Abstract

A sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and a full range of sound frequencies is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The sensor may be a bidirectional elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of providing data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is provided in connection with a software module that analyzes sensor output waveforms and provides for correction functions that correct for certain non-linear response functions of the flap. The correction functions are also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices may also be affixed to the flap, such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/087 - Measuring breath flow
• G01F 1/28 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
• G01F 1/72 - Devices for measuring pulsing fluid flows

Abstract

A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/087 - Measuring breath flow
• A61B 7/00 - Instruments for auscultation
• G01F 1/28 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter