Bidirectional Venturi Flowmeter Based on Capacitive Sensors for Spirometry

Abstract

In this work, a portable venturi tube capable of measuring bidirectional respiratory flow is developed and correlated the measurements to pulmonary function. Pressure signals are transduced using flexible and compressible capacitive foam sensors embedded into the wall of the device. In this configuration, the sensors are able to provide differential pressure readings, from which the airflow rate passing through the tube could be extrapolated. Utilizing the venturi effect, the geometry of the spirometer tube is designed through finite element analysis to measure respiratory airflow during inhalation and exhalation. The device tube is 3D‐printed and used to measure tidal breathing and deep breathing, along with peak expiratory flow rates, on a healthy individual. This spirometer design allows for easy‐to‐use point‐of‐care diagnoses and has the potential to improve the care of respiratory illnesses.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 26, 2023
Source ID
10.1002/admt.202300627

Entities

People

  • Alexander X. Chen
  • Darren J. Lipomi
  • Harinath Garudadri
  • Ian Frankel
  • Juliana Miller
  • Laura L. Becerra
  • Sankaran Ramanarayanan
  • Tarek Rafeedi
  • Tse Nga Ng
  • Yi Qie

Organizations

  • National Science Foundation
  • United States Department of Defense
  • University of California

Tags

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Optical Fiber Sensing and Electromagnetic Propagation.