KR102853447B1 - A Breathing Device that Provides Real-Time Feedback to Strengthen Respiratory Muscles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, and more specifically, to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, including a main body part into which a mouthpiece is fitted, a pressure sensor, and a display, a Y-pipe part, a universal connector connecting the Y-pipe part and the main body part, an inhalation pressure control part that passes only inhalation above inhalation pressure, and an expiratory pressure control part that passes only exhalation above inhalation pressure, and strengthens a user's breathing ability by controlling inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, and at the same time provides feedback on the respiratory pressure in real time on a display.

Description

A breathing device that provides real-time feedback to strengthen respiratory muscles.

The present invention relates to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, and more specifically, to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, including a main body part into which a mouthpiece is fitted, a pressure sensor, and a display, a Y-pipe part, a universal connector connecting the Y-pipe part and the main body part, an inhalation pressure control part that passes only inhalation above inhalation pressure, and an expiratory pressure control part that passes only exhalation above inhalation pressure, and strengthens a user's breathing ability by controlling inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, and at the same time provides feedback on the respiratory pressure in real time on a display.

Breathing exercises are exercises performed by varying the depth and frequency of breathing. Strengthening respiratory muscles plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The efficiency of the respiratory system influences not only physical activity but also various physiological processes, including cardiovascular health, pulmonary function, and cognitive function. Accordingly, there is growing interest in developing effective methods to strengthen respiratory muscles.

Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) is known to temporarily increase the functional residual capacity of the lungs by generating back pressure in the airway, thereby helping to expel mucus in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. PEP-based breathing training significantly increased forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1). PEP exercise in COPD patients used for approximately 4 hours a day significantly improved the 6-minute walk test by 71.67+-8.70 m compared to the control group, with no reported side effects. Respiratory muscle training using breathing training equipment involves inhaling or exhaling while adjusting the resistance pressure through a mouthpiece [5]. However, due to the nature of breathing training, subjects can easily tire, and the function of providing real-time feedback to the user is often lacking.

Recent technological advancements have led to the development of products that provide personalized training solutions that provide immediate feedback to users. By integrating these technologies into breathing training, digital tools are helping to optimize fitness routines and physical health. Expiratory muscle training (EMT) has been effectively used to increase maximal expiration, improve exercise capacity, and reduce apnea [9]. However, the dropout rate in respiratory rehabilitation is very high. For this reason, [10] a breathing training game was developed using a PC-based Arduino sensor. Game-based biofeedback breathing training devices are being developed and utilized with the recent advancement of IoT technology to ensure continuous breathing training. Virtual reality technology is also being utilized for breathing training.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-2424569 (Patent Document 0001) discloses a respiration measuring device including: a main body that is positioned so as to be in close contact with a user's face; an exhaust valve installed in the main body that opens when the user exhales to discharge air inside the main body; an intake valve installed in the main body that opens when the user inhales to suck in air outside the main body; a plurality of electrodes formed in the exhaust valve or the intake valve; and a controller that measures electrical information that varies according to the user's exhalation and inhalation; wherein the controller can measure the electrical information that varies according to a difference in distance between the plurality of electrodes. However, the invention also has a limitation in that it does not disclose a breathing training method through immediate feedback through a display and specific control.

Therefore, there is a growing need to develop methods and systems that effectively train users' breathing.

Domestic registered patent KR 10-2424569 B1

The present invention relates to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, and more specifically, to a respiratory training device that provides real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles, and more specifically, to a respiratory training device system that includes a main body part having a mouthpiece fitted therein, a pressure sensor, and a display, a Y-pipe part, a universal connector connecting the Y-pipe part and the main body part, an inhalation pressure control part that passes only inhalation above inhalation pressure, and an expiry pressure control part that passes only exhalation above inhalation pressure, and that strengthens a user's breathing ability by controlling inhalation pressure and expiry pressure and at the same time provides feedback on the respiratory pressure in real time on a display.

In order to solve the above problem, in one embodiment of the present invention, a respiratory training device providing real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles is provided, comprising: a main body part including a cylindrical rectangular parallelepiped body case, a main body inlet formed by extending one end of the cylinder of the main body case and to which a mouthpiece is coupled, a main body outlet disposed at the other end of the cylinder of the main body case, and a pressure sensor disposed on an inner surface of the main body case; a universal connector coupled to the main body outlet; a Y-pipe part coupled to the universal connector and including a first pipe through which inhalation and exhalation pass, a second pipe through which external air is introduced by inhalation, and a third pipe through which exhalation introduced through the first pipe is discharged, wherein the first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe have an overall Y-shape; The present invention provides a breathing training device comprising: an inhalation pressure control unit including a first spring, coupled to the second pipe, and causing inhaled breath to flow into the second pipe when the pressure of inhaled breath flowing in through the second pipe is higher than the inhalation pressure set by the first spring; and an expiratory pressure control unit including a second spring, coupled to the third pipe, and causing exhaled breath to be discharged outside the third pipe when the pressure of exhaled breath exhausted through the third pipe is higher than the expiratory pressure set by the second spring; and when the user repeatedly inhales and exhales through the mouthpiece, the device enhances the user's breathing ability by causing the user to inhale and exhale at a pressure higher than the inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, and measures the user's inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure through a pressure sensor of the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body further includes a display unit arranged on an outer surface of the main body case; a battery arranged on one side of the main body case; and a board unit that receives power from the battery and includes a communication module and a control unit, and operates in a first mode that transmits a signal to the display unit to induce a user to maintain inhalation above the inhalation pressure for a preset period of time; and a second mode that transmits a signal to the display unit to induce a user to maintain exhalation above the expiration pressure for a preset period of time; and by repeating the first mode and the second mode, the user's inhalation and exhalation can be induced, thereby improving the user's respiratory ability.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the intake pressure control unit comprises: a first connecting member in the shape of a ring corresponding to the second pipe; a first piston that contacts an end of the second pipe to seal the second pipe; an intake pressure control screw that is connected to one end surface of the first piston and penetrates the central axis of the first connecting member; a piston column that is connected to the other end surface of the first piston and is arranged on the same line as the central axis of the second pipe; And further comprising a ring-shaped spring fixing member arranged between the outer surface of the piston column and the inner surface of the second pipe to connect the piston column and the second pipe; wherein the first spring is arranged between the spring fixing member and the other end surface of the first piston, and controls the air passing through the second pipe to flow only from the outside to the inside, thereby allowing only the user's inhalation to pass through the second pipe, and the intake pressure can be controlled by adjusting the tension applied to the first spring by rotating the intake pressure adjusting screw to move the spring fixing member in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the expiratory pressure control unit includes: a second connecting member in a ring shape corresponding to the third pipe; a second piston corresponding to a cross-section of the third pipe to seal the third pipe; a ring-shaped air hole member arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the third pipe; an expiratory pressure control screw coupled to one end surface of the second piston and penetrating the central axis of the second connecting member; and a second spring arranged between the second connecting member and one end surface of the second piston, and controls air passing through the third pipe to flow only from the inside to the outside, thereby allowing only the user's exhalation to pass through the third pipe, and by rotating the expiratory pressure control screw to move the expiratory pressure control screw in the longitudinal direction of the third pipe, tension applied to the second spring can be adjusted to control the expiratory pressure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body portion further includes a first ring groove portion having a larger diameter and an engraved shape and is arranged concentrically with the main body outlet; the universal connector includes a connector frame portion having a height corresponding to the height of the main body portion and a different width; a plurality of coupling holes having diameters of various sizes corresponding to diameters of various sizes of the plurality of first pipes as holes penetrating the connector frame portion; and a plurality of second ring groove portions formed at positions sharing a center with each coupling hole in a shape corresponding to the first ring groove portion in a direction in which the connector frame portion is coupled to the main body portion.

When a pipe having a diameter corresponding to a specific coupling hole of a plurality of coupling holes is coupled to the coupling hole, and a specific coupling hole of the universal connector and a main body outlet of the main body are coupled, a rubber ring is fitted between the first ring groove portion and a specific second ring groove portion to seal between the universal connector and the main body portion, and even if the diameter of the first pipe changes, by selecting a corresponding coupling hole, the main body portion and the Y pipe portion can be coupled corresponding to first pipes having various diameters.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of strengthening the user's suction ability can be exerted by inducing suction at a pressure higher than the suction pressure set by the suction pressure control screw.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of strengthening the user's respiratory function can be exerted by inducing exhalation at a pressure higher than the exhalation pressure set by the exhalation pressure control screw.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the effect of connecting Y pipe sections of various sizes to the main body section using a universal connector.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of allowing air passing through the second pipe to move only in the intake direction can be achieved by the intake pressure control unit.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air passing through the third pipe can be made to move only in the expiratory direction by the expiratory pressure control unit.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first mode and the second mode are switched at preset time intervals, and the user's breathing ability can be strengthened by inducing the user to inhale and exhale for a preset time.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a breathing training device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main body according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 schematically illustrates a universal connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a plan view of a Y-pipe section, an intake pressure control section, and an expiration pressure control section according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an intake pressure control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an expiration pressure control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 schematically illustrates a wiring diagram of a breathing training device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 schematically illustrates a result screen of a display according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a trend line pressure comparison graph between a set pressure and a measured pressure by IMT-PEP according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 schematically illustrates a pressure graph in a second mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 schematically illustrates a pressure graph in a first mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments and/or aspects are now disclosed with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that such aspects may be practiced without these specific details. The following description and the attached drawings detail specific exemplary aspects of one or more aspects. However, these aspects are exemplary, and it is to be understood that any of the various methods within the principles of the various aspects may be utilized, and the description is intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents.

Additionally, various aspects and features will be presented by systems that may include a number of devices, components, and/or modules. It is also to be understood and appreciated that various systems may include additional devices, components, and/or modules, and/or may not include all of the devices, components, and modules discussed in connection with the drawings.

The terms "embodiment," "example," "aspect," and "example" used herein may not be construed as implying that any aspect or design described is better or advantageous than other aspects or designs. The terms "part," "component," "module," "system," and "interface" used below generally refer to computer-related entities, and may refer to, for example, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or software.

Additionally, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" imply the presence of the features and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components and/or groups thereof.

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term and/or includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

Additionally, in the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a breathing training device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A respiratory training device (1) providing real-time feedback for strengthening respiratory muscles according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a main body (1000) including a cylindrical rectangular parallelepiped body case (1100), a main body inlet (1110) formed by extending one end of the cylindrical body case (1100) and to which a mouthpiece (6000) is coupled, a main body outlet (1120) disposed at the other end of the cylindrical body case (1100), and a pressure sensor (1200) disposed on an inner surface of the main body case (1100); a universal connector (2000) coupled with the main body outlet (1120); A Y-pipe section (3000) including a first pipe (3100) through which inhalation and exhalation pass when combined with the above universal connector (2000), a second pipe (3200) through which outside air is introduced by inhalation, and a third pipe (3300) through which exhalation introduced through the first pipe (3100) is discharged, wherein the first pipe (3100), the second pipe (3200), and the third pipe (3300) have an overall Y shape; an intake pressure control section (4000) including a first spring (4400) and coupled to the above second pipe (3200) so that when the pressure of the inhaled breath introduced through the second pipe (3200) is higher than the intake pressure set by the above first spring (4400), the inhaled breath is introduced into the inside of the above second pipe (3200); And an expiratory pressure control unit (5000) including a second spring (5400), and coupled to the third pipe (3300) so that the pressure of the exhaled breath discharged through the third pipe (3300) is higher than the expiratory pressure set by the second spring (5400), and causes the exhaled breath to be discharged to the outside of the third pipe (3300); When the user repeats inhalation and exhalation through the mouthpiece (6000), the user's breathing ability is enhanced by allowing the user to inhale and exhale at a pressure higher than the inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, and the user's inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure can be measured through the pressure sensor (1200) of the main body (1000).

Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the breathing training device (1) can measure the user's breathing pressure in real time while improving the user's breathing ability.

A breathing training device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the mouthpiece (6000) that is fitted into the main body inlet (1110) of the main body (1000).

It may be desirable to use the above mouthpiece (6000) by inserting it into a general commercial product.

The present invention relates to a breathing training device developed to help individuals enhance respiratory muscle strength by providing real-time feedback and monitoring training progress through smartphone integration. The purpose of this invention was to develop a personal smart breathing training device capable of sensing inspiratory and expiratory pressure for breathing training, and to evaluate the effectiveness of its development as a breathing training device.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The main body (1000) further includes a display unit (1300) arranged on the outer surface of the main body case (1100); a battery (not shown) arranged on one side of the main body case (1100); and a circuit board (not shown) that receives power from the battery (not shown) and includes a communication module and a control unit; and the breathing training device (1) operates in a first mode in which a signal is transmitted to the display unit (1300) to induce the user to maintain inhalation above the inhalation pressure for a preset period of time under the control of the control unit; and a second mode in which a signal is transmitted to the display unit (1300) to induce the user to maintain exhalation above the expiration pressure for a preset period of time, and by repeating the first mode and the second mode, the user's breathing ability can be improved by inducing the user's inhalation and exhalation.

Specifically, the main body (1000) can serve as a passage through which the user breathes in and out by including the main body inlet (1110) to which the mouthpiece (6000) is coupled and the main body outlet (1120) to which the universal connector (2000) is coupled.

The user can operate the breathing training device (1) through the button portion (1400) arranged on the outer surface of the main body portion (1000), and can determine the operating status of the breathing training device (1) through the display portion (1300) arranged on the outer surface of the main body portion (1000).

The contents of the screen shown in the above display unit (1300) will be described later in FIGS. 10 and 11.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first mode of the breathing training device (1) operates for a first period of time, which may be 5 to 90 seconds. Preferably, it may be 10 seconds. It is preferable that the first period of time be appropriately varied depending on the user's breathing training status, and this may be controlled through the button unit (1400) by the user's selection, or a preset value may be used by an external application, etc.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second mode of the breathing training device (1) operates for a second period of time, and the first period of time may be 5 to 90 seconds. Preferably, it may be 10 seconds. It is preferable that the first period of time be appropriately varied depending on the user's breathing training status, and this may be controlled through the button unit (1400) by the user's selection, or a preset value may be used by an external application, etc.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the universal connector (2000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body (1000) further includes a first ring groove (1500) having a larger diameter and an engraved shape and is arranged concentrically with the main body discharge port (1120); the universal connector (2000) includes a connector frame (2100) having a height corresponding to the height of the main body (1000) and a different width; a plurality of coupling holes (2200) having various diameters corresponding to various diameters of the plurality of first pipes (3100) as holes penetrating the connector frame (2100); And the connector frame part (2100) includes a plurality of second ring groove parts (2300) formed at a position sharing a center with each of the coupling holes (2200) in a shape corresponding to the first ring groove part (1500) in the direction in which the connector frame part (2100) is coupled with the main body part (1000); and a pipe having a diameter corresponding to a specific coupling hole (2200) of the plurality of coupling holes (2200) is coupled with the coupling hole (2200), and when the specific coupling hole (2200) of the universal connector (2000) and the main body discharge port (1120) of the main body part (1000) are coupled, a rubber ring (2310) is fitted between the first ring groove part (1500) and the specific second ring groove part (2300) to seal between the universal connector (2000) and the main body part (1000), and Even if the diameter of the first pipe (3100) changes, the main body (1000) and the Y pipe (3000) can be connected to the first pipe (3100) having various diameters by selecting the corresponding connecting member (2200).

Specifically, the universal connector (2000) is a device that connects the main body (1000) and the Y pipe (3000), and can exhibit a coupling effect even when the device coupled to the main body (1000) is a pipe other than the Y pipe (3000) of the present invention.

The universal connector (2000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the connector frame portion (2100) formed in a rectangular plate shape, a plurality of coupling holes (2200) formed in the form of through holes having different sizes in the connector frame portion (2100), the second ring groove portion (2300) formed in a concentric shape with the center of each of the plurality of coupling holes (2200) on the rear surface of the connector frame portion (2100) and having a semicircular cross-section, and a plurality of connector screw holes (2400) formed by penetrating the connector frame portion (2100) at positions corresponding to positions of the main body screw holes (1130) of the main body portion (1000).

Select a specific coupling hole (2200) corresponding to the diameter of the pipe to be connected to the main body (1000), fit the rubber ring (2310) into the second ring groove (2300) concentric with the coupling hole (2200), and then adjust the position so that the rubber ring (2310) fits into the first ring groove (1500) of the main body (1000), so that the axes of the connector screw hole (2400) and the main body screw hole (1130) coincide. At this time, the pipe and the main body (1000) can be coupled by passing a screw through the connector screw hole (2400) and the main body screw hole (1130).

In addition, the rubber ring (2310) disposed between the first ring groove (1500) and the second ring groove (2300) can seal the gap between the universal connector (2000) and the main body (1000), thereby preventing the inhaled and exhaled air passing between the main body (1000) and the universal connector (2000) from being discharged through the gap.

That is, by using the above universal connector (2000), it is possible to achieve the effect of being able to connect a pipe having a different size from the main body discharge port (1120) of the main body (1000) to the main body.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a plan view of the Y pipe section (3000), the intake pressure control section (4000), and the expiration pressure control section (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A breathing training device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first pipe (3100) through which inhalation and exhalation pass when combined with the universal connector (2000), a second pipe (3200) through which external air is introduced by inhalation, and a third pipe (3300) through which exhalation introduced through the first pipe (3100) is discharged, and may include a Y pipe portion (3000) in which the first pipe (3100), the second pipe (3200), and the third pipe (3300) have an overall Y shape.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intake pressure control unit (4000) comprises: a first coupling member (4100) in a ring shape corresponding to the second pipe (3200); a first piston (4200) that contacts an end of the second pipe (3200) to seal the second pipe (3200); an intake pressure control screw (4500) coupled to one end surface of the first piston (4200) and penetrating the central axis of the first coupling member (4100); a piston column (4300) coupled to the other end surface of the first piston (4200) and arranged on the same line as the central axis of the second pipe (3200); And further includes a ring-shaped spring fixing member (4600) that is arranged between the outer surface of the piston column (4300) and the inner surface of the second pipe (3200) to connect the piston column (4300) and the second pipe (3200); and the first spring (4400) is arranged between the spring fixing member (4600) and the other end surface of the first piston (4200), and controls the air passing through the second pipe (3200) to flow only from the outside to the inside, thereby allowing only the user's inhalation to pass through the second pipe (3200), and by rotating the intake pressure adjusting screw (4500) to move the spring fixing member (4600) in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe (3200), the tension applied to the first spring (4400) can be adjusted, thereby controlling the intake pressure.

The exhalation pressure control unit (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a second connecting member (5100) in a ring shape corresponding to the third pipe (3300); a second piston (5200) that seals the third pipe (3300) corresponding to the cross-section of the third pipe (3300); a ring-shaped air hole member (5600) arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the third pipe (3300); an exhalation pressure control screw (5300) that is connected to one end surface of the second piston (5200) and penetrates the central axis of the second connecting member (5100); The second spring (5400) is arranged between the second connecting member (5100) and one end surface of the second piston (5200), and controls the air passing through the third pipe (3300) to flow only from the inside to the outside, thereby allowing only the user's exhalation to pass through the third pipe (3300), and by rotating the expiratory pressure adjusting screw (5300) to move the expiratory pressure adjusting screw (5300) in the longitudinal direction of the third pipe (3300), the tension applied to the second spring (5400) can be adjusted, thereby controlling the expiratory pressure.

The above Y pipe section (3000) is a Y-shaped structure in which the first pipe (3100) connected to the main body section (1000), the second pipe (3200) through which air is introduced by the user's inhalation, and the third pipe (3300) through which air is discharged by the user's exhalation are arranged.

The second pipe (3200) and the third pipe (3300) are provided with the intake pressure control unit (4000) and the expiratory pressure control unit (5000), respectively, to prevent air from being discharged through the second pipe (3200) and to prevent air from being introduced into the third pipe (3300), thereby simultaneously performing intake and exhalation as a single device, while having the effect of separately controlling the intake pressure and the expiratory pressure.

Meanwhile, inspiratory pressure is the pressure required for the user to inhale through the breathing training device (1).

Expiratory pressure is the pressure required for the user to exhale through the breathing training device (1).

The above-mentioned inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure can be set through the inhalation pressure adjustment screw (4500) of the inhalation pressure adjustment unit (4000) and the expiratory pressure adjustment screw (5300) of the expiratory pressure adjustment unit (5000), and if the user inhales and exhales at a pressure lower than the inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, the user cannot breathe.

A more detailed explanation of this will be provided later in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the intake pressure control unit (4000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intake pressure control unit (4000) comprises: the first coupling member (4100) in a ring shape corresponding to the second pipe (3200); the first piston (4200) that contacts an end of the second pipe (3200) to seal the second pipe (3200); the intake pressure control screw (4500) that is coupled to one end surface of the first piston (4200) and penetrates the central axis of the first coupling member (4100); the piston column (4300) that is coupled to the other end surface of the first piston (4200) and is arranged on the same line as the central axis of the second pipe (3200); And further includes a ring-shaped spring fixing member (4600) that is arranged between the outer surface of the piston column (4300) and the inner surface of the second pipe (3200) to connect the piston column (4300) and the second pipe (3200); and the first spring (4400) is arranged between the spring fixing member (4600) and the other end surface of the first piston (4200), and controls the air passing through the second pipe (3200) to flow only from the outside to the inside, thereby allowing only the user's inhalation to pass through the second pipe (3200), and by rotating the intake pressure adjusting screw (4500) to move the spring fixing member (4600) in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe (3200), the tension applied to the first spring (4400) can be adjusted, thereby controlling the intake pressure.

Figure 5(A) illustrates a cross-section of the intake pressure control unit (4000) when a pressure lower than the intake pressure is applied.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first piston (4200) and the piston column (4300) in the form of a piston are connected to the outer surface of the second pipe (3200) through the spring fixing member (4600) so that the piston column (4300) can reciprocate while penetrating the spring fixing member (4600).

That is, the first piston (4200) can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe (3200) within the second pipe (3200).

In a state where no pressure is applied to the second pipe (3200), the first piston (4200) is in contact with the first connecting member (4100).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member (4100) has a through hole formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first piston (4200), and the intake pressure adjusting screw (4500) connected to the column of the first piston (4200) passes through the through hole.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the spring fixing member (4600) and the first piston (4200) can be adjusted by rotating the intake pressure adjusting screw (4500), thereby changing the tension applied to the first spring (4400) to achieve the effect of adjusting the intake pressure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member (4100) may further include an intake hole (4110) which is a through hole through which air passes.

Figure 5(B) illustrates a cross-section of the intake pressure control unit (4000) when a pressure higher than the intake pressure is applied.

When a user places his/her mouth on the mouthpiece (6000) and inhales, negative pressure is formed throughout the Y pipe portion (3000). When the difference between the negative pressure formed in this way and the atmospheric pressure becomes greater than the intake pressure set by the first spring (4400), the first piston (4200) is separated from the first coupling member (4100) and the intake hole (4110) is opened, thereby forming a passage through which external air can enter the second pipe (3200).

When outside air flows into the second pipe (3200), the negative pressure formed in the Y pipe portion (3000) decreases, and when the decreased negative pressure becomes lower than the intake pressure, the first piston (4200) comes into contact with the first connecting member (4100) again, the intake hole (4110) is closed, and the inflow of outside air is blocked. In other words, the user can no longer breathe.

Therefore, in order to inhale using the breathing training device (1) of the present invention, the user must continuously maintain a negative pressure higher than the set inhalation pressure, and in this process, the user's inhalation ability can be trained and improved.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first piston (4200) includes a first piston (4200) frame in the shape of a disk, and the first piston (4200) rubber extending from a circular end of the first piston (4200) frame, and it is preferable that the diameter of the first piston (4200) rubber is smaller than the inner diameter of the second pipe (3200).

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exhalation pressure control unit (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The exhalation pressure control unit (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: the second connecting member (5100) in a ring shape corresponding to the third pipe (3300); the second piston (5200) that seals the third pipe (3300) corresponding to the cross-section of the third pipe (3300); the air hole member (5600) in a ring shape arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the third pipe (3300); the exhalation pressure control screw (5300) that is connected to one end surface of the second piston (5200) and penetrates the central axis of the second connecting member (5100); The second spring (5400) is arranged between the second connecting member (5100) and one end surface of the second piston (5200), and controls the air passing through the third pipe (3300) to flow only from the inside to the outside, thereby allowing only the user's exhalation to pass through the third pipe (3300), and by rotating the expiratory pressure adjusting screw (5300) to move the expiratory pressure adjusting screw (5300) in the longitudinal direction of the third pipe (3300), the tension applied to the second spring (5400) can be adjusted, thereby controlling the expiratory pressure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second piston (5200) in the form of a piston and the exhalation pressure control screw (5300) are connected by penetrating the second connecting member (5100).

That is, the second piston (5200) can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the third pipe (3300) within the third pipe (3300).

In a state where no pressure is applied to the third pipe (3300), the second piston (5200) is in contact with the air hole member (5600).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air hole member (5600) has a through hole formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second piston (5200).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air hole member (5600) is a ring-shaped member having a through hole formed in the center and a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the third pipe (3300).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speed of the second spring (5400) can be adjusted by rotating the exhalation pressure adjusting screw (5300), thereby changing the tension applied to the second spring (5400) to exert the effect of adjusting the exhalation pressure.

Meanwhile, the air hole member (5600) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an exhalation hole (5610) which is a through hole through which air passes.

Figure 6(B) illustrates a cross-section of the expiratory pressure control unit (5000) when a pressure higher than the expiratory pressure is applied.

When the user places his/her mouth on the mouthpiece (6000) and exhales, a positive pressure is formed throughout the Y pipe portion (3000). When the difference between the positive pressure formed in this way and the atmospheric pressure becomes greater than the expiratory pressure set by the second spring (5400), the second piston (5200) falls from the air hole member (5600) and the expiratory hole (5610) opens, thereby forming a passage through which the user's exhaled breath can be discharged to the outside through the third pipe (3300).

When the exhaled breath inside the third pipe (3300) is discharged to the outside, the positive pressure formed in the Y pipe part (3000) decreases, and when the decreased positive pressure becomes lower than the intake pressure, the second piston (5200) comes into contact with the air hole member (5600) again, and the exhalation hole (5610) is closed, blocking the external discharge of the exhaled breath. In other words, the user can no longer exhale.

Therefore, in order to exhale using the respiratory training device (1) of the present invention, the user must continuously maintain a positive pressure higher than the set expiratory pressure, and in this process, the user's respiratory function can be trained and improved.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second piston (5200) includes a disk-shaped second piston (5200) frame, and the second piston (5200) rubber extending from a circular end of the second piston (5200) frame, and it is preferable that the diameter of the second piston (5200) rubber is smaller than the inner diameter of the third pipe (3300).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, by changing the Y pipe section (3000) into a single pipe and combining only the intake pressure control section (4000) or the expiration pressure control section (5000), only one of the intake or expiration can be trained.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a wiring diagram of a breathing training device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body (1000) further includes: the display unit (1300) disposed on the outer surface of the main body case (1100); the battery (not shown) disposed on one side of the main body case (1100); and the board unit (not shown) supplied with power from the battery (not shown) and including a communication module and a control unit; and the breathing training device (1) operates in a first mode in which a signal is transmitted to the display unit (1300) to induce the user to maintain inhalation above the inhalation pressure for a preset period of time under the control of the control unit; and a second mode in which a signal is transmitted to the display unit (1300) to induce the user to maintain exhalation above the expiration pressure for a preset period of time, and by repeating the first mode and the second mode, the user's breathing ability can be improved by inducing inhalation and exhalation.

Specifically, the configuration of the breathing device consists of the pressure sensor (1200), a PCB including Bluetooth, a processor, the battery (not shown), and a USB connection terminal. The processor uses the MDBT42 module. This module is based on a 32-bit ARM® Cortex™ M4F CPU and is composed of an nrf52832SoC that supports BLE (Bluetooth low energy). The battery (not shown) uses a 3.7 V, 500 mAh Li-Po battery (not shown), and a 5 V USB C-type charging terminal is applied. The pressure sensor (1200) uses the Bosch bme688 model. This sensor supports I2C and SPI communications and can measure pressure, temperature, and humidity and output air quality data according to settings. In order to convert the measurement value (hPa) from the sensor to a cmH2O value, the hPa measurement value was multiplied by 1.019 for conversion.

In the circuit of this trainer, a method of measuring respiratory pressure was applied by transmitting pressure data to the MDBT module via I2C communication.

The exterior of the breathing device, as illustrated in Fig. 2, consists of a power switch, an LED display indicating the status of the trainer, a connection part for the mouthpiece (6000) used when the user blows with the mouth, and a connection part for connecting a manual functional recovery device. The breathing device is used in conjunction with an app on a smart device. The app includes a user registration function for entering user information, a chart (graph) function for showing current pressure data in real time, a result sheet function for showing the results after completing training, and a log function for loading past training data. The mouthpiece (6000) is connected to one end of the trainer, and the manual functional recovery device, the inhalation pressure control unit (4000) and the expiratory pressure control unit (5000) (specifically, IMP-PEP), are connected to the other end. The IMP-PEP is designed to open at a set pressure by a membrane that shields the catheter during inhalation and exhalation and an elastic spring using a spring method.

Figure 8 schematically illustrates a result screen of a display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, the display shown in the main body (1000) may display a graph consisting of a time axis and a pressure axis. The graph shows a graph of pressure changes during a single inhalation or exhalation of the user.

Additionally, the layer at the bottom of the graph displays the maximum MIP or MEP value in units of CmH20 as the Best Data layer, allowing the user to intuitively know their maximum expiratory pressure or inspiratory pressure in numbers.

At this time, MIP is an abbreviation for Maximum Inspiratory Pressure and means maximum inspiratory pressure, and MEP is an abbreviation for Maximum Expiratory Pressure and means maximum expiratory pressure.

Meanwhile, expiratory pressure can be depicted as a graph of positive pressure existing above the time axis on the graph, and inspiratory pressure can be depicted as a graph of negative pressure existing below the time axis on the graph.

The information shown on the display unit (1300) of the present invention may include information related to the operation of the device in addition to the graph shown in FIG. 8, but this is a previously disclosed technology and will therefore be omitted.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a trend line pressure comparison graph between a set pressure and a measured pressure by IMT-PEP according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Data were collected via an application (HooHoo ver1.0, AI control, Korea) connected to an Android phone via Bluetooth. The data were saved as a CSV file within the app, and the maximum and minimum values measured during expiration and inspiration were analyzed using an Excel program. This analysis graph is depicted in Figure 9.

The graph shown in Fig. 9 is the result of analyzing data using data measured when a 3 L calibration syringe was operated five times at the same speed by the actuator under four conditions of expiratory pressure (5, 10, 15, 20 cmH2O) and four conditions of inspiratory pressure (-10, -20, -30, -40 cmH2O).

To analyze the test-retest reliability of the product, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was analyzed using data from five replicates under four conditions of expiratory and inspiratory pressure. The confidence level was set as very high if the ICC >0.90.

To quantify measurement error, the standard error of means (SEM) was calculated as SD*√(1-ICC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (SPSS ver. 22.0, IBM Inc., USA). The significance level (α) was set at 0.05.

When measurements were performed 5 times each under 8 conditions, including 4 IMT measurement conditions and 4 PEP measurement conditions, the values measured by the sensor were as shown in [Table 1].

First, through the present invention, it was confirmed that the IMT/PEP respiratory trainer is operating accurately at the pressure value set in the product.

Second, the above pressure sensor (1200) showed high test-retest reliability of ICC=0.999 in both expiratory pressure and inspiratory pressure.

Third, in the case of SEM, which can be used to determine the error range of the data, the range was 0.030 to 0.135, and the value obtained by dividing the standard deviation by the SEM showed a consistent error range of 44.7%.

[Table 1]

In the present invention, the pressure sensor (1200) was used to monitor real-time feedback and training frequency wirelessly via Bluetooth with a smartphone during breathing training. The size of the inlet was designed to allow for an adjustable connector so that the user can connect it to their breathing training device. To ensure that the sensor provides reliable measurements, a 3L calibration syringe was connected to a linear actuator to ensure that the calibration cylinder moves at a uniform speed.

As a result, the reliability of the measurement, ICC, was ICC=0.999 for both expiratory pressure and inspiratory pressure.

Breathing training is used for various purposes, including reducing asthma, improving blood pressure, alleviating pain, and regulating breathing during yoga. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep due to partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. IMT is considered an effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.

It is used as an intervention method for patients with lung disease using a PEP device for the purpose of improving lung function while being one of the airway clearing techniques. However, there were inventions that showed significant improvement in FEV1, but there were also inventions that showed no significant improvement compared to the control group, so it was said that additional inventions are needed.

The discrepancies in the results of these interventions stem from the difficulty of consistently conducting breathing training and the difficulty of consistently training on one's own. Furthermore, it was difficult for medical staff to determine whether the training was being conducted, making it difficult to determine whether the patient's breathing intervention was being adequately administered. These factors may have contributed to the insignificant results of these interventions.

IMT is used to strengthen respiratory muscles not only in patients with cardiorespiratory disease but also in healthy individuals. IMT training intensity is typically performed twice to four times a week. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, IMT training significantly improved pulmonary function (FVC), inspiratory pressure (MIP), and expiratory pressure (MEP), increased diaphragmatic thickness, and decreased blood pressure. When the effects of daily IMT for four weeks were measured in sedentary adults aged 20-40 years, significant improvements were observed in maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and vital capacity (FVC, FEV1, PEF). In COVID-19 patients, 12 weeks of IMT training improved aerobic exercise capacity and quality of life. In a study of 60 overweight subjects aged 20-40 with a BMI of 23-29, IMT training at an intensity of 40% of PImax five times a week for six weeks significantly improved 6-minute walking distance and PImax. Breathing and aerobic exercise can influence the reduction of visceral fat, and performing IMT training simultaneously with aerobic exercise can help strengthen respiratory muscles.

Figure 10 schematically illustrates a pressure graph in a second mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The graph in Fig. 10 is a graph that shows when the expiration control screw is adjusted in four stages and the expiration is repeated five times for each stage. It can be seen that five lines are drawn densely in a certain section according to the adjustment of the expiration pressure control screw (5300).

That is, the effect of regulating the expiratory pressure by the expiratory pressure regulating screw (5300) can be confirmed through the graph of Fig. 10.

Meanwhile, in the experiment to produce the graph, the above-mentioned pressure control screw (5300) was divided into four stages and five exhalations were performed for each stage, but the actual pressure control screw is not distinguished into four stages.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the forward rotation speed of the exhalation pressure control screw (5300) and the exhalation pressure (CmH2O) can be directly proportional.

Figure 11 schematically illustrates a pressure graph in a first mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The graph shown in Fig. 11 is a graph of time and pressure (CmH20) displayed on the display when the user repeats inhalation several times according to the first mode, and one line represents one inhalation.

The graph in Fig. 11 is a graph that shows when the intake control screw is adjusted in four stages and intake is repeated five times for each stage. It can be seen that five lines are drawn densely in a certain section according to the adjustment of the intake pressure control screw (4500).

That is, the effect of regulating the intake pressure by the intake pressure regulating screw (4500) can be confirmed through the graph of Fig. 11.

Meanwhile, in the experiment to produce the graph, the above-mentioned pressure control screw (4500) was divided into four stages and five exhalations were performed for each stage, but the actual pressure control screw is not distinguished into four stages.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the forward rotation speed of the exhalation pressure control screw (5300) and the intake pressure (CmH2O) can be directly proportional.

Healthcare devices for breathing training are being developed recently. BreatheBuddy is a breathing training device with real-time feedback designed to reduce stress and promote mental health. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it can enhance the user's breathing capacity by encouraging inhalation above the inhalation pressure set by the inhalation pressure adjustment screw (4500).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of strengthening the user's respiratory function can be exerted by inducing exhalation at a pressure higher than the exhalation pressure set by the exhalation pressure control screw (5300).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the Y pipe portion (3000) of various sizes can be connected to the main body portion (1000) using the universal connector (2000).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air passing through the second pipe (3200) can be made to move only in the intake direction by the intake pressure control unit (4000).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air passing through the third pipe (3300) by the expiration pressure control unit (5000) can have the effect of moving only in the expiration direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first mode and the second mode are switched at preset time intervals, and the user's breathing ability can be strengthened by inducing the user to inhale and exhale for a preset time.

This device monitors respiratory cycle, respiratory rate, etc. with a breathing exercise device. Bubble Breather is a breathing training game tool designed for the rehabilitation of pneumonia patients and is designed to be used in conjunction with a Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) tool. A breathing training device was developed for 25 subjects with hemodialysis to improve deep breathing and apnea, and when training was performed three times a week for 8 weeks at an intensity of approximately 40% of MIP, there was a significant improvement in respiratory muscle strength and function.

They developed a breathing application using audio feedback and visual feedback, and in an application that induces deep and slow breathing, they found that among the wave type, circular type, and voice-only visual feedback, the wave type was able to induce the greatest change in heart rate and breathing.

In the present invention, expiratory pressure and inspiratory pressure can be measured in real time using an Android smartphone connected to the pressure sensor (1200) via Bluetooth.

Compared to other devices, this device's advantage lies in its ability to be integrated with most existing devices for inspiratory and expiratory pressure breathing training. The sensor's external respirator connection allows for integration with existing sensor-less products, enabling training records and feedback implementation. Although not described in the present invention, the application's training mode is designed to induce breathing cycles in real time, provide real-time feedback on respiratory rate and depth, and encourage deep, slow breathing.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and/or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

1: Breathing training device
1000: Main body 1100: Main body case
1110: Body inlet 1120: Body outlet
1130: Body screw hole 1200: Pressure sensor
1300: Display section 1400: Button section
1500: 1st ring home part 2000: Universal connector
2100: Connector frame 2200: Joint
2300: 2nd ring groove 2310: Rubber ring
2400: Connector screw hole 3000: Y pipe section
3100: 1st pipe 3200: 2nd pipe
3300: Third pipe 4000: Intake pressure control unit
4100: First connecting member 4110: Intake hole
4200: 1st piston 4300: Piston column
4400: First spring 4500: Intake pressure adjustment screw
4600: Spring fixing member 5000: Expiratory pressure control member
5100: Second connecting member 5200: Second piston
5300: Expiratory pressure adjustment screw 5400: Second spring
5600: Air hole member 5610: Exhalation hole
6000: Mouthpiece

Claims (5)

As a breathing training device that provides real-time feedback to strengthen respiratory muscles,
A main body part including a main body case in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a cylindrical shape, a main body inlet formed by extending one end of the cylinder of the main body case and to which a mouthpiece is coupled, a main body outlet arranged at the other end of the cylinder of the main body case, and a pressure sensor arranged on the inner surface of the main body case;
A universal connector that connects to the above main body outlet;
A Y-pipe section including a first pipe through which inhalation and exhalation pass when combined with the above universal connector, a second pipe through which external air is introduced by inhalation, and a third pipe through which exhalation introduced through the first pipe is discharged, wherein the first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe have an overall Y-shape;
An intake pressure control unit including a first spring and coupled to the second pipe, which allows the intake pressure to flow into the second pipe when the pressure of the intake pressure flowing through the second pipe is higher than the intake pressure set by the first spring; and
An exhalation pressure control unit including a second spring and coupled to the third pipe, which causes the exhaled breath to be discharged outside the third pipe when the pressure of the exhaled breath discharged through the third pipe is higher than the exhalation pressure set by the second spring;
When the user repeatedly inhales and exhales through the mouthpiece, the user's breathing ability is improved by inhaling and exhaling at a pressure higher than the inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure, and the user's inhalation pressure and expiratory pressure are measured through the pressure sensor of the main body.
The above main body part,
It further includes a first ring groove portion having a larger diameter and an engraved shape, which is arranged concentrically with the main body discharge port;
The above universal connector is,
A connector frame portion having a height corresponding to the height of the main body portion and a different width;
A plurality of coupling holes having various diameters corresponding to the various diameters of the plurality of first pipes as holes penetrating the connector frame portion; and
It includes a plurality of second ring grooves formed in a position that shares a center with each coupling member in a shape corresponding to the first ring groove in the direction in which the connector frame portion is coupled to the main body portion;
A breathing training device in which a pipe having a diameter corresponding to a specific coupling hole of a plurality of coupling holes is coupled to the coupling hole, and when a specific coupling hole of the universal connector and the main body outlet of the main body are coupled, a rubber ring is fitted between the first ring groove portion and the specific second ring groove portion to seal between the universal connector and the main body portion, and even if the diameter of the first pipe changes, a corresponding coupling hole is selected so as to couple the main body portion and the Y pipe portion in response to first pipes having various diameter sizes.
In claim 1,
The above main body part,
A display unit arranged on the outer surface of the main body case;
A battery placed on one side of the main body case;
Further comprising a circuit board portion that receives power from the above battery and includes a communication module and a control unit;
The above breathing training device, under the control of the control unit,
A first mode that transmits a signal to the display unit to induce the user to maintain inhalation above the above-described inhalation pressure for a preset period of time;
A second mode in which a signal is transmitted to the display unit to induce the user to maintain exhalation above the above-described expiratory pressure for a preset period of time;
A breathing training device that improves the user's breathing ability by inducing the user's inhalation and exhalation by repeating the first and second modes.
In claim 1,
The above intake pressure control unit,
A first connecting member in the shape of a ring corresponding to the second pipe;
A first piston that contacts the end of the second pipe and seals the second pipe;
An intake pressure control screw that is coupled to one end surface of the first piston and penetrates the central axis of the first coupling member;
A piston column coupled to the other end surface of the first piston and arranged in the same line as the central axis of the second pipe; and
It further includes a ring-shaped spring fixing member arranged between the outer surface of the piston column and the inner surface of the second pipe to connect the piston column and the second pipe;
The first spring is arranged between the spring fixing member and the other end surface of the first piston, and controls the air passing through the second pipe to flow only from the outside to the inside, thereby allowing only the user's inhalation to pass through the second pipe.
A breathing training device that controls the suction pressure by adjusting the tension applied to the first spring by rotating the suction pressure control screw to move the spring fixing member in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe.
In claim 1,
The above expiratory pressure control unit is,
A second connecting member in the shape of a ring corresponding to the third pipe;
A second piston that seals the third pipe in accordance with the cross-section of the third pipe;
A ring-shaped air hole member arranged on the inner surface of the third pipe;
An exhalation pressure control screw that is coupled to one end surface of the second piston and penetrates the central axis of the second coupling member;
The second spring is arranged between the second connecting member and one end surface of the second piston,
Controlling the air passing through the third pipe so that it flows only from the inside to the outside, so that only the user's exhaled breath passes through the third pipe;
A breathing training device that controls the expiratory pressure by adjusting the tension applied to the second spring by rotating the expiratory pressure control screw and moving the expiratory pressure control screw in the longitudinal direction of the third pipe. delete