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alarm signal if the second pressure differential 138 is not within acceptable limits after the threshold duration.

Fig. 5C illustrates an exemplary graph 139 depicting pressure versus time for the respiratory apparatus 100 shown in fig. 2. Specifically, graph 139 illustrates respiratory inlet pressure 134 versus time for respiratory apparatus 100.

Graph 139 includes pressure regions 139A through 139G corresponding to different operating rates of user 101 shown in fig. 1. As used herein, the term "work rate" refers to the demand of the user 101 for the flow of breathing gas 111 per unit time due to the workload.

Graph 139 also includes a line 139H depicting ambient pressure level 131 (shown in fig. 4A). The area below line 139H depicts a negative pressure relative to ambient pressure level 131 and the area above line 139H depicts a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure level 131. Line 139H corresponds to ambient pressure level 131 or zero pressure relative to ambient pressure level 131.

Referring to fig. 4A and 5A through 5C, and as is apparent from pressure region 139B, the rate of operation of user 101 increases. The controller 140 controls the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. Moreover, target airflow rate 142 is based at least on second pressure differential 138 such that second pressure differential 138 is reduced. The target airflow rate 142 increases accordingly based on the operating rate in the pressure region 139B. As is apparent from pressure region 139C, respiratory inlet pressure 134 is higher than ambient pressure level 131.

Moreover, as is apparent from pressure region 139D, the rate of operation of user 101 decreases. The controller 140 controls the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. Moreover, target airflow rate 142 is based at least on second pressure differential 138 such that second pressure differential 138 is reduced. The target airflow rate 142 is correspondingly reduced based on the operating rate in the pressure region 139D. As is apparent from pressure region 139E, respiratory inlet pressure 134 is closer to ambient pressure level 131.

Similarly, as is apparent from the pressure region 139F, the rate of operation of the user 101 is further reduced. The controller 140 controls the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. Moreover, target airflow rate 142 is based at least on second pressure differential 138 such that second pressure differential 138 is reduced. The target airflow rate 142 is correspondingly reduced based on the operating rate in the pressure region 139F. As is apparent from pressure region 139G, respiratory inlet pressure 134 is closer to ambient pressure level 131.

As is apparent from graph 139, controller 140 may minimize the need for respiratory airflow 111 to maintain positive pressure in respiratory inlet 122 relative to ambient pressure level 131. Moreover, rapid increases or decreases in respiratory airflow 111 may not be required to maintain positive pressure.

Fig. 6A illustrates an exemplary graph 150 depicting a relationship 149 between the airflow rate 141 (shown in fig. 6B) of the airflow unit 110 shown in fig. 1 and the static pressure 148 (shown in fig. 6B) of the respiratory interface 120 shown in fig. 1. The airflow rate 141 is indicated in the abscissa. Static pressure 148 is shown in the ordinate. Fig. 6B illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of the breathing apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine the static pressure 148 based on the pressure parameter 144 when the user 101 is prompted to hold the breath for a predetermined duration. Thus, the user 101 may not inhale or exhale for a predetermined duration when prompted. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert 104 to prompt the user 101. In some embodiments, the alarm 104 may be a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and/or a tactile alarm.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to determine a relationship 149 between the airflow rate 141 and the static pressure 148 of the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, the airflow rate 141 of the airflow unit 110 may be a predetermined airflow rate 156, a minimum flow rate of the airflow unit 110, a maximum flow rate of the airflow unit 110, or a target airflow rate 142. In some embodiments, the airflow rate 141 of the airflow unit 110 may be based on a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 or a predetermined maximum target pressure 154.

In some embodiments, controller 140 is further configured to adjust target pressure 133 based on a relationship 149 between airflow rate 141 and static pressure 148. Thus, for a user 101 having a particular head volume, the difference in size of the breathing inlet 122 may result in a difference in static pressure 148, which may affect the target airflow rate 142. Thus, the static pressure 148 may be used to adjust the target pressure 133 to reduce the effect of the static pressure 148 on the target airflow rate 142 based on the target pressure 133.

Fig. 7 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to receive at least one environmental parameter 160. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive at least one environmental parameter 160 in the comfort mode. In some embodiments, the comfort mode may be activated based on a preset level of at least one environmental parameter 160. In some implementations, the comfort mode may be activated based on user input 108 (shown in fig. 2) provided by the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive at least one environmental parameter 160 when the comfort mode is activated.

The at least one environmental parameter 160 is indicative of at least one of temperature, wind conditions, and humidity. Accordingly, the at least one environmental parameter 160 may include a humidity parameter 160A, a wind parameter, and/or a temperature parameter 160B. In some embodiments, the temperature may be ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature may be an air temperature of the flow of breathing gas 111. In some embodiments, the temperature may be a temperature inside respiration inlet 122. Similarly, in some embodiments, the humidity may be ambient relative humidity. In some embodiments, the humidity may be the relative humidity of the flow of breathing gas 111. In some embodiments, the humidity may be the relative humidity inside respiration inlet 122. In some embodiments, the wind conditions may be ambient wind conditions. In some embodiments, the wind conditions may be wind conditions inside the respiratory inlet 122. In some embodiments, the wind conditions may be determined by one or more sensors (not shown) disposed on the respiratory apparatus 100. In some embodiments, humidity parameters 160A, wind parameters, and/or temperature parameters 160B may be based on weather data/forecasts.

In some embodiments, the at least one environmental parameter 160 may include a combined environmental parameter 160C based on the humidity parameter 160A, the wind condition parameter, and the temperature parameter 160B. In some embodiments, the combined environmental parameter 160C is a thermal index. As used herein, the term "thermal index" refers to the sensation of temperature by the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) when humidity is combined with temperature.

In such embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one environmental parameter 160. Thus, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted to provide comfort to the user 101. In some embodiments, at least one environmental parameter 160 may be monitored to determine whether an increase or decrease in the target airflow rate 142 increases or decreases the temperature and/or humidity, and the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted accordingly. In some embodiments, the target pressure 133 may be adjusted between the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and the predetermined maximum target pressure 154 in discrete or continuous increments further based on at least one environmental parameter 160.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the at least one environmental parameter 160 is not within acceptable limits after the threshold duration.

Fig. 8 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to receive at least one battery parameter 172 of the battery pack 170 shown in fig. 2. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive at least one battery parameter 172 of the battery pack 170 in a power saving mode. In some embodiments, the power saving mode may be activated based on a preset level of at least one battery parameter 172. In some implementations, the power saving mode may be activated based on user input 108 (shown in fig. 2) provided by the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive at least one battery parameter 172 when the power saving mode is activated.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one battery parameter 172. In some implementations, the at least one battery parameter 172 indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack 170, a remaining battery time of the battery pack 170, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack 170, a temperature of the battery pack 170, and a lifetime of the battery pack 170.

Accordingly, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted to minimize or optimize the power consumption of the battery pack 170. In other words, the power 171 to the airflow unit 110 may be minimized or optimized to preserve the battery capacity of the battery pack 170. As used herein, the term "battery capacity" refers to the percentage of remaining battery energy estimated from past usage and sensor readings. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at set intervals proportional to the remaining battery energy or battery capacity of the battery pack 170.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at set intervals proportional to the remaining battery time of the battery pack 170. As used herein, the term "remaining battery time" refers to the estimated time remaining until the remaining battery energy of the battery pack 170 reaches a critical level.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at set intervals proportional to the rate of cell consumption of the battery pack 170. As used herein, the term "battery drain rate" refers to the rate of change of the remaining battery energy of the battery pack 170 or the remaining battery time of the battery pack 170.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at set intervals proportional to the temperature of the battery pack 170 and/or the lifetime of the battery pack 170.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the at least one battery parameter 172 is not within acceptable limits after the threshold duration.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary graph depicting at least one battery parameter 172 of the battery pack 170 of the breathing apparatus 100 as a function of time. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 9, the at least one battery parameter 172 is the remaining battery energy of the battery pack 170. However, in some other embodiments, the at least one battery parameter 172 may include any other battery parameter or combination thereof. Time is expressed in hours on the abscissa. The remaining battery energy is expressed in percent (%) in the ordinate.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 if the at least one battery parameter 172 exceeds a predetermined battery threshold 174 or a user-defined battery threshold. In some embodiments, the predetermined battery threshold 174 or user-defined battery threshold may be a critical level of the at least one battery parameter 172. Thus, the threshold level may be preset or defined by the user 101 shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 10 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to receive at least one filter parameter 182 of at least one filter 180 shown in fig. 2. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive at least one filter parameter 182 of at least one filter 180 in a filter protection mode. In some embodiments, the filter protection mode may be activated based on a preset level of at least one filter parameter 182. In some implementations, the filter protection mode may be activated based on user input 108 (shown in fig. 2) provided by the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive at least one filter parameter 182 when the filter protection mode is activated.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one filter parameter 182. Accordingly, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted to minimize or optimize filter consumption of the at least one filter 180.

In some embodiments, the at least one filter parameter 182 indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity 182A of the at least one filter 180, a remaining filter usage time 182B of the at least one filter 180, a target remaining filter usage time 182C of the at least one filter 180, and a filter consumption rate 182D of the at least one filter 180.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at a set interval proportional to the remaining filter capacity 182A of the at least one filter 180. As used herein, the term "remaining filter capacity" refers to the percentage of residual pressure of the available particulate filter or the remaining useful life of the gas/vapor filter in the at least one filter 180 estimated from past usage and sensor readings.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at set intervals proportional to the remaining filter usage time 182B of the at least one filter 180. As used herein, the term "remaining filter usage time" refers to the estimated time remaining until there is a critical level of remaining filter capacity 182A of at least one filter 180.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted at set intervals proportional to the target remaining filter usage time 182C of the at least one filter 180. As used herein, the term "target remaining filter usage time" refers to an estimated time difference from a target remaining filter life of at least one filter 180. In other words, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted at set intervals proportional to the target remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter 180 such that a target filter life may be achieved.

If the target filter usage time can be achieved with an increased target airflow rate 142, then an increased target airflow rate 142 is allowed. If the target filter life can be achieved with a reduced target airflow rate 142, the target airflow rate 142 will be reduced. The target filter usage time may be preset or defined by the user 101.

In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at a set interval proportional to the filter consumption rate 182D of the at least one filter 180. As used herein, the term "filter consumption rate" refers to the rate of change of the remaining filter capacity 182A or the remaining filter usage time 182B of at least one filter 180.

In some embodiments, at least one filter parameter 182 may be determined based on the pressure differential 181A and the ambient pressure 181C. The pressure difference 181A is the difference between the respiratory inlet pressure 134 and the outlet pressure at the outlet 124 (shown in fig. 1) of the flow unit 110. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure may be determined using an outlet pressure sensor 135 (shown in fig. 13).

Pressure differential 181A may be indicative of a clean pressure drop and a plugged pressure drop. In some embodiments, the at least one filter parameter 182 may be determined based on a filter Identification (ID) 181B of the at least one filter 180. Filter ID 181B is unique to each filter and can be used to determine at least the life, filter capacity, and/or past use and sensor readings of at least one filter 180. Ambient pressure 181C, pressure differential 181A, and/or filter ID 181B may enable tracking and estimation of usage of at least one filter 180.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the at least one filter parameter 182 is not within acceptable limits after the threshold duration.

Fig. 11 is an exemplary graph depicting at least one filter parameter 182 of at least one filter 180 of the breathing apparatus 100 as a function of time. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 11, the at least one filter parameter 182 is the remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter 180. However, in some other embodiments, the at least one filter parameter 182 may include any other filter parameter or combination thereof. Time is expressed in days on the abscissa. The remaining filter capacity is indicated in percent (%) on the ordinate.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to set the target airflow rate 142 based on the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 if the at least one filter parameter 182 exceeds a predetermined filter threshold 184 or a user-defined filter threshold. In some embodiments, the predetermined filter threshold 184 or user-defined filter threshold may be a critical level of the at least one filter parameter 182. Thus, the threshold level may be preset or defined by the user 101 shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 12 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to receive the noise parameter 192. Noise parameter 192 is indicative of noise caused by airflow unit 110. In some implementations, the noise parameter 192 may be determined using the sound pressure level. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive the noise parameter 192 in a quiet mode. In some implementations, the quiet mode may be activated based on a preset level of noise parameters 192. In some implementations, the quiet mode may be activated based on user input 108 (shown in fig. 2) provided by the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2). In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive the noise parameter 192 when the quiet mode is activated.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the noise parameter 192. Accordingly, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted to minimize or optimize noise caused by the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted at a set interval proportional to the noise parameter 192 of the at least one filter 180. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted at set intervals proportional to the noise parameter 192.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to receive the speech signal 194 shown in fig. 2. Specifically, controller 140 is further configured to receive speech signal 194 generated by at least one microphone 190 (shown in fig. 2).

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to increase the target airflow rate 142 upon detection of the voice of the user 101, as the breathing rate 146 of the user 101 may increase. In such implementations, upon receiving the speech signal 194, the controller 140 may increase the target airflow rate 142 based on the noise parameter 192. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be increased at set intervals that are proportional to the noise parameter 192.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce the target airflow rate 142 when speech of the user 101 is detected to reduce noise caused by the airflow unit 110. In such implementations, upon receiving the speech signal 194, the controller 140 may reduce the target airflow rate 142 based on the noise parameter 192. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be reduced at a set interval proportional to the noise parameter 192.

In some implementations, the controller 140 can generate an alert signal if the noise parameter 192 is not within acceptable limits after the threshold duration.

Fig. 13 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the breathing apparatus 100 includes a breath inlet sensor set 105 disposed at the breath inlet 122. The respiration inlet sensor set 105 comprises at least one pressure sensor 130. Moreover, respiration inlet sensor set 105 further comprises at least one humidity sensor 162, at least one temperature sensor 164, and at least one microphone 166 (e.g., at least one microphone 190). The signal generated by the at least one pressure sensor 130 (i.e., the at least one signal 132), the signal generated by the at least one humidity sensor 162, the signal generated by the at least one temperature sensor 164, and the signal generated by the at least one microphone 166 (e.g., the voice signal 194) may be provided to the data filtering unit 106. The data filtering unit 106 may process signals from the at least one pressure sensor 130, the at least one humidity sensor 162, the at least one temperature sensor 164, and the at least one microphone 166 to generate corresponding processed signals. In some implementations, the data filtering unit 106 may process the signal by using an averaging technique, an outlier rejection technique, a peak identification technique, a boxcar filtering technique, and/or any other data filtering technique. In some embodiments, one or more of the signals of the respiratory inlet sensor set 105 and/or the processed signals may be used to determine the pressure parameter 144, the respiratory rate 146, and the at least one environmental parameter 160. In some implementations, one or more of the signals of the respiratory inlet sensor set 105 and/or the processed signals may be further used to determine the noise parameter 192.

In some embodiments, the respiratory apparatus 100 further includes an ambient sensor set 105A disposed outside and/or distal from the respiratory inlet 122. In some embodiments, environmental sensor set 105A includes at least one environmental pressure sensor 130A. Moreover, respiration inlet sensor set 105 further comprises at least one ambient humidity sensor 162A, at least one ambient temperature sensor 164A, and at least one ambient microphone 166A. In some embodiments, signals generated by the at least one ambient pressure sensor 130A, the at least one ambient humidity sensor 162A, the at least one ambient temperature sensor 164A, and the at least one ambient microphone 166A may also be provided to the data filtering unit 106. In some embodiments, one or more of the processed signals of the environmental sensor set 105A may be provided to the controller 140. In some embodiments, one or more of the signals of the environmental sensor set 105A and/or the processed signals may be used to determine a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and a predetermined maximum target pressure 154.

Fig. 14 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The breathing apparatus 200 is substantially similar to the breathing apparatus 100 shown in fig. 2, wherein common components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The respiratory apparatus 200 includes an airflow unit 110, a respiratory interface 120, and a controller 140 communicatively coupled to the airflow unit 110. However, breathing apparatus 200 does not include at least one pressure sensor 130 (shown in fig. 2) disposed at breathing inlet 122. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 14, the controller 140 is configured to receive at least one sensor signal 202 comprising at least one sensor parameter 204. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive the at least one sensor signal 202 via the transceiver 140B. In some embodiments, at least one sensor signal 202 may be generated by one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the respiratory apparatus 200 includes one or more sensors, and the one or more sensors may be disposed at any other suitable location on or near the respiratory inlet 122, the airflow unit 110, the battery pack 170, the at least one filter 180, and/or the respiratory apparatus 200.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to receive at least one sensor signal 202 via the transceiver 140B from one or more external devices or remote servers (not shown) that include one or more sensors. In some embodiments, one or more external devices may be located on the user 101 shown in fig. 1. For example, the one or more external devices may include a wearable device that includes one or more sensors. In some examples, one or more sensors may be located on the wrist or chest of the user 101.

Fig. 15A and 15B illustrate detailed schematic block diagrams of a breathing apparatus 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 15A, the controller 140 is configured to determine the target airflow rate 142 based at least on the at least one sensor parameter 204. As discussed above, the controller 140 is further configured to control the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be adjusted in discrete or continuous increments between a predetermined minimum airflow rate 252 and a predetermined maximum airflow rate 254. In some embodiments, the target airflow rate 142 may be preset for different increments. In some embodiments, the user 101 (shown in fig. 1) may select the target airflow rate 142 via one or more input devices 107 (shown in fig. 2).

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 includes at least one work rate parameter 210 indicative of the work rate of the user 101 shown in fig. 1. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 comprises at least one physiological parameter of the user 101. In some embodiments, the at least one physiological parameter may include heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen concentration, blood chemistry, and/or any other physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the at least one work rate parameter 210 may include at least one activity-based parameter indicative of movement of the user 101.

Referring to fig. 15B, in some embodiments, the controller 140 is further configured to control the airflow unit 110 to provide the predetermined airflow rate 156 if the controller 140 does not receive the at least one sensor signal 202. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may generate an alert signal if the controller 140 does not receive the at least one sensor signal 202.

Fig. 16 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 includes at least one environmental parameter 160 indicative of at least one of temperature, wind conditions, and humidity. Accordingly, the at least one environmental parameter 160 may include a humidity parameter 160A, a wind condition parameter, and/or a temperature parameter 160B. In some embodiments, the at least one environmental parameter 160 may also include a combined environmental parameter 160C. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on at least one environmental parameter 160.

Fig. 17 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 includes at least one battery parameter 172 of the battery pack 170 shown in fig. 14. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one battery parameter 172. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to control the airflow unit 110 to provide the minimum airflow rate 252 if the at least one battery parameter 172 exceeds a predetermined battery threshold 174 (shown in fig. 9) or a user-defined battery threshold.

Fig. 18 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 includes at least one filter parameter 182 of the at least one filter 180 shown in fig. 14. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to adjust the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one filter parameter 182. In some embodiments, the controller 140 is configured to control the airflow unit 110 to provide the minimum airflow rate 252 if the at least one filter parameter 182 exceeds a predetermined filter threshold 184 or a user-defined filter threshold.

Fig. 19 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a breathing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor parameter 204 includes a noise parameter 192. As discussed above, the controller 140 is configured to determine the target airflow rate 142 based at least on the noise parameter 192.

Fig. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for controlling the airflow unit 110 of the breathing apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 will be described with reference to fig. 1-13. The method 300 includes the steps of:

At step 302, method 300 includes receiving at least one signal 132 from at least one pressure sensor 130 disposed at respiratory inlet 122.

At step 304, the method 300 includes determining the respiratory inlet pressure 134 based on at least one signal 132 received from at least one pressure sensor 130.

In some embodiments, determining the respiratory inlet pressure 134 further includes determining a pressure parameter 144 over a predetermined period of time based on the at least one signal 132. In some embodiments, determining the respiratory inlet pressure 134 further includes determining the respiratory inlet pressure 134 based on the pressure parameter 144. As discussed above, in some implementations, the pressure parameter 144 includes one of an average pressure, a minimum peak pressure, and a maximum peak pressure.

At step 306, the method 300 includes determining the target airflow rate 142 based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure 134.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes determining the first pressure differential 136 as a difference between the respiratory inlet pressure 134 and the ambient pressure level 131. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes determining the second pressure differential 138 as a difference between the first pressure differential 136 and the target pressure 133. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes determining the target airflow rate 142 based at least on the second pressure differential 138 such that the second pressure differential 138 decreases.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes setting the target airflow rate 142 based on the second pressure differential 138 if the second pressure differential 138 is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum target pressure 152 and less than or equal to a predetermined maximum target pressure 154. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes setting the target airflow rate 142 based on a predetermined maximum target pressure 154 if the second pressure differential 138 is less than the minimum target pressure 152 or greater than the maximum target pressure 154.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes prompting the user 101 of the respiratory device 100 to hold the breath for a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes determining the static pressure 148 based on the pressure parameter 144 when the user 101 of the respiratory apparatus 100 is prompted to hold the breath for a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes determining a relationship 149 between the airflow rate 141 and the static pressure 148 of the airflow unit 110. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target pressure 133 based on a relationship 149 between the airflow rate 141 and the static pressure 148.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes receiving at least one environmental parameter 160. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one environmental parameter 160.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes receiving at least one battery parameter 172 of the battery pack 170. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target airflow rate 142 further based on the at least one battery parameter 172. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes setting the target airflow rate 142 based on the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 if the at least one battery parameter 172 exceeds a predetermined battery threshold 174 or a user-defined battery threshold.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes receiving at least one filter parameter 182 mounted to the airflow unit 110 and configured to filter at least one filter 180 of the respiratory airflow 111. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target airflow rate 142 further based on at least one filter parameter 182. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes setting the target airflow rate 142 based on the predetermined minimum target pressure 152 if the at least one filter parameter 182 exceeds a predetermined filter threshold 184 or a user-defined filter threshold.

In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes receiving a noise parameter 192. In some embodiments, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target airflow rate 142 further based on the noise parameter 192.

In some implementations, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes receiving a voice signal 194 from the at least one microphone 190. In some implementations, determining the target airflow rate 142 further includes adjusting the target airflow rate 142 based on the noise parameter 192 when the speech signal 194 is received.

At step 308, the method 300 includes controlling the flow unit 110 based on the target flow rate 142 such that the flow unit 110 provides the respiratory flow 111 at the target flow rate 142. In some embodiments, controlling the airflow unit 110 further includes providing a predetermined airflow rate 156 if at least one signal 132 is not received from the at least one pressure sensor 130.

In some embodiments, controlling the airflow unit 110 based on the target airflow rate 142 further includes controlling at least one of the motor parameters 113 of the motor 112 and the blower parameters 115 of the blower 114 to achieve the target airflow rate 142.

In some embodiments, controlling the airflow unit 110 based on the target airflow rate 142 further includes controlling the valve parameter 119 of the valve 118 to achieve the target airflow rate 142.

In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes determining the respiration rate 146 of the user 101 of the respiratory apparatus 100 based on the pressure parameter 144. In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes activating the airflow unit 110 upon determining that the respiration rate 146 indicates respiration of the user 101. In some embodiments, the method 300 further comprises turning off the airflow unit 110 upon determining that the respiration rate 146 is not indicative of the respiration of the user 101.

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrative embodiments are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

All numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" unless otherwise indicated. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a variety of devices or apparatuses including a wireless handset, an Integrated Circuit (IC), or a set of ICs (e.g., a chipset). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as noted above, various combinations of units may be combined in hardware units or provided by a collection of interoperable hardware units including one or more processors as described above, in combination with appropriate software and/or firmware.

Various examples have been described. These examples, as well as others, are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (46)

1. A breathing device, comprising: an air flow unit configured to provide a respiratory air flow; a respiratory interface fluidly coupled to the airflow unit and configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user of the respiratory device, wherein the respiratory interface comprises a respiratory inlet configured to receive the respiratory airflow from the airflow unit; and at least one pressure sensor configured to generate at least one signal, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is disposed at the respiratory inlet; and a controller communicatively coupled to each of the airflow unit and the at least one pressure sensor, the controller being configured to: receiving the at least one signal from the at least one pressure sensor; determining a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal received from the at least one pressure sensor; determining a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure; and The airflow unit is controlled based on the target airflow rate so that the airflow unit provides the respiratory airflow at the target airflow rate. 2. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a first pressure differential as a difference between the respiratory inlet pressure and an ambient pressure level; determining a second pressure differential as a difference between the first pressure differential and a target pressure; and The target airflow rate is determined based on at least the second pressure differential such that the second pressure differential decreases. 3. The respiratory apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a pressure parameter for a predetermined period of time based on the at least one signal; and The respiratory inlet pressure is determined based on the pressure parameter. 4. The breathing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure parameter comprises one of a mean pressure, a minimum peak pressure, and a maximum peak pressure. 5. The respiratory apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a breathing rate of the user based on the pressure parameter; Upon determining that the breathing rate indicates breathing of the user, activating the airflow unit; and Upon determining that the breathing rate is not indicative of breathing by the user, the air flow unit is turned off. 6. The respiratory apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to: determining a static pressure based on the pressure parameter when the user is prompted to hold his breath for a predetermined duration; determining a relationship between an airflow rate of the airflow unit and the static pressure; and The target pressure is adjusted based on the relationship between the airflow rate and the static pressure. 7. A breathing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to set the target airflow rate based on the second pressure differential if the second pressure differential is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum target pressure and less than or equal to a predetermined maximum target pressure; and wherein the controller is further configured to set the target airflow rate based on the predetermined maximum target pressure if the second pressure differential is less than the minimum target pressure or greater than the maximum target pressure. 8. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving at least one environmental parameter, wherein the at least one environmental parameter indicates at least one of temperature, wind conditions, and humidity; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one environmental parameter. 9. The respiratory apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving at least one battery parameter of a battery pack configured to provide power to at least the airflow unit, wherein the at least one battery parameter indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack, a remaining battery time of the battery pack, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack, a temperature of the battery pack, and a life span of the battery pack; and If the at least one battery parameter exceeds a predetermined battery threshold or a user-defined battery threshold, the target airflow rate is set based on the predetermined minimum target pressure. 10. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving at least one battery parameter of a battery pack configured to provide power to at least the airflow unit, wherein the at least one battery parameter indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack, a remaining battery time of the battery pack, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack, a temperature of the battery pack, and a life span of the battery pack; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one battery parameter. 11. The respiratory apparatus of claim 7, further comprising at least one filter mounted to the airflow unit and configured to filter the respiratory airflow, wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving at least one filter parameter, wherein the at least one filter parameter indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter, a remaining filter use time of the at least one filter, a target remaining filter use time of the at least one filter, and a filter consumption rate of the at least one filter; and If the at least one filter parameter exceeds a predetermined filter threshold or a user-defined filter threshold, the target airflow rate is set based on the predetermined minimum target pressure. 12. The respiratory device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one filter mounted to the airflow unit, wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving at least one filter parameter, wherein the at least one filter parameter indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter, a remaining filter use time of the at least one filter, a target remaining filter use time of the at least one filter, and a filter consumption rate of the at least one filter; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one filter parameter. 13. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving a noise parameter, wherein the noise parameter is indicative of noise caused by the airflow unit; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the noise parameter. 14. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one microphone configured to generate a speech signal, wherein the controller is further configured to: receiving the voice signal; receiving a noise parameter, wherein the noise parameter is indicative of noise caused by the airflow unit; and Upon receiving the speech signal, the target airflow rate is adjusted based on the noise parameter. 15. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the air flow unit to provide a predetermined air flow rate if the controller does not receive the at least one signal from the at least one pressure sensor. 16. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the airflow unit comprises a motor and a blower, wherein the blower is fluidly coupled to the respiratory interface, and wherein the controller is further configured to control at least one of a motor parameter of the motor and a blower parameter of the blower to achieve the target airflow rate. 17. The respiratory apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air flow unit comprises an air source and a valve, wherein the valve is fluidly coupled to the respiratory interface, and wherein the controller is further configured to control a valve parameter of the valve to achieve the target air flow rate. 18. A breathing apparatus, comprising: an air flow unit configured to provide a respiratory air flow; a respiratory interface fluidly coupled to the airflow unit and configured to supply the respiratory airflow to a user of the respiratory device; and a controller communicatively coupled to the airflow unit, the controller being configured to: receiving at least one sensor signal including at least one sensor parameter; determining a target airflow rate based at least on the at least one sensor parameter; and The airflow unit is controlled based on the target airflow rate so that the airflow unit provides the respiratory airflow at the target airflow rate. 19. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to control the air flow unit to provide a predetermined air flow rate if the controller does not receive the at least one sensor signal. 20. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor parameter comprises at least one work rate parameter indicative of a work rate of the user. 21. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor parameter comprises at least one physiological parameter of the user. 22. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor parameter comprises at least one environmental parameter indicative of at least one of temperature, wind conditions, and humidity. 23. A respiratory device according to claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor parameter includes at least one battery parameter of a battery pack, the battery pack being configured to provide power to at least the airflow unit, wherein the at least one battery parameter indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack, a remaining battery time of the battery pack, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack, a temperature of the battery pack, and a life span of the battery pack. 24. The respiratory apparatus of claim 23, wherein the controller is configured to control the airflow unit to provide a minimum airflow rate if the at least one battery parameter exceeds a predetermined battery threshold or a user-defined battery threshold. 25. The respiratory device of claim 18, further comprising at least one filter mounted to the airflow unit, wherein the at least one sensor parameter comprises at least one filter parameter, wherein the at least one filter parameter indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter, a remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, a target remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, and a filter consumption rate of the at least one filter. 26. A breathing apparatus according to claim 25, and wherein the controller is configured to control the airflow unit to provide a minimum airflow rate if the at least one filter parameter exceeds a predetermined filter threshold or a user defined filter threshold. 27. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one sensor parameter comprises a noise parameter, wherein the noise parameter is indicative of noise caused by the airflow unit. 28. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the airflow unit comprises a motor and a blower, wherein the blower is fluidly coupled to the respiratory interface, and wherein the controller is further configured to control at least one of a motor parameter of the motor and a blower parameter of the blower to achieve the target airflow rate. 29. The respiratory apparatus of claim 18, wherein the air flow unit comprises an air source and a valve, wherein the valve is fluidly coupled to the respiratory interface, and wherein the controller is further configured to control a valve parameter of the valve to achieve the target air flow rate. 30. A method for controlling an airflow unit of a respiratory apparatus, the method comprising: receiving at least one signal from at least one pressure sensor disposed at a respiratory inlet; determining a respiratory inlet pressure based on the at least one signal received from the at least one pressure sensor; determining a target airflow rate based at least on the respiratory inlet pressure; and The airflow unit is controlled based on the target airflow rate so that the airflow unit provides a respiratory airflow at the target airflow rate. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: determining a first pressure differential as a difference between the respiratory inlet pressure and an ambient pressure level; determining a second pressure differential as a difference between the first pressure differential and a target pressure; and The target airflow rate is determined based on at least the second pressure differential such that the second pressure differential decreases. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein determining the respiratory inlet pressure further comprises: determining a pressure parameter for a predetermined period of time based on the at least one signal; and The respiratory inlet pressure is determined based on the pressure parameter. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the pressure parameter comprises one of an average pressure, a minimum peak pressure, and a maximum peak pressure. 34. The method of claim 32, further comprising: determining a breathing rate of a user of the respiratory device based on the pressure parameter; Upon determining that the breathing rate indicates breathing of the user, activating the airflow unit; and Upon determining that the breathing rate is not indicative of breathing by the user, the air flow unit is turned off. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: prompting a user of the breathing apparatus to hold his breath for a predetermined duration; determining a static pressure based on the pressure parameter when the user of the respiratory device is prompted to hold a breath for the predetermined duration; determining a relationship between an airflow rate of the airflow unit and the static pressure; and The target pressure is adjusted based on the relationship between the airflow rate and the static pressure. 36. The method of claim 31 , wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: If the second pressure differential is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum target pressure and less than or equal to a predetermined maximum target pressure, setting the target airflow rate based on the second pressure differential; and If the second pressure difference is less than the minimum target pressure or greater than the maximum target pressure, the target airflow rate is set based on the predetermined maximum target pressure. 37. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving at least one environmental parameter, wherein the at least one environmental parameter indicates at least one of temperature, wind conditions, and humidity; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one environmental parameter. 38. The method of claim 36, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving at least one battery parameter of a battery pack configured to provide power to at least the airflow unit, wherein the at least one battery parameter indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack, a remaining battery time of the battery pack, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack, a temperature of the battery pack, and a life span of the battery pack; and If the at least one battery parameter exceeds a predetermined battery threshold or a user-defined battery threshold, the target airflow rate is set based on the predetermined minimum target pressure. 39. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving at least one battery parameter of a battery pack configured to provide power to at least the airflow unit, wherein the at least one battery parameter indicates at least one of a remaining battery energy of the battery pack, a remaining battery time of the battery pack, a battery consumption rate of the battery pack, a temperature of the battery pack, and a life span of the battery pack; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one battery parameter. 40. The method of claim 36, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving at least one filter parameter of at least one filter mounted to the airflow unit and configured to filter the respiratory airflow, wherein the at least one filter parameter indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter, a remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, a target remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, and a filter consumption rate of the at least one filter; and If the at least one filter parameter exceeds a predetermined filter threshold or a user-defined filter threshold, the target airflow rate is set based on the predetermined minimum target pressure. 41. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving at least one filter parameter of at least one filter mounted to the airflow unit and configured to filter the respiratory airflow, wherein the at least one filter parameter indicates at least one of a remaining filter capacity of the at least one filter, a remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, a target remaining filter usage time of the at least one filter, and a filter consumption rate of the at least one filter; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the at least one filter parameter. 42. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving a noise parameter, wherein the noise parameter is indicative of noise caused by the airflow unit; and The target airflow rate is adjusted further based on the noise parameter. 43. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the target airflow rate further comprises: receiving a speech signal from at least one microphone; receiving a noise parameter, wherein the noise parameter is indicative of noise caused by the airflow unit; and Upon receiving the speech signal, the target airflow rate is adjusted based on the noise parameter. 44. The method of claim 30, wherein controlling the airflow unit based on the target airflow rate further comprises providing a predetermined airflow rate if the at least one signal is not received from the at least one pressure sensor. 45. The method of claim 30, wherein controlling the airflow unit based on the target airflow rate further comprises controlling at least one of a motor parameter of a motor and a blower parameter of a blower to achieve the target airflow rate. 46. The method of claim 30, wherein controlling the airflow unit based on the target airflow rate further comprises controlling a valve parameter of a valve to achieve the target airflow rate.