WO2020058910A1

WO2020058910A1 - A fluid supply source for a device to determine a pulmonary function of a subject

Info

Publication number: WO2020058910A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057935
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mandar NATU; Abhishek Mukherjee; Nishil SHETTY; Jayavanth KAMATH
Original assignee: Caltech Innovations Private Limited
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2019-09-19
Publication date: 2020-03-26

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a fluid supply source for a device to determine a pulmonary function of a subject. The source includes a resilient member, circumferentially engaging with one end of a chamber, to define a cavity within the chamber. Additionally, a reciprocating link is coupled to the resilient member at one end and coupled to a driving element at other end. The driving element oscillates the resilient member within the chamber and expel the fluid to the device. The source also includes a control unit, operatively coupled to the driving element. The control unit is configured regulate an operating speed of the driving element to vary flow rate of the fluid. This way, the device for determining the pulmonary function of the subject may be made compact and mobile in nature.

Description

TITLE:“A FLUID SUPPLY SOURCE FOR A DEVICE TO DETERMINE A PULMONARY FUNCTION OF A SUBJECT”

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of biomedical engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device for determining a pulmonary function of a subject. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a fluid supply source for the device to determine the pulmonary function of the subject.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Air quality around the globe over the years is on the decline. One major cause for such dip in air quality is due to pollutants contaminating air within urban and rural areas. This is causing degraded air being inhaled by living beings. Especially, humans are affected by such contaminants and chronic respiratory diseases are on the rise. Several respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma have become common ailment with many urban and rural residents. Such respiratory diseases are more prevalent among neonates and elderly or old aged humans. These respiratory diseases tend to damage and weaken the lungs of a subject drastically, thereby making it difficult for the subject to breath normally. Moreover, such respiratory diseases are becoming chronic even with neonates or the younger generation of children, leading to genetic changes.

In several other scenarios, humans working in hazardous environments such as industries, mines etc., may be over-exposed to toxic air. In other words, work hazards in industries and mines severely affects pulmonary functions of workers. Others with their habits/addictions such as smoking, vaping, and the like, develop several pulmonary diseases that needs to be screened from time to time. Subjects affected with such pulmonary diseases have weakened lung capacities and cannot breathe at high respiratory speeds or depths.

In view of the above situation, numerous attempts have been made by developing a number of devices, which assist in detecting extent of impact of these chronic respiratory diseases on the subject. Conventionally, screening of such subjects with pulmonary diseases involves deep breathing to be performed by the subject. This deep breathing activity may be usually a difficult task for the subjects such as neonates and elderly beings, who are already affected with pulmonary diseases. Moreover, conventional devices are used to measure either volume of air inhaled and/or exhaled by the subject, or flow rate of air that can be inhaled and/or exhaled by the subject. Additionally, for the conventional devices to yield accurate results, complete inhalation and exhalation [i.e. deep breathing, including both deep inhalation and exhalation] may have to be performed by the subject. Also, the effort exerted by the subject is high during deep breathing, and sometimes may not always be possible for the subject having weak lungs. In such cases, the results obtained from such conventional devices may not be accurate and the results may deviate accordingly. Moreover, the results obtained will have deviations in comparison with the results that are expected from different group of subjects under the category including, but not limited to, infants, young children, old aged, physically challenged, mentally disabled, and the like. Therefore, several conventional devices do not give out immediate results and accurate analysis of the status of the lungs of the subject. This causes unnecessary downtime in waiting for processing the results from a laboratory in order to arrive at the results by a medical practitioner or doctor. Moreover, the conventional devices may not be portable and would be suitable only for laboratory use.

With advent of technology, alternative devices have been developed in order to compensate complete and prolonged inhalation and exhalation to be performed by the subject. Such alternative devices are configured to supply fluid at varied pressure against normal breathing rate of the subject. That is, the alternative devices may use fluid generation means such as, acoustic devices, which may selectively vary pressure of the fluid supplied against breathing of the subject. However, these acoustic devices are bulky and tend to generate vibration and noise during use. Also, reliability of such devices in continuously generating varied pressure is also a major shortfall. Moreover, conventional fluid generation sources may not be prudent at developing variation in the pressure of the fluid supplied by the fluid generation means, in view of the resistance to normal breathing rate of the subject. However, the fluid generation means used in the conventional alternative devices due to its bulk reduces portability. Also, the fluid generation means in the conventional alternative devices may include complex hardware circuits for generating fluid of varied pressure. Additionally, generation of the fluid pressure by such conventional alternative devices is not efficient, as majority of the efficiency is lost due to frictional loses between the mechanical moving parts.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior arts are overcome by a device as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the device as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid supply source for a device to determine a pulmonary function of a subject is disclosed. The source includes a casing defined with a chamber, where an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber, where fluid from surroundings is drawn into the chamber through the inlet port. Further, a resilient member is circumferentially engages with one end of the chamber defining a cavity within the chamber. Additionally, one end of the reciprocating link is coupled to the resilient member and an other end is coupled to a driving element supported by the casing. The driving element oscillates the resilient member within the chamber and expel the fluid to the device through the outlet port. The source also includes a control unit, operatively coupled to the driving element. The control unit is configured regulate an operating speed of the driving element to vary flow rate of the fluid.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reciprocating link is radially offset with respect to the circumference of the chamber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reciprocating link further includes a first support plate, circumferentially engaged with one end of the resilient member. Also, a connecting rod, extending from the first support plate and coupled to the driving element.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the source includes a second support plate positioned adjacent to the first support plate on the other end of the resilient member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the source includes a pressure release unit, fluidly connected to the cavity through a duct. The pressure release unit (8) is also communicatively coupled to the control unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to selectively operate the pressure release unit to vary flow rate of the pressurized fluid from the source, based on operating speed of the driving element.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the first support plate is equal to the diameter of the second support plate.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to regulate an operating speed of the driving element for a predetermined interval of time.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the source includes a cam, positioned between the driving element and the reciprocating link. The cam is configured to eccentrically connect the driving element and the reciprocating link.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the resilient member is made from a polymer material.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for determining a pulmonary function behavior in a subject is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure and a source disposed in the enclosure. The source is configured to generate a pressurized fluid. The system includes a device fluidly connected to the source. The device includes a tube member, disposed in a housing, where the tube member is configured to receive fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject through one end and receive pressurized fluid from the source at an other end. Further, at least one flow sensor is disposed in the tube member. The at least one flow sensor is configured to detect flow rate of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject under normal breathing. At least one pressure sensor is provisioned in the device and is disposed in the tube member. The at least one pressure sensor is configured to measure pressure of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject at the one end of the tube member.. Additionally, a control unit is communicatively coupled to the at least one flow sensor and the plurality of pressure sensors. The control unit is configured to receive a first signal corresponding to the flow rate from the at least one flow sensor. The control unit regulates supply of the pressurized fluid from the source at the other end of the tube member. The control unit then receives a second signal corresponding pressure within the tube member from the plurality of pressure sensors. Lastly, the control unit determines differential flow between the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject and the pressurized fluid from the source based on the second signal, to analyze deviation in the pulmonary function of the subject.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one flow sensor is fluidly connected to the at least one pressure sensor, along the tube member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system includes an outlet conduit defined proximal to the other end of the tube member, wherein the outlet conduit is configured to vent the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject from the tube member, without diverting the pressurized fluid from the source.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject under normal breathing and the pressurized fluid from the source superimposes within the tube member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system comprises a pressure release unit, fluidly connected to the source. The pressure release unit is configured to regulate supply of the pressure fluid from the source. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to selectively operate the pressure release unit to vary supply of the pressurized fluid to the tube member from the source, based rate of displacement of the reciprocating link. 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 drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a device for detecting pulmonary function in a subject, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a housing of the device with a control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of a source for the device of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a system employing the device of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the system and device depicted in Figures 1 and 4.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent device and/or systems which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to a device and system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description, when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. The terms“comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such a device. Embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a fluid supply source for a device to determine a pulmonary function of a subject is disclosed. The source includes a casing defined with a chamber, where an inlet port and an outlet port are in fluid communication with the chamber. The inlet port is configured to draw fluid from the surroundings into the chamber. Further, a resilient member is circumferentially engaging with one end of the chamber defining a cavity within the chamber. Additionally, one end of the reciprocating link is coupled to the resilient member and an other end is coupled to a driving element supported by the casing. The driving element oscillates the resilient member within the chamber and expel the fluid to the device through the outlet port. The source also includes a control unit, operatively coupled to the driving element. The control unit is configured regulate an operating speed of the driving element to vary flow rate of the fluid. This way, the device for determining the pulmonary function of the subject may be made compact and mobile in nature. Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of a device for determining pulmonary function of a subject. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates an exploded view of a device (100) for determining a pulmonary function of a subject [not shown in Figures]. The device (100) may include a tube member (1), configured to be accommodated in a housing (2) [best shown in Figure 4] The housing (2) may include a top cover member (4a), a bottom cover member (4b) and a front cover member (4c), which may be removably fixed to each another by various means including, but not limited to, snap fitting, fastening, and the like. The tube member (1) may be longitudinally [i.e. along longitudinal axis] disposed in the bottom cover member (4b) of the housing (2), while the front cover member (4c) and the top cover member (4a) may be disposed on and around the bottom cover member (4b). The bottom cover member (4b), the top cover member (4a) and the front cover member (4c) may be configured to provide ingress protection to the tube member (1). Further, the housing (2) may be defined with openings on either ends such that, at least a portion of the tube member (1) may extend from the openings of the housing (2). The tube member (1) may also extend out from at least one opening of the housing (2) based on requirement. In an embodiment, a mouthpiece (16) may be detachably connected to the tube member (1) at one end (la), where the mouthpiece (16) may extend from one of the openings of the housing (2) so that, the subject may use the mouthpiece (16) for exhaling -inhaling fluid into the tube member (1). The mouthpiece (16) may be configured to receive and channelize fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject, under normal breathing. The mouthpiece (16) may be internally defined with a filter element (16’) to restrain particles such as, but not limited to, saliva, phlegm, bacteria, and the like, from entering the device (100). The tube member (1) may further be configured to receive pressurized fluid at other end (lb), which may be opposite to the one end (la) connected to the mouthpiece (16). The pressurized fluid may be supplied from a fluid supply source (3) [hereafter referred to as source], which may be fluidly connected to the tube member (1). Additionally, the tube member (1) may be provisioned with a plurality of sensors to detect variations in the pulmonary function of the subject.

In an embodiment, the pulmonary function, in particular, relates to pattern or behavior in operation of the respiratory organs of the subject. Such pattern or behavior may be determined and analyzed for detecting various disorders including, but not limited to, asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and the like in the subject. Further, determination of such pattern or behavior of the pulmonary function may be performed on the subject by various modes. The various modes may be including, but may not be limited to, forced continuous and long breathing rate, forced continuous and short breathing rate, normal breathing rate, and the like. In an embodiment, the device (100) may be operable for determining the pulmonary function under normal breathing rate of the subject. Additionally, for comprehensive detection of the pulmonary function, normal breathing of the subject may be accompanied by closing nasal cavity of the subject by a nose clip, in order to avoid leakage and/or interference of external pressure during operation of the device (100).

Further, the plurality of sensors in the device (100) may include at least one flow sensor (5) and at least one pressure sensor (6). In an embodiment, the at least one flow sensor (5) may be disposed in the tube member (1) and may be in communication with the fluid conveyed through the tube member (1). The at least one flow sensor (5) may be centrally positioned in the tube member (1) such that, the at least one flow sensor (5) may structurally bifurcate the tube member (1) into at least two-parts, which may then be rigidly fixed at either sides of the at least one flow sensor for fluid communication. The at least one flow sensor (5) may be configured to determine flow rate of the fluid exhaled- inhaled under normal breathing of the subject. Further, the at least one pressure sensor (6) may be disposed within the tube member (1) and, the at least one flow sensor (5) may be fluidly coupled to the at least one pressure sensor (6). The at least one pressure sensor (6) may be adaptably positioned at least one end of the tube member (1) or at defined location within the tube member (1). For example, the at least one pressure sensor (6) may positioned proximal to the other end (lb) of the tube member and may be fluidly in communication with the one end (la) of the tube member such that, the at least one pressure sensor (6) may be configured to measure pressure of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject and measure pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the source (3). Further, the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject and the pressurized fluid supplied by the source (3) may linearly propagate within the tube member (1). This way, the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject and the pressurized fluid supplied by the source (3) may superimpose on one another, whereby a resultant fluid [or also referred to as superimposed fluid] in the tube member (1) may attain varied amplitude and frequency. The at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensor (6) may be configured to sense flow and pressure with respect to the resultant fluid in the tube member (1) and, may transmit corresponding data as signals to a control unit (7). Additionally, upon varying the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the source (3), superimposing of the pressurized fluid on the breathing rate of the subject may inherently vary . Due to this variation in pressure of the pressurized fluid, resistance may be offered to the flow of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject. The subject may then continue to exhale- inhale at the same normal breathing rate. Also, the subject may stabilize this increased fluid being exhaled-inhaled, thereby compensating the resistance from the pressurized fluid. However, in case of subject suffering from pulmonary diseases, the resistance from the pressurized fluid may not be compensated due to lack of control on the breathing rate of the subject, which may detected by the at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensor (6). In an embodiment, an outlet conduit (22) may be defined proximal to the other end (lb) of the tube member (1). The outlet conduit may be fluidly connected to the tube member. Further, the outlet conduit (22) may be oriented within the tube member such that, flow of the pressurized fluid from the source may not be deviated, while only the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject may be channelized into the outlet conduit. Additionally, the outlet conduit may be integrally defined with the tube member (1) or may be externally coupled to the outer end (lb) of the tube member. This way, the fluid exhaled- inhaled by the subject may vented to the surroundings without congesting the normal breathing of the subject.

Furthermore, the at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensors (6) may be communicatively coupled to the control unit (7), where the control unit (7) can be seen in Figure 2. The control unit (7) may be configured to receive signals from the at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensor (6). That is, the control unit (7) may receive a first signal corresponding to the flow rate from the at least one flow sensor (5) and may receive a second signal corresponding to pressure within the tube member (1) from the at least one pressure sensor (6). In an embodiment, the control unit (7) may be configured to analyze the first signal and the second signal. The control unit (7) may be configured to determine impedance of the pulmonary function of the subject exhaling -inhaling within the tube member (1). Additionally, the control unit (7) may be associated with a memory unit [not show in Figures], where pre-set data pertaining various parameters to be considered by the control unit (7) for analysis may be stored. The parameters may include, but may not be limited to, a pre-set supply pressure from the source (3) based on initial exhalation-inhalation by the subject, a pre-set supply pressure from the source (3) for a given age group of the subject, body-mass index of the subject, and geographical or residential location of the subject, and the like. The control unit (7) may also determine deviation in the pulmonary function of the subject, based on analysis of the first and the second signals, for a predetermined time interval and a defined number of iterations.

For example, for the subject in an age group of at least 5 years, a pre-set pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the source (3) may be set to about 0. lkPa to about 0.5kPa. The pressurized fluid may be supplied for a time period of l2seconds, while the subject may exhale -inhale fluid under normal breathing. The first and second signals from the at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensor (6) may be transmitted to the control unit (7) upon supply of the pressurized fluid from the source (3). The control unit (7) may then analyze the first and second signals to determine corresponding relative flow and pressure within the tube member (1), which may be compared with the pre-set data for the given age group of the subject. Also, the control unit (7) may re-iterate operation of the device (100) for an extended period, such as, 36seconds, where the control unit (7) may communicatively vary [that is, in terms of either incremental pressure or decremental pressure] pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied by the source (3), for further analysis. Moreover, such extended period may be segmented into multiple-stages having equal intervals of time so that, variation in resistance offered by normal breathing of the subject for the set-pressure and time may be detected for analysis. The control unit (7) may determine deviation in impedance of the pulmonary function of the subject exhaling-inhaling of the resultant fluid from the pre-set data. At such conditions, the resultant fluid in the tube member (1) due to superimposition may attain pressure and flow of varied characteristics from that of the pre-set data. This way, the control unit (7) may determine deviation in the flow signal or the pressure signals with respect to that of the pre-set data and, may suitably indicate such deviated differential pressure, for further analysis by a medical operator.

Referring now to Figure 3, which illustrates sectional view of the source (3). The source (3) may be at least one of electro-mechanical unit, acoustic unit, and the like. The source (3) may be accommodated in an enclosure (9) and may be fluidly connected to the device (100). In the illustrative embodiment, the source (3) is an electro-mechanical unit, which may be provisioned with a reciprocating link (10) coupled to a driving element (11), where the reciprocating link (10) and the driving element (11) may be accommodated in the casing (24). The casing (24) may be defined with a chamber (12), an inlet port (13) and an outlet port (17). The inlet port (13) and the outlet port (137) may be in fluid communication with the chamber (12). The inlet port (13) may be configured to draw fluid from surroundings into the chamber (12). Further, the reciprocating link (10) may be positioned in the chamber (12) and connected to the driving element (11). Also, the reciprocating link (10) may be radially offset with respect to the circumference of the chamber (12), in order to mitigate frictional contact between the reciprocating link (10) and the chamber (12) to enhance efficiency of the source (3). In an embodiment, a cam (23) may be positioned between the driving element (11) and the reciprocating link (10) such that, the cam (23) may be configured to eccentrically connect the driving element (11) and the reciprocating link (10). That is, one end of the reciprocating link (10) may be eccentrically and laterally connected to a drive axis (D-D) of the driving element (11). Due to this eccentric and lateral connection by the cam (23) between the driving element

(11) and the reciprocating link (10), rotational motion transmitted from the driving element (11) may be converted into a reciprocating motion by the reciprocating link (10).

The reciprocating motion may be transmitted by the reciprocating link (10) along a direction normal to the drive axis of the driving element (11).

Further, the source (3) includes a resilient member (14) such as, but not limited to, as diaphragm, circumferentially engaging with one end of the chamber (12), where the resilient member (14) may be configured to define a cavity (15) within the chamber (12). Also, other end of the resilient member (14) may be coupled to the reciprocating link (10) so that, the reciprocation motion imparted by the reciprocating link (10) in-tum oscillates the resilient member (14) about a plane within the chamber (12). This oscillation of the resilient member (14) may then create a pressure difference within the source (3), thereby assisting in drawing fluid from the surroundings, into the chamber

(12) through an inlet port (13). For example, the resilient member (14) may be displaced to a first position, when the reciprocating link (10) may be vertically displaced below the drive axis of the driving element (11). The resilient member (14), at the first position, may create a negative pressure within the source (3), to draw in fluid from the surroundings through the inlet port (13). Additionally, the resilient member (14) may be displaced to a second position, when the reciprocating link (10) may be vertically displaced above the drive axis of the driving element (11). The resilient member (14), at the second position, may create a positive pressure within the source (3), to pressurize the fluid therein and expel the fluid to the device (100) through the outlet port (17). This pressurizing of the fluid from the source (3) may be continuous and may constitute a sinusoidal flow of the pressurized fluid from the source (3) to the tube member (1). The reciprocating link (10) may include a first support plate (lOa), which may be circumferentially engaged with one end (la) of the resilient member (14). Further, a connecting rod, extending from the first support plate (lOa) may be coupled to the driving element (11). In an embodiment, the first support plate (lOa) and a connecting rod (lOc) may be integrally formed or may be fixed by suitable means including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, fastening, adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, and the like. Also, the reciprocating link (10) may include a second support plate (lOb) positioned adjacent to the first support plate (lOa) on the other end of the resilient member (14). That is, the second support plate (lOb) and the first support plate (lOa) may be positioned on either sides of the resilient member (14), in order to suitably impart reciprocation motion on the resilient member (14) to convert reciprocation motion into oscillation motion. Additionally, diameter of the first support plate (lOa) may be maintained equal to a diameter of the second support plate (lOb), for generating sinusoidal flow of the pressurized fluid from the source (3).

In an embodiment, the operation of the source (3) may be controlled within a prescribed limit, which may be defined by a medical practitioner or the operator, based on conditions of the subject. In an embodiment, the operation of the source (3) may be varied as per requirement in a range of about 0. lkPa to about 0.5kPa. Additionally, the source (3) may include a pressure release unit (8), which may be fluidly connected between the cavity (15) in the chamber (12) and the other end (lb) of the tube member (1). The pressure release unit (8) may also be operatively coupled to the control unit (7). The control unit (7) may be configured to regulate supply of the pressurized fluid at the other end (lb) of the tube member (1) by selectively operating the pressure release unit (8). Further, the control unit (7) may be configured to selectively operate the pressure release unit (8) to vary supply of the pressurized fluid to the tube member (1) from the source (3), based on operating speed of the reciprocating link (10). The pressure release unit (8) upon receipt of an operating signal from the control unit (7), may draw some amount of pressurized fluid from the cavity (15) before transmitting the pressurized fluid to the tube member (1). This way, operational range of the source (3) may be maintained within the prescribed limit. In an embodiment, the driving element (11) may be operatively coupled to the control unit (7) so that, the control unit (7) may be configured to regulate an operating speed of the driving element (11) to vary flow rate of the fluid. The control unit (7) may regulate the operating speed for a predetermined interval of time, such as, but not limited to, a period of 6 seconds to 15 seconds, in order to expel fluid at a defined pressure. For example, the control unit (7) may be configured to operate the driving element (11) to generate the pressurized fluid at lkPa for a period of 12 seconds and, may vary the pressure of the pressurized fluid to 3kPa for the next period of 12 seconds. In an embodiment, the resilient member (14) may be made from a polymer material, where the polymer may be either naturally available polymer or may be synthetic polymer. The resilient member (14), during operation, may be subjected to elasticity, wherein the resilient member (14) may stretch during reciprocation motion of the reciprocating link (10) thereby generating frictionless motion and pressurization of the fluid. In an embodiment, this frictionless motion of the resilient member aids in almost 98% efficiency in pressurizing the drawn fluid.

The source (3) may also be defined with the outlet port ( 17) in the cavity ( 15), to transmit the pressurized fluid, generated by operation of the reciprocating link (10). The transmission of the pressurized fluid may be performed during oscillation of the resilient member (14) between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor (6) may include pressure sensors which may be operable under either electronical means or by mechanical transducer means. The at least one pressure sensor (6) may be employed based on degree of accuracy required for analysis in the device (100).

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, which illustrate a system (200) for determining a pulmonary function of the subject. The system (200) may include the source (3) and the device (100) to correspondingly detect and determine deviation in the pulmonary function of the subject. The source (3) may be accommodated within the enclosure (9), while the device (100) may be positioned upstream of the source (3). The source (3) may be fluidly connected to the device (100) through at least one first hose element (18). Further, in order to securely accommodate the source (3) within the enclosure (9), fasteners (20) such as, but not limited to, rivets, threaded bolts, screws and the like, may be employed. Additionally, the pressure release unit (8) may also be accommodated within the enclosure (9), in order to reduce compactness of the system (200). The pressure release unit (8) and the source (3) may be fluidly connected through at least a second hose element (21), which may be configured to transmit or convey the pressurized fluid into the tube member (1). In an embodiment, the system (200) may include an adjustment mechanism (19), which may be configured to structurally connect the device (100) and the source (3). The adjustment mechanism (19) maybe operable to adjust position of the device (100) in accordance with desired height of the subject. The adjustment mechanism (19) may be at least one of electrical lift mechanism, mechanical lift mechanism, electro-mechanical lift mechanism, pneumatic mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, and the like . This way, easiness in adjustment to various height requirements may be achieved and detachment of the device (100) from the enclosure (9) and/or source

(3) may be avoided.

In an embodiment, a plurality of sealing members [not shown in Figures] may be provisioned at various locations in the system (200). The sealing members may be provided at the openings in the housing (1) and between the top cover member (4a), bottom cover member (4b)and the front cover member (4c). The seal members may also be positioned between the device (100), the at least one first hose element (18) and the source (3), in order to avoid leakage of the pressurized fluid. Similarly, the seal members may be provided between the source (3), the at least one second hose element (21) and the pressure release unit (8).

In an embodiment, the driving element ( 11) of the source (3) may be at least one of a DC motor, an AC motor, a servo motor, a stepper motor, and the like. Also, the pressure release unit (8) may be a solenoid valve, which may be either hydraulically or pneumatically controlled by an auxiliary motor [not shown in Figures]. Further, the source (3) and the pressure release unit (8) may be interfaced with one or more electronic circuits, where the electronic circuits may be configured to selectively regulate operating characteristics of the pressurized fluid being supplied to the tube member (1) In an embodiment, the device (100) may include a display unit [not shown], which may display various aspects and vital information with regards to a pattern followed by the subject, during normal breathing against the pressurized fluid being supplied. The pattern of breathing performed by the subject may be simulated, for comparison with a predefined and pre-set number of profiles in the device (100). The display unit along with the control unit may be used by the operator to input different parameters for carrying out the various tests. The control unit (7) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components and for executing user- or system (200)-generated processes. A subject may include a person, a user, a patient, and the like, a user of the claimed system (200), or any system (200)/sub-system (200) being operated parallelly to the claimed system (200). The processor may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. Further, the processor may be communicatively operated with a memory unit such as Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media. In some implementations, the processor may comprise one or more modules. As used herein, the term‘module’ refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality for the claimed system (200).

In an embodiment, electronic components in the system (200) such as, but not limited to, the control unit (7), the driving element (11), and the like, may be powered by a power supply unit [not shown in Figures]. The power supply unit may be a battery, or an electrical socket powered by AC current. In an embodiment, the battery may be employable within the enclosure (9) and may be rechargeable for continued used of the device (100). This way, the system (200) may be portable from one location to another. In an embodiment, the mouthpiece (16) employed in the device (100) may be a single use component and may be disposed-off after use, in order to avoid oral contaminations amongst different subjects.

In an embodiment, as the control unit (7) of the device (100) may be configured to analyze the signals from the at least one flow sensor and the at least one pressure sensor in real-time, results/inferences may be deduced instantaneously. Also, the results/inferences may be projected as graphs in order to analyze and compare the degree of deviation in the pulmonary function of the subject. EQUIVALENTS:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (200) having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (200) having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral numeral:

Claims

Claims:

1. A fluid supply source (3) for a device (100) to determine a pulmonary function of a subject, the source (3) comprising:

a casing (24) defined with a chamber (12) and, an inlet port (13) and an outlet port (17) in fluid communication with the chamber (12), wherein fluid from surroundings is drawn into the chamber (12) through the inlet port (13);

a resilient member (14) circumferentially engages with one end of the chamber (12) defining a cavity (15) within the chamber (12);

a reciprocating link (10), wherein one end of the reciprocating link (10) is coupled to the resilient member (14) and an other end is coupled to a driving element (11) supported by the casing (24), wherein the driving element (11) oscillates the resilient member (14) within the chamber (12) and expels the fluid to the device (100) through the outlet port (17); and

a control unit (7) operatively coupled to the driving element (11), wherein the control unit (7) is configured regulate an operating speed of the driving element (11) to vary flow rate of the fluid.

2. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reciprocating link (10) is radially offset with respect to the circumference of the chamber (12).

3. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reciprocating link (10) comprises:

a first support plate (lOa) circumferentially engaged with one end (la) of the resilient member (14); and

a connecting rod (lOc), extending from the first support plate (lOa) and coupled to the driving element (11).

4. The source (3) as claimed in claim 3, comprises a second support plate (lOb) positioned adjacent to the first support plate (lOa) on the other end of the resilient member (14).

5. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1 , comprises a pressure release unit (8), fluidly connected to the cavity (15) through a duct (25), wherein the pressure release unit (8) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (7). 6. The source (3) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to selectively operate the pressure release unit (8) to vary flow rate of the pressurized fluid from the source (3), based on operating speed of the driving element (11). 7. The source (3) as claimed in claim 5, wherein diameter of the first support plate

(lOa) is equal to the diameter of the second support plate (lOb).

8. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to regulate an operating speed of the driving element (11) for a predetermined interval of time.

9. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a cam (23) positioned between the driving element (11) and the reciprocating link (10), wherein the cam (23) is configured to eccentrically connect the driving element ( 11 ) and the reciprocating link (10).

10. The source (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member (14) is made from a polymer material. 11. A system (200) for determining a pulmonary function of a subject, the system

(200) comprising:

an enclosure (9);

a fluid supply source (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid supply source (3) is disposed in the enclosure (9) and is configured to generate a pressurized fluid; and

a device (100) fluidly connected to the source (3), the device (100) comprising:

a tube member (1) disposed in a housing (2), wherein the tube member (1) is configured to facilitate exhaling-inhaling of fluid by the subject through one end (la) and receive the pressurized fluid from the source (3) at another end (lb);

at least one flow sensor (5), disposed in the tube member (1), wherein the at least one flow sensor (5) is configured to detect flow rate of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject under normal breathing; at least one pressure sensor (6) disposed in the tube member (1), wherein the at least one pressure sensor (6) is configured to measure pressure of the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject at the one end (la) of the tube member (1); and

a control unit (7), communicatively coupled to the at least one flow sensor (5) and the at least one pressure sensor (6), the control unit (7) is configured to:

receive a first signal corresponding to the flow rate from the at least one flow sensor (5);

regulate supply of the pressurized fluid from the source (3) at the other end (lb) of the tube member (1);

receive a second signal corresponding to pressure within the tube member (1) from the at least one pressure sensor (6); and determine differential flow between the fluid exhaled- inhaled by the subject and the regulated pressurized fluid from the source (3) based on the second signal, to analyze deviation in the pulmonary function of the subject.

12. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one flow sensor (5) is fluidly connected to the at least one pressure sensor (6), along the tube member (1).

13. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, comprises an outlet conduit (22) defined proximal to the other end (lb) of the tube member (1), wherein the outlet conduit (22) is configured to vent the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject from the tube member (1), without diverting the pressurized fluid from the source (3).

14. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject under normal breathing and the pressurized fluid from the source (3) superimposes within the tube member (1). 15. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to determine deviation in the pulmonary function based on phase of the superimposed fluid in the tube member (1).

16. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, comprises a mouthpiece (16) detachably connected to the one end (la) of the tube member (1) for channelizing the fluid exhaled-inhaled by the subject.