Nebulizer monitoring device, system and method
Inventors
Segal, Michael • ABEL, Nathan • Brown, Spencer • CROSLAND, Everett • de ANA ARBELOA, Francisco Javier • GOODIN, Thomas • Gordon, Joseph • Metz, Michael • Nelson, Daniel • Park, Jae Hong • Scanlon, Sean • Skujins, Janis • Toyjanova, Jennet
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11406786-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein are devices, systems and methods for monitoring the use of a nebulized medication, such as can be administered using a nebulizer. These can be used for monitoring a patient undergoing treatment for COPD and improve compliance to the recommended therapy. Monitored parameters include flow, humidity and acceleration and provide data as to the quantity and quality of nebulizer use.
Core Innovation
The invention is a nebulizer monitoring device that connects to a nebulizer mount and to a nebulizer mouthpiece using a first connector and a second connector. A conduit defines a bidirectional sealed fluid path between the first connector and the second connector, enabling fluid entering the first connector to exit through the second connector and fluid entering the second connector to exit through the first connector.
The device measures a flow rate vector of fluid in the conduit using a flow sensor disposed in the conduit between the first connector and the second connector. At least one indicator is connected to the flow sensor, and at least one dimension of the at least one indicator changes as a function of the measured flow rate vector.
The device further includes a temperature sensor configured to contact at least one lip of a user when the device is in use for administering a medication. A controller is connected to the flow sensor, the at least one indicator, and the temperature sensor to coordinate the flow measurement, the indicator behavior, and the lip-contact temperature sensing.
In described refinements, the indication can include light-based behaviors tied to the flow rate vector direction and magnitude, such as a sequential "lengthening" perception driven by an array of LEDs. Additional sensing can include humidity sensing in or connected to the conduit to measure conduit humidity and drive threshold-based indicator logic, and further device sensing can include accelerometer or gyroscope information.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim describing the core nebulizer monitoring device and several dependent claims that narrow or extend the indicator behavior, sensing modalities, sensing placement, and charging arrangements. The inventive features are the bidirectional sealed conduit with vector flow sensing driving a changing indicator, together with lip-contact temperature sensing coordinated by a controller.
Bidirectional sealed fluid path between nebulizer mount and mouthpiece
A conduit having an inner surface forming a bidirectional sealed fluid path between the first connector and second connector enabling fluid entering the first connector to exit through the second connector and fluid entering the second connector to exit through the first connector.
Flow rate vector measurement in the bidirectional conduit
A flow sensor disposed in the conduit and between the first connector and the second connector, configured to measure a flow rate vector of fluid in the conduit.
Flow-vector-driven indicator dimension change
At least one indicator connected to the flow sensor, wherein at least one dimension of the at least one indicator changes as a function of a measured flow rate vector.
Controller coordinating flow sensing, indicator, and lip-contact temperature sensing
At least one controller connected to the flow sensor, the at least one indicator, and the temperature sensor.
Lip-contact temperature sensing during medication administration
A temperature sensor configured to contact at least one lip of a user when the device is in use for administering a medication to the user.
Sequential lengthening indicator based on measured flow rate vector direction
The device includes an LED array illuminated sequentially to create an apparent lengthening indicator whose perceived direction and degree depend on a measured flow rate vector and its direction.
Humidity sensing driving threshold-based indicator logic
A humidity sensor measures conduit humidity and the controller turns off and then illuminates LEDs in a predefined order based on received flow rate vectors and humidity measurements whose average over a predefined time exceeds a predefined threshold.
Inductive charging via induction coils at a base station
The base station and nebulizer monitoring device include induction coils such that the base station inductively charges the nebulizer monitoring device when it is received by the base station.
Across the identified claim coverage, the core device combines a bidirectional sealed fluid path with a flow sensor measuring a flow rate vector that drives an indicator whose at least one dimension changes as a function of the measured flow rate vector. The controller coordinates the flow sensor, the indicator, and a temperature sensor contacting the user’s lip during medication administration, with dependent claims refining the indicator rendering, humidity-based threshold logic, and inductive charging in a system.
Stated Advantages
Provides a flow-based indication tied to a measured flow rate vector during nebulizer use.
Enables monitoring of lip-contact temperature during medication administration using a temperature sensor contacting the user’s lip.
Supports use of humidity sensing to identify whether aerosolized medication is actually delivered, based on conduit humidity measurement and threshold-based indicator logic.
Supports dose compliance tracking and possible exacerbation detection through wireless data transfer and cloud or dashboard visualization, as described in the broader overview.
Documented Applications
Nebulizer therapy monitoring using a nebulizer monitoring device and system, including tracking dose compliance and detecting possible exacerbations during COPD or clinical studies, as described in the provided overview.
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