Industrial Projects (Fisher & Paykel)
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Fisher & Paykel Products
CPAP Projects (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare)
Sleeping disorders can reduce a person’s productivity, quality of life and ability to interact with others, plus it may cause an increase in health problems. The most common type of sleep disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which consists of several periods of disrupted breathing when the sleeper does not get enough oxygen and seems to gag or choke briefly. Respiratory support devices and surgical treatments have been implemented to treat OSA.
- Transient Breathing System
This project focuses on the development of a dynamic model for an artificial breathing system designed by Fisher and Paykel. The main air supply for this system is a variable-stroke compressor, which controls the mask pressure. The model is computer simulated to investigate the response of the system for various input parameters including controller analysis. -
Design & Development of Adaptive Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Device
This project is very significant in developing a new type of constant positive airway pressure (CPAP). It further extends the previous theoretical model by relaxing some of the imposed constraints and allowing more realistic physical and practical variations to come up with a final compressor design. An optimisation for the whole breathing circuit including a new control scheme must be achieved. A compressor will most likely be built and we will investigate its performance as embedded within the "Transient Breathing System". -
Self- Regulating Heating Tube
In this research an experimental investigation was conducted to develop a low resistivity complex material which posseses positive temperature (PTC) characteristics, has heating capability and can regulate its own temperature in a relatively moderate range. Several composites made of various compositions of non-conducting ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), plastomer (Octene-1) polymers with conductive carbon black (CB), were prepared and tested for resistivity and PTC behaviour. The results showed an increase in resistivity with higher temperature. Thus the conductive filler as a host can introduce electrical conductivity; however, the polymers control the mechanical properties of the composites.
The advantage of using two or more polymers over one polymer composite was clearly demonstrated. An optimum composite made of EVA, plastomer and CB was determined to give the required heating purpose and control action within the above temperature range. A heating coil made of this material was inserted in a corrugated plastic tube made of linear low-density polyethylene LLDPE and tested for supplying humid air at a temperature of 40°C. The experimental results supported by some mathematical modelling have demonstrated a self-regulating temperature controlled tube is feasible for future production. -
Control of Pressure Source for Treating Sleep Apnea (two projects)
The purpose of the project was to investigate, develop and test various control schemes to enable dynamic control of the mask pressure in an existing Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) blower used by sufferers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, i.e. a Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP) system. -
CPAP System Modelling-Humidification
This is a three-fold purpose research. First, an overall mathematical model of the CPAP system including the humidification process was developed. Second the model was computer simulated and validated with experimental investigation. Third an optimisation process was conducted to set optimum design and operation conditions to be used by the company to market the new product. - Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Upper Respiratory Airways Performance
A Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (nCPAP) breathing-assistance device involves using a small air blower to produce positive pressure and transfer the pressurized air to the nose through a supply tube and a mask.A common side effect for patients who are using a nCPAP machine is a sore and dry nose and throat. To prevent the side effects of using nCPAP, a humidifier has to be added to the system. However, analyses on the nasal cavity and upper airway mechanisms were not yet established. This research has created simulation models which were used to predict the behaviour of nasal cavity and upper airways under various different nCPAP settings (ie positive pressure, humidifier and heated breathing tube settings). The model will be validated with experiments. The project resulted in optimal settings for patients with different conditions. - CPAP MASK-Thermo-fluid dynamics for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
The goal was to build a CPAP mask which can reduce Carbon Dioxide concentration to a safe threshold over the entire pressure range of 0 to 20 cm H2O(0-2000 Pa) inside the mask. The research has:- Determined the factors in the CPAP mask that affect the concentration of Carbon Dioxide
- Evaluated the efficiency of Fine Pore Flexible Membrane ventilation.
- Designed a device and used new material to reduce CO2 concentration inside the mask.
- Validated and revised prototype to improve the outcome.
- Noise Reduction of the CPAP Device
Bubble CPAP (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Respiratory support devices and surfactant therapy have been implemented to help ameliorate RDS and prevent neonates from progressing to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
The Bubble CPAP System for premature infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was developed by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. It creates a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the lung accompanied by vibrations produced by the system. Current clinical reports prove that the Bubble CPAP System is an excellent way of managing preterns suffering from RDS. Not only is it less likely to cause lung injury, but the total time of the infant on respiratory support is reduced.
However, the mechanisms that are responsible for such outcomes are not fully understood and research into the mechanical behaviour of neonatal lungs is still in its infancy. Quantitative analyses on the mechanisms of alveolar recruitment and the benefits of vibrating the lung in “noisy ventilation” have not been established.
Buble CPAP Delivery System (Fisher & Paykel)
- The effect of pressure oscillations on neonatal breathing
This project aims to create mathematical models of the neonatal respiratory system which are able to predict its mechanical response to the pressure oscillations produced by the Bubble CPAP system. The model considers both the viscoelastic and surface tension effects within the respiratory system. The models are to be validated by trials on live subjects in both experimental and clinical settings.
The outcomes of the research are:- An improved form of respiratory support for neonates.
- A wider range of healthcare products, generating more revenue and opportunities for development for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
- An innovative technology to save the lives of thousands of New Zealanders.
- The Relationship between Incubator Radiant and Convective Heating with Body Size
Premature infants are incapable of maintaining their temperature. This research aims to investigate the heat exchange relationships that occur between the infant in the incubator, the radiant warmer and the surrounding environment.
The research involves studying all the interactions between the compartments of each device separately. This involves creating a model which contains a mixture of physiological data related to the infant and normal heat transfer formulas. the model is developed and tested using several technical software packages available at AUT and Fisher & Paykel
- Delta t VM - Temperature Variations in Vacuum Forming (Fisher&Paykel Healthcare)
Research was conducted in collaboration with Fisher and Paykel, Production Machines Ltd to study and analyse the temperature variations in the cooling system of an aluminium mould used in the vacuum forming process of ABS plastics. Remedial measures were proposed and tested to reduce stresses in vacuum formed products so as to attempt to reduce cycle time/material thickness of ABS plastic vacuum formed products. - Self-regulating Materials (Fisher&Paykel Whiteware)
This research focuses on developing a composite material with low resistivity, has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behaviour and capable of regulating its own temperature in the range of 35-55°C. This process consists of simulation, design and application of a self-regulating electrically heated tube-system used to supply humid air to patients in the special care unit in which special humidifiers are used. This research is conducted in conjunction with Fisher&Paykel Healthcare Ltd and sponsored by Technology New Zealand.