Multi-directional filtration arrangement, flow generating device and system including same

A flow generating device for use in providing a flow of a breathing gas to an airway of a patient, the flow generating device comprising:

• a main housing having an ambient air inlet and a breathing gas outlet defined therein;
• a flow generating arrangement disposed within the main housing for producing the flow of breathing gas, the flow generating arrangement coupled between the ambient air inlet and the breathing gas outlet and being structured to receive a flow of ambient air from the ambient air inlet and provide the flow of breathing gas to the breathing gas outlet;
• and
• a filtration arrangement comprising:
• a filtration element;
• and
• a housing disposed around, and retaining the filtration element therein, the housing comprising:
• a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a wall portion comprising a first surface extending between the first end and the second end and a second surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first and second surfaces are not coplanar;
• an outlet defined in the housing proximate the first end:
• a primary inlet defined in the housing proximate the second end;
• and
• a plurality of secondary inlets defined by an opening in both of the first and second surfaces of the wall portion,
• wherein the second surface is annular and wherein each of the secondary inlets extends in a circumferential direction greater than in a lateral direction,
• wherein the first end of the housing is coupled to the main housing encircling the ambient air inlet,
• wherein the primary inlet and the secondary inlets are positioned and structured to communicate all or portions of the flow of the ambient air from a surrounding environment to the filtration element,
• wherein the outlet is positioned and structured to communicate the flow of the ambient air that has passed through the filtration element from one or more of the primary inlet and secondary inlets to the ambient air inlet of the flow generating device, and
• wherein the primary inlet has a primary inlet area, wherein each of the secondary inlets have a secondary inlet area, wherein the outlet has an outlet area, wherein the primary inlet area is greater than or equal to the outlet area, and wherein a combined area of all of the secondary inlet areas is greater than or equal to the outlet area.

A system for providing a flow of a breathing gas to an airway of a patient, the system comprising:

• a patient interface structured to be engaged with the airway of the patient;
• and
• a flow generating device comprising:
• a main housing having an ambient air inlet and a breathing gas outlet defined therein, the breathing gas outlet being coupled to the patient interface;
• a flow generating arrangement disposed within the housing for producing the flow of breathing gas, the flow generating arrangement coupled between the ambient air inlet and the breathing gas outlet and being structured to receive a flow of ambient air from the ambient air inlet and provide the flow of breathing gas to the breathing gas outlet and subsequently to the patient interface;
• and
• a filtration arrangement comprising:
• a filtration element;
• and
• a housing disposed around, and retaining the filtration element therein, the housing comprising:
• a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a wall portion comprising a first surface extending between the first end and the second end and a second surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first and second surfaces are not coplanar;
• an outlet defined in the housing proximate the first end;
• a primary inlet defined in the housing proximate the second end;
• and
• a plurality of secondary inlets defined by an opening in both of the first and second surfaces of the wall portion,
• wherein the second surface is annular and wherein each of the secondary inlets extends in a circumferential direction greater than in a lateral direction,
• wherein the first end of the housing is coupled to the main housing encircling the ambient air inlet,
• wherein the primary inlet and the secondary inlets are positioned and structured to communicate all or portions of the flow of the ambient air from the surrounding environment to the filtration element,
• wherein the outlet is positioned and structured to communicate the flow of ambient air that has passed through the filtration element from one or more of the primary inlet and secondary inlets to the ambient air inlet of the flow generating device, and
• wherein the primary inlet has a primary inlet area, wherein each of the secondary inlets have a secondary inlet area, wherein the outlet has an outlet area, wherein the primary inlet area is greater than or equal to the outlet area, and wherein a combined area of all of the secondary inlet areas is greater than or equal to the outlet area.