WO2023209515A1

WO2023209515A1 - An assistive breathing device for stress management, pranayama and apnea

Info

Publication number: WO2023209515A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/054086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhinav BINDRA
Original assignee: Bindra Abhinav
Priority date: 2022-04-27
Filing date: 2023-04-21
Publication date: 2023-11-02

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an assistive breathing device (100) for managing stress, pranayama, and apnea. The device (100) includes a pair of bridges (502-1, 502-2) that fits within a user's nostrils, a pair of air passages (504-1, 504-2) for inhaling and exhaling, a set of sensors to measure air volume and speed of air inhale or exhale and generate a sensor data, a microprocessor that receives the sensor data and generates control instructions based on operating instructions received from the user through a mobile application (102-M). The device (100) further includes a set of motorized solenoids (510- 1, 510-2) that actuate flaps in the air passages based on the control instructions, to change between different types of breathing/pranayama practices, automatically regulate the flow of air based on the application's instructions, and assists in preventing the onset of obstructive sleep apnea.

Description

AN ASSISTIVE BREATHING DEVICE FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT, PRANAYAMA AND APNEA

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an assistive breathing device for stress management, pranayama, and apnea. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that can be inserted into a user's nostrils to assist with stress management, pranayama, and apnea using motorized solenoids and a mobile application.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Breathing practice has been widely acknowledged to be beneficial in maintaining the balance of the autonomic nervous system and regulating the vagal tone between the parasympathetic and sympathetic states. Yoga, an ancient practice that has gained immense popularity in recent years, emphasizes the importance of breath control or pranayama, which is believed to regulate the vital life force or prana.

[0004] Several studies, including a systematic review by Zaccaro et al. titled “How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life”, have validated the importance of breath control in promoting psycho-physiological well-being.

[0005] Ineffective breathing can negatively impact an individual's performance in day-to-day activities, including sports and other routine tasks. Furthermore, breathing disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea can severely impact an individual's quality of life, leading to reduced brain function and, in some cases, even death.

[0006] While prior art, such as JP2018535735A, describes inventions that aim to improve lung performance by modulating inhalation and exhalation pressures, traditional Indian scriptures propose alternative techniques, such as Kapalbhati, which involves forceful exhalation of breath, to enhance lung elasticity and cardiovascular function.

[0007] Studies, such as the one conducted by Amrit Kaur and Mahesh Mitra, have shown the benefits of pranayama in managing breathing disorders like sleep apnea. However, the varied nature of pranayama techniques and their lack of ease of access make it difficult for individuals to practice them.

[0008] There is a need for a device that can guide and assist individuals in practicing pranayama techniques while making it easy for them to perform these tasks. Such a device could help reduce the onset of breathing disorders such as sleep apnea and improve overall well-being.

SUMMARY

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an assistive breathing device and a method for operating the same. The concepts are further described below in a detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an assistive breathing device designed to aid in stress management, pranayama, and apnea. The device includes a nose-based housing that fits into the user's nostrils. The housing includes a pair of bridges that fit within the user's nostrils, a pair of air passages connected to corresponding bridges, a set of sensors mounted inside each air passage that measure the volume and speed of the air inhale and exhale for generating sensor data, and a microprocessor receiving the sensor data from the set of sensors and generating control instructions based on operating instructions received from a mobile application. The control instructions are then transmitted to a set of motorized solenoids mounted in each of the air passages, which actuate flaps in the air passages based on the control instructions to manage stress, pranayama, and apnea. [0011] In an aspect, the set of motorized solenoids open and close the flaps to manage air flow for stress management and pranayama.

[0012] In an aspect, the set of motorized solenoids rotates the flaps for assistive breathing for those suffering from apnea.

[0013] In an aspect, the housing further comprises a rear side with the pair of bridges and a front side with a front grill that has a removable N95 filter.

[0014] In an aspect, the housing further comprises a rechargeable battery that powers the device components.

[0015] In an aspect, the housing further comprises a communication module coupled to the microprocessor, configured to receive operating instructions from a mobile application executing on a mobile device via wireless communication. The mobile application has a user interface that allows the user to select one of the operating modes to provide the operating instructions to the device. The operating modes include a stress management mode, a pranayama mode, a kapalbhati mode, and an apnea mode.

[0016] In an aspect, the wireless communication is short-range wireless communication.

[0017] In an aspect, thr device includes soft tip buds shaped in an oblong fashion that are removably attached to the extreme distant ends of the bridges to fasten themselves to the nostril's inner cavity of the user. In said aspect, the bridges are designed to attach different sizes of soft tip buds through a snap fit connection.

[0018] The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating the assistive breathing device. The method includes receiving sensor data from the set of sensors mounted inside each of the air passages of the device, processing the sensor data based on operating instructions received from the user through a mobile application, and transmitting control instructions to the set of motorized solenoids mounted in each of the air passages, wherein the motorized solenoids are configured to actuate their flaps in the air passages based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor for managing stress management, pranayama, and apnea. [0019] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0020] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawing and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level network architecture of an assistive breathing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of the placement of the assistive breathing device in a user’s nose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary assistive breathing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a front grill of the assistive breathing device, which has a removable N95 filter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assistive breathing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates different sizes of nostril buds attachable to the assistive breathing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary carry case for the assistive breathing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a method of operating the assistive breathing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.

[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] Various embodiments are further described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures relate to exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as a limitation to the subject matter of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Yet further, for the sake of brevity, operation or working principles pertaining to the technical material that is known in the technical field of the present disclosure have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.

Overview

[0037] Breathing practices, such as pranayama, have been used for centuries in Eastern cultures for stress relief, improving concentration, and relaxation. In addition, breathing practices are effective in the treatment of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of cessation or reduction of airflow during sleep. Traditional methods of practicing pranayama and managing apnea can be timeconsuming and require specialized training. There is a need for a simple, portable, and effective assistive breathing device that can be used by individuals of all ages and skill levels. [0038] Having this backdrop, the present disclosure proposes an assistive breathing device that facilitates stress management, pranayama, and apnea by managing air flow through the user's nostrils. The device includes a nose-based housing adapted to fit within a user's nostrils. The housing includes a pair of bridges that fit within the user's nostrils and a pair of air passages connected to corresponding bridges for air inhaling and exhaling. The device also includes a set of sensors mounted inside each of the air passages to measure the volume and speed of air inhale and exhale, and a microprocessor that receives sensor data from the set of sensors, generates control instructions based on operating instructions received from a mobile application, and transmits the control instructions.

[0039] The device further includes a set of motorized solenoids mounted in each of the air passages, configured to actuate flaps in the air passages based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor for managing the stress management, pranayama, and apnea. The set of motorized solenoids can open and close the flaps to manage air flow for stress management and pranayama. Alternatively, the set of motorized solenoids can rotate the flaps for assistive breathing for those suffering from apnea.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture for implementing an assistive breathing device 100 for stress management, pranayama, and apnea in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the architecture of the present disclosure can include a mobile device 102 having a mobile application 102-M running on the mobile device 102. In an aspect, the mobile device 102 is a hardware unit and can be a laptop, smartphone, notepad, smartwatch, smart tv, and so forth.

[0041] The mobile device 102 may communicate with the assistive breathing device 100 over a communication network 104. In an aspect, the communication network 104 can be a short-range communication network including Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), LPWAN, ultra-wideband (UWB), and IEEE 802.15.4. [0042] The mobile application 102-M has a user interface that allows the user to select one of the operating modes to provide the operating instructions to the assistive breathing device 100. Further, the operating modes include a stress management mode, a pranayama mode, a kapalbhati mode, and an apnea mode.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of the placement of the assistive breathing device 100 in a user’s nose in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The soft tip buds on the assistive breathing device 100 are shaped in an oblong fashion to fasten themselves to the nostril’s inner cavity, thereby being in place even during the heavy breathing of Kapalbhati.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a nose-based housing of the device 100, which is designed to fit into the user’s nose with ease and help them with their breath training.

[0045] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the assistive breathing device 100 has a rear side (RS) and a front side (FS).

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a front grill 402 of the assistive breathing device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The front grill 402 includes a removable N95 filter 404 lining inside to allow the user to breathe with comfort, while not being affected by surrounding dust, pathogen, etc. The front grill 402 on the front side (FS) protects the delicate filter while allowing maximum uninterrupted air flow.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assistive breathing device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assistive breathing device 100 includes a nose-based housing adapted to fit within a user's nostrils. The housing includes a pair of bridges 502-1, 502-2 that fit within the user's nostrils, and a pair of air passages 504-1, 504-2 connected to corresponding bridges 502-1, 502-2 for air inhale and exhale. The housing also includes a set of sensors (not shown in figures) mounted inside each of the air passages 504-1, 504-2 to measure the volume and speed of air inhale and exhale, and a microprocessor 508 that receives sensor data from the set of sensors, generates control instructions based on the operating instructions received from the mobile application 102-M, and transmits the control instructions. [0048] The housing further includes a set of motorized solenoids 510-1, 510-2 mounted in each of the air passages 504-1, 504-2, configured to actuate flaps in the air passages based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor 508 for managing the stress management, pranayama, and apnea. The set of motorized solenoids 510-1, 510-2 can open and close the flaps to manage air flow for stress management and pranayama. Alternatively, the set of motorized solenoids 510-1, 510-2 can rotate the flaps like a fan for assistive breathing for those suffering from apnea.

[0049] Yet in another embodiment, the housing can be equipped with a small fan or wind funneling mechanism that can blow/push air into the nose of the user for assisting in the proper breathing technique or proper inhalation of the air through the nostrils.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates the device’s capability to attach different sizes of nostril buds 602 to the device 100 through a simple snap connection on the bridge 502-1, 502- 2, thereby adding the flexibility of use within the design of the device 100.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a carry case 702 for the device 100. The carry case 702 protects the part of the device 100 that enters the nose, thereby protecting it from being exposed to germs, pathogens, and dust, which could affect those that are sensitive or allergic to them.

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of method 800 for operating an assistive breathing device. The order in which method 800 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement method 800, or an alternative method. Furthermore, method 800 may be implemented by processing resource or computing device(s) through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine -readable medium/instructions, or a combination thereof.

[0053] At block 802, method 800 includes receiving, by a microprocessor 508, a sensor data from a set of sensors mounted inside each of air passages 504-1, 504-2 of a nose-based housing adapted to fit within a user’ s nostrils through a pair of bridges 502- 1, 502-2. [0054] At block 804, method 800 includes processing, by the microprocessor 508, the sensor data based on operating instructions received from the user through a mobile application 102-M so as to generate control instructions.

[0055] At block 806, method 800 includes transmitting, by the microprocessor 508, the control instructions to a set of motorized solenoids 510-1, 510-2 mounted in each of the air passages 504-1, 504-2, wherein the motorized solenoids 510-1, 510-2 are configured to actuate their flaps in the air passages 504-1, 504-2 based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor 508 for managing the stress management, the pranayama, and the apnea.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT

[0056] Thus, the present disclosure proposes an assistive breathing device that can be placed on the nose or in the nostrils to block the nasal passage of air, one nostril at a time, through an electromechanical process. The assistive breathing device can be connected to a mobile phone to show the user the frequency of breaths and regulate the flow of air depending on the form of breathing practice. The assistive breathing device has sensors to measure the volume and speed of inhaling and exhaling and can also push air into the nose to prevent the onset of obstructive sleep apnea. The novel features of the assistive breathing device include multiple types of breathing practices, syncing with a mobile application, and a novel therapy for preventing sleep apnea.

[0057] The assistive breathing device proposed herein solves the problem of confusion regarding the type of breath work, which nostril to block, duration of breathholding, and pace of breathing.

Equivalents

[0058] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art, or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details. [0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0060] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0061] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An assistive breathing device (100) for stress management, pranayama, and apnea, said device (100) comprises: a nose-based housing adapted to fit within a user’s nostrils, wherein the housing includes: a pair of bridges (502-1, 502-2) that fit within the user's nostrils; a pair of air passages (504-1, 504-2) connected to corresponding bridges (502-1, 502-2) for air inhale and exhale; a set of sensors mounted inside each of the air passages (504-1, 504-2) to measure the volume and speed of the air inhaled and exhaled and generate sensor data; a microprocessor (508) that receives sensor data from the set of sensors, generates control instructions based on operating instructions received from a mobile application (102-M), and transmits the control instructions; and a set of motorized solenoids (510-1, 510-2) mounted in each of the air passages(504-l, 504-2), configured to actuate flaps in the air passages (504-1, 504-2) based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor (508), for managing the stress management, pranayama, and apnea.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of motorized solenoids (510-1, 510-2) open and close the flaps to manage air flow for stress management and pranayama.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of motorized solenoids (510-1, 510-2) rotates the flaps for assistive breathing for those suffering from apnea. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a rear side (RS) with the pair of bridges (502-1, 502-2) and a front side (FS) with a front grill (402) that has a removable N95 filter (404). The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a rechargeable battery (506) that powers the device components. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a communication module coupled to the microprocessor (508), configured to receive the operating instructions from the mobile application (102-M) executing on a mobile device (102) via a wireless communication network (104), wherein the mobile application (102-M) has a user interface that allows the user to select one of the operating modes to provide the operating instructions to the device, and wherein the operating modes include a stress management mode, a pranayama mode, a kapalbhati mode, and an apnea mode. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wireless communication network is a short-range wireless communication network. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises soft tip buds (602) shaped in an oblong design that is removably attached to the extremely distant ends of the bridges (502-1, 502-2) to fasten themselves to the nostril's inner cavity of the user. The device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bridges (502-1, 502-2) are designed to attach different sizes of soft tip buds (602) through a snap-fit connection. A method for operating an assistive breathing device (100) for stress management, pranayama, and apnea, said method comprises: receiving, by a microprocessor (508), a sensor data from a set of sensors mounted inside each of the air passages (504-1, 504-2) of a nose-based housing adapted to fit within a user’s nostrils through a pair of bridges (502-1, 502-2); processing, by the microprocessor (508), the sensor data based on operating instructions received from the user through a mobile application (102-M) so as to generate control instructions; and transmitting, by the microprocessor (508), the control instructions to a set of motorized solenoids (510-1, 510-2) mounted in each of the air passages (504-1, 504-2), wherein the motorized solenoids (510-1, 510-2) are configured to actuate their flaps in the air passages (504-1, 504-2) based on the control instructions generated by the microprocessor (508) for managing the stress management, the pranayama, and the apnea.