Flow control system and method with backup mechanical flow control

Abstract

In various embodiments, a flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. An engagement device, such as a clutch, may disengage the flow selector from a mechanical valve when the fluid flow control system enters a manual mode. When the system is in a manual mode, the engagement device may engage the flow selector with the mechanical valve, allowing the flow selector to directly control the flow rate of the fluid through the mechanical valve. Applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein. Various alternative components and embodiments are described herein.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a flow control system and a flow control method, in particular to a flow control system and method with a mechanical standby flow control function applicable to a medical anesthesia breathing system. Background technique [0002] Anesthesia machines must accurately and reliably control patient ventilation. In the existing anesthetic gas delivery system, doctors can control the flow of fresh gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide and air through electronic control or mechanical control in different situations. Mechanical control usually relies on a mechanical knob needle valve to adjust the ventilation volume. The electronic control type usually uses a fully electronic flowmeter, which can be controlled by the system automatically by setting a specific value. The all-electronic flowmeter makes the gas flow control of the anesthesia machine more accurate and convenient, and the friendly operation interface is also widely welcomed ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the existing mechanical control module used as a backup is completely separated from the electronic flow control system, resulting in many buttons or operating parts on the operation control panel of the anesthesia machine, which is inconvenient for doctors to operate and may cause unnecessary errors to a certain extent. operate

In addition, the existing backup mechanical needle valve is only used to control the flow of oxygen

Therefore, the ease of use of the flow control operation of the anesthesia machine in the prior art needs to be improved.

Images