Respirator

Abstract

A respirator includes a bladder pressurized to provide air to a user, wherein the bladder is a tubular membrane (2) housed within a pressure chamber (1). Further, the pressure chamber (1) includes fluid inlets and outlets that pressurize the tubular membrane (2) to provide air to the user, and includes a protrusion (9) that pressurizes the tubular membrane (2). The present invention provides a respirator that is reduced in size, number of parts, weight, and cost, and is reusable after autoclaving the automatic inflation bag as a standard element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a respirator commonly used to provide artificial respiration to people who are unable to breathe independently. Background Technology

[0002] In the new normal of healthcare systems, every effort should be made to avoid traditional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for cardiopulmonary arrest, as it has been banned due to the risk of infectious diseases associated with COVID-19.

[0003] The use of ventilators is common in hospitals and in ICUs with critically ill patients, and emergency ambulances also carry ventilators for patients with breathing problems.

[0004] These respirators mainly consist of a housing containing a handheld resuscitator or a self-inflating AMBU (airway mask bag unit).

[0005] These devices provide positive pressure ventilation for patients who are not breathing or are breathing insufficiently. They are a fundamental part of any emergency medical equipment and are frequently used in hospitals as an integral part of ambulance and emergency room equipment.

[0006] The respirator is also used to provide temporary ventilation for patients dependent on mechanical ventilators in hospitals when it is necessary to check for possible malfunctions or when transporting ventilator-dependent patients within the hospital.

[0007] These respirators can be used manually for short periods, during which someone presses the bag at set intervals to provide air to the user, or they can be used automatically for longer periods.

[0008] The automated resuscitator device includes an actuator that moves to an open position and a closed position at predetermined intervals. In the closed position, the mechanism presses the bag to provide air to the user, while in the open position, the mechanism allows air to enter the bag to provide air to the user in the next cycle.

[0009] A drawback of some of these ventilators is that the electrically driven motors can generate parasitic electrical interference in the sensitive electronic equipment of the intensive care unit. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a respirator that reduces size, number of parts, weight, and cost, and is reusable after autoclaving the automatic inflation bag as a standard component. The object of the present invention is to provide a portable, hands-free, self-contained breathing device for emergency medical care, powered by compressed air.

[0011] In the respirator according to the invention, the power source can be portable, such as an oxygen cylinder carried by medical personnel in an ambulance, in an emergency backpack, or at a fixed point such as a medical air inlet at the head of a hospital bed.

[0012] Furthermore, using the respirator according to the invention, the volume of air that can be delivered to the patient is approximately 30% higher than the volume of air manually pumped by both hands, due to the method of forcing the air sac membrane to contract.

[0013] It should be noted that, in order to optimize ventilation, the patient's jaw should be kept open to maintain the airway.

[0014] Therefore, in its least invasive form, a jaw-mounted model diving adjuster mouthpiece is used, which should be clamped between the patient's teeth.

[0015] This mouthpiece has a tube with a specific curvature and variable cross-section that attaches via an adapter. This allows air to enter the oropharynx directly while simultaneously keeping the tongue against the palate to prevent the mouthpiece from falling off and obstructing the airway.

[0016] This is possible because losing consciousness will suppress the gag reflex.

[0017] When semi-consciousness and the pharyngeal reflex are restored, the patient may convulse upon discovering a foreign object; these signs serve as a warning that semi-consciousness has been restored.

[0018] Using a less invasive and easier-to-insert-into-the-throat tube compared to the Guedel tube provides an option for use by less qualified healthcare workers, allowing for wider accessibility.

[0019] Because it is used in emergency situations, this respirator uses a mask with an inflatable cushion and straps to fasten the mask to the patient's head.

[0020] This allows for optimal facial fit, and the respirator also features an anti-suffocation valve, enabling it to perform exhalation automatically. This allows it to be used as a hands-free AMBU.

[0021] It should be noted that in this type of mask, air can only be expelled through the exhalation valve when we stop injecting air from the AMBU and begin chest compressions.

[0022] By putting on a mask with fastening straps, we stop applying pressure to the jaw, which causes the head to return to its flat position, thus closing the throat.

[0023] In the respirator according to the invention, there are no gears requiring lubrication, no bearings, no rollers, no shafts, no cams, no main shafts, no levers, no moving parts to be protected, no electric motors that would get hot and heat up the surrounding environment, and it does not interfere with adjacent electronic equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To complete the description and to help better understand the features of the invention, a set of drawings are attached as part of the description, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the following is for illustrative purposes only and is not restrictive.

[0025] Figure 1A This is a front view of a longitudinal section of the respirator according to the invention based on the first embodiment; Figure 1B This is a front view of a longitudinal section of the respirator according to the invention based on the second embodiment; Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a respirator according to the present invention, wherein the membrane is in a stationary position; Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of the respirator according to the invention, wherein the membrane is in a fully controlled contraction position; Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of the respirator according to the invention, wherein the membrane is in a position where it is controlled to contract to one-third of its capacity; Figure 2D This is a cross-sectional view of the respirator according to the invention, wherein the membrane is in a position where it is controlled to contract to two-thirds of its capacity; Figure 3 This is a plan sectional view of the control panel and its components of the respirator according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front view of the control panel and indicator of the respirator according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a rear view of the control panel of a respirator with electrical components and an air inlet according to the present invention; Figure 6A This is a front view of the intubation tube used with the ventilator according to the invention; Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A plan view of the intubation tube; Figure 6C These are cross-sectional views of sections AA, BB, and CC in Figure 6; and Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing details of the internal protrusion of the sealed pressure chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0026] As shown in the depicted embodiment, the respirator according to the invention includes a sealed pressure chamber 1 and a control panel 10.

[0027] Inside the sealed pressure chamber 1 is a tubular diaphragm 2, of type AMBU, with two check valves 4, namely an upstream check valve and a downstream check valve, which are positioned so that air can flow in only one direction.

[0028] The upstream check valve 4 includes a pressure relief valve or overpressure valve 8, which prevents the patient from receiving excessive pressure that could damage the lungs.

[0029] The pressure chamber 1 has a fluid inlet and an outlet, and for example, it also has protrusions 9 that are distinct from each other. Low-pressure compressed medical air introduced into the pressure chamber 1 applies pressure to the tubular membrane 2 and forces it to deform into a predetermined shape. In the illustrated embodiment, this predetermined shape is a tricuspid valve shape, although any suitable shape may be provided.

[0030] Furthermore, these protrusions 9 physically compress the tubular membrane 2 through spatial interference, giving it a predetermined shape. In other words, pressure on the tubular membrane can be applied by fluid from the outlet and / or by the protrusions 9.

[0031] Pressure is applied to the tubular membrane 2 in the following manner: - First, pressure is applied through the physical interference between the membrane 2 and the internal protrusion 9, with the aim of breaking the tubular structure; - Next, pressure is applied by fluid from the inlet and outlet, which causes the flaps of membrane 2 to contract.

[0032] At the air inlet end of membrane 2 and on the outer side outside the patient's natural airway circuit is a planar transverse membrane 5 made of elastic material, which is pressed against the pressure chamber 1 by flange 6 or quick-release flange 3.1 and screws, thereby fixing membrane 2 to pressure chamber 1 in a sealed manner.

[0033] This seals the pressure chamber 1 on this side and simultaneously absorbs the difference in elongation that occurs during the contraction and expansion of the tubular membrane 2. It also allows any overpressure inside the pressure chamber 1 to be absorbed, thus acting as a diaphragm.

[0034] The extension of flange 6 serves as a support or foot for the respirator body.

[0035] exist Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, the quick-release flange 3.1 presses against the two halves of the pressure chamber 1 at its center and seals the pressure chamber 1 by means of the O-ring 1.1.

[0036] The front of pressure chamber 1 has two semi-flanges 3 ( Figure 1AAlternatively, the flanges 3.2 can be quickly opened, which hold the tubular membrane 2 in this part and seal the pressure chamber 1 at this end.

[0037] The tubular membrane 2 is subjected to controlled pressure at a controlled time and a controlled flow rate via control panel 10 and the number of cycles per minute.

[0038] The way the tubular membrane 2 contracts depends on the time we pressurize it, the pressure it is subjected to, the air flow rate we inject between the tubular membrane 2 and the pressure chamber 1, and the shape of the protrusion 9 located in the pressure chamber 1. By controlling the flow rate, pressure, and time, the membrane 2 can be caused to contract by one-third, two-thirds, or completely.

[0039] The air supply to the patient is directly related to the deformation of the tubular membrane 2 controlled by the control panel 10.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The control panel 10 and its indicators of the respirator according to the present invention are shown, while Figure 5 The socket of the control panel 10 is shown.

[0041] The control panel 10 includes a solenoid valve 11 that regulates the incoming air pressure, for example, up to 2 bar.

[0042] The solenoid valve 11 is controlled by the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 12, which allows for adjustment of the channel, time, and thus the volume of air supplied to the sealed pressure chamber 1.

[0043] The control panel 10 also includes a one-way fine-tuning regulator 29 and two quick exhaust valves 7. When the solenoid valve 11 is switched via the PLC 12, the quick exhaust valve 7 depressurizes, opens and automatically releases air from the pressure chamber 1 to the atmosphere, thereby allowing the membrane 2 to return to its original shape in preparation for the next cycle.

[0044] The components that make up the control panel 10, together with the other components of the respirator, provide a wide variety of combinations of cycle number, cycle duration, interval between cycles, etc., which can be programmed according to requirements.

[0045] There is a pressure sensor 13 in the solenoid valve 11, which constantly checks whether there is pressure when we inject air into the membrane 2, whether the membrane is properly compressed, whether the membrane is ruptured, and generally whether we have the appropriate pressure to start the cycle operation.

[0046] The operation of the respirator according to the present invention is as follows.

[0047] First, connect the air inlet 19, for example, 2 bar, which in the illustrated embodiment is located at the lower left rear of the control panel 10.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet 16 located at the upper left rear of the control panel 10 and the cable 15 located at the right rear center of the control panel 10, according to the illustrated embodiment, are also connected to the power socket.

[0049] To activate the respirator, the main switch 18 and the start button 23 must be actuated, and the light 24 (e.g., green) will illuminate to inform the user.

[0050] The respirator is activated by cyclically compressing and decompressing the tubular diaphragm 2 through the fluid outlet and / or through the protrusion 9.

[0051] The respirator continues to operate until the stop button 25 is activated or a malfunction is detected. In the event of a malfunction, the audible alarm 17 will sound and the alarm light 28 will illuminate.

[0052] If more or fewer cycles per minute are needed, it could be, for example, 12 cycles per minute or 18 cycles per minute. To change the number of cycles per minute, you can increase or decrease the number of cycles per minute by pressing the appropriate switch without stopping.

[0053] Therefore, to select a cycle of 12 times per minute, press switch 20 and light 22 will turn on, while to select a cycle of 18 times per minute, press switch 21 and light 26 will turn on.

[0054] During operation, for each cycle performed by the respirator, light 24 (e.g., blue) illuminates on control panel 10.

[0055] It should be noted that these two options cannot be selected at the same time, because the respirator will stop, the audible alarm 17 will sound, and the alarm light 28 will illuminate.

[0056] The expected alarm reasons are as follows: - Insufficient medical air supply; - Membrane 2 ruptured; - Double-loop selection.

[0057] After an alarm is triggered, to reset and restart, press the stop button 25, then press the run button 23. If no abnormality is detected, the respirator will resume air circulation.

[0058] As an example only, the front of the control panel 10 includes the following components: 18: Main power switch; 23: Press down button, for example, black; 25: Stop button, for example, red; 24: Running light, for example, green; 27: Respirator cycle indicator light, for example, blue; 20: The respirator's 12-cycle request switch, e.g., yellow; 22: 12-cycle request indicator light, for example, white; 21: The respirator's 18-cycle request switch, e.g., yellow; 26: 18-cycle request indicator light, for example, white; 28: Breathing device malfunction alarm light, for example, orange.

[0059] As an example only, the back of the control panel 10 includes the following components: 15: Fuse-protected sockets, such as 2A, PC type; 19: Medical air inlet, maximum pressure, for example, 2 bar; 16: Medical air outlet, used in respirators.

[0060] The following components are arranged inside the respirator: 11: Solenoid valve; 12: Programmable PLC; 29: One-way controller; 13: Pressure sensor; 17: Audible alarm, triggered by a respirator malfunction; 14: PC socket with built-in fuse and main power cut-off switch.

[0061] It should be noted that the respirator according to the invention can be used with the intubation tube 30, an embodiment of which is shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B middle, Figure 6C The cross sections AA, BB, and CC of the cannula 30 indicated in Figure 6 are shown.

[0062] also, Figure 7 Details of the internal protrusion of the pressure chamber 1 are shown, which physically compresses the membrane 2 of the AMBU through spatial interference, so that the tricuspid valve contraction is orderly and continuous, rather than random.

[0063] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been referenced, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described respirator is susceptible to various changes and modifications, and that all details mentioned may be replaced by technically equivalent details without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A respirator comprising an air sac pressurized to supply air to a user, characterized in that, The air bladder is a tubular membrane (2) contained within a pressure chamber (1); The pressure chamber (1) includes a protrusion (9) that presses against the tubular membrane (2), the protrusion (9) being a fixed part of the inner wall of the pressure chamber and integral with the inner wall; The protrusion (9) is configured to define a predetermined collapse path for the tubular membrane (2) when air pressure is applied to the pressure chamber.

2. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure chamber (1) includes a fluid inlet and an outlet, and the fluid is pressed against the tubular membrane (2) to provide air to the user.

3. The respirator according to claim 2, wherein, The fluid inlet and outlet are arranged in a protrusion (9) located inside the pressure chamber (1).

4. The respirator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pressure chamber (1) includes a planar membrane (5) that serves as both a seal and a diaphragm.

5. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The tubular diaphragm (2) includes an upstream check valve (4) and a downstream check valve (4).

6. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure chamber (1) includes one or more exhaust valves (7) for allowing air to enter the pressure chamber (1) or for discharging air from the pressure chamber (1).

7. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure chamber (1) includes a support flange (6).

8. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure chamber (1) includes a semi-flange (3) and a quick-release flange (3.1) arranged to secure the tubular membrane (2) to the pressure chamber (1).

9. The respirator according to claim 1, further comprising: Control Panel (10).

10. The respirator according to claim 9, wherein, The control panel (10) includes a solenoid valve (11) that regulates the air entering the space between the tubular diaphragm (2) and the pressure chamber (1).

11. The respirator according to claim 10, wherein, The solenoid valve (11) is connected to the programmable logic controller (12).

12. The respirator according to claim 9, wherein, The control panel (10) includes a pressure sensor (13).

13. The respirator according to claim 1, comprising a portable power source.

14. The respirator according to claim 13, wherein, The portable power source is compressed gas, medical air, or an oxygen cylinder.

15. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (9) of the pressure chamber (1) physically presses against the tubular membrane (2) through spatial interference, thereby causing the tubular membrane to contract into a tricuspid valve shape in an orderly and continuous manner.

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