A ventilator flow sensor air path water removal system, water removal method and ventilator

Abstract

The application discloses a ventilator flow sensor gas path water removal system, a water removal method and a ventilator. The system comprises a differential pressure generator, a first pressure lead gas path and a second pressure lead gas path which are respectively communicated with two ends of the differential pressure generator, a first gas path and a second gas path which are respectively communicated with the first pressure lead gas path and the second pressure lead gas path, a gas source interface used for providing gas flow to the first gas path and the second gas path to blow water, a switch valve assembly used for controlling the communication and blockage of the first gas path and the second gas path, and a control unit. The control unit is used for, when the water blowing function is turned on: when it is determined that the ventilator meets a water blowing execution condition, controlling the opening of the switch valve assembly to realize water removal of the first pressure lead gas path and the second pressure lead gas path. By isolating the two pressure lead gas paths, the measurement error caused by the mutual influence of the gas flow on the pressure lead gas paths is avoided, and by setting the opening condition and the water blowing execution condition of the water blowing function, the controllability of water removal is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system, dehydration method, and ventilator. Background Technology

[0002] In modern clinical medicine, a ventilator is a medical device intended for the treatment of respiratory failure, respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), other related diseases, as well as anesthetic respiratory management and respiratory support therapy. It can play a role in preventing and treating respiratory failure, reducing complications, and saving and prolonging the lives of patients.

[0003] To ensure patient safety and facilitate disassembly, disinfection, and sterilization, external differential pressure flow sensors are often used to monitor flow and pressure near the patient. These sensors accurately monitor expiratory flow, are highly reliable, and are relatively inexpensive compared to hot-wire flow sensors, making them widely used in ventilators. However, in existing ventilators using differential pressure sensors, small amounts of residual disinfectant from disinfection and condensation from the patient's exhaled moisture remain in the two pressure-sensing air paths of the flow sensor. Prolonged contact with these substances can cause inaccurate flow sensor readings, damage the sensor, and corrode the pressure-sensing air paths. Therefore, it is necessary to purge the pressure-sensing air paths with water.

[0004] Currently, the common method for removing water involves connecting an external gas source to the pressure-pressurizing air circuit and continuously blowing water into it. However, this continuous airflow causes measurement errors in the differential pressure flow sensor. Impurities carried in the airflow can easily clog the filter, shorten its lifespan, and increase the measurement error of expiratory flow. Furthermore, the continuous supply of gas during standby and shutdown of the ventilator wastes resources. Moreover, the opening and closing of the gas source depends solely on the pressure reducing valve. In the event of a malfunction, it is equivalent to directly connecting the patient to the high-pressure gas source, which is extremely dangerous. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehydration system, dehydration method, and ventilator for a ventilator flow sensor, which can solve the technical problems of measurement error and poor controllability caused by removing residual liquid or condensation formed by exhaled water vapor in the pressurized air path.

[0006] In a first aspect, one embodiment provides a dehydration system for the gas path of a ventilator flow sensor, comprising:

[0007] A differential pressure generator is installed in the breathing airway of the ventilator, which is connected to the atmosphere, and is used to generate a differential pressure based on the airflow in the breathing airway.

[0008] A differential pressure sensor, whose two ends are respectively connected to the two ends of the differential pressure generator through a first pressure-inducing air passage and a second pressure-inducing air passage, is used to collect the airflow pressure difference at the two ends of the differential pressure generator;

[0009] Air source interface, used to receive airflow provided from the outside or inside;

[0010] The first air passage has a first end for receiving the airflow output from the air source interface, and a second end connected to the first pressure-guiding air passage.

[0011] The second air passage has a first end for receiving the airflow output from the air source interface, and a second end connected to the second pressure-guiding air passage.

[0012] A switching valve assembly is disposed on the first air passage and the second air passage, and is used to control the connection and disconnection of the first air passage and the second air passage;

[0013] The control unit, which is electrically connected to the switching valve assembly, is used to control the opening of the switching valve assembly when the ventilator meets the conditions for performing the water blowing function, so as to remove water from the first and second pressure-feeding air paths.

[0014] In a second aspect, one embodiment provides a method for removing water from the pressure-feeding airway of a ventilator. The ventilator includes a differential pressure generator, a first pressure-feeding airway and a second pressure-feeding airway respectively connected to both ends of the differential pressure generator, a first airway and a second airway respectively connected to the first pressure-feeding airway and the second pressure-feeding airway, an air source interface for providing airflow to the first airway and the second airway for blowing water, and a switching valve assembly for controlling the connection and disconnection of the first airway and the second airway; characterized in that the method for removing water from the pressure-feeding airway includes:

[0015] With the water blowing function enabled, determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing execution;

[0016] If the conditions are met, the switching valve assembly is opened to remove water from the first and second pressurized air paths.

[0017] Thirdly, in one embodiment, a ventilator is provided, including the ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the control unit in the ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system is used to implement the steps of the ventilator pressure air path dehydration method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] This application provides a ventilator flow sensor air path dewatering system, dewatering method, and ventilator, including a differential pressure generator, a first pressure-guiding air path and a second pressure-guiding air path respectively connected to both ends of the differential pressure generator, a first air path and a second air path respectively connected to the first pressure-guiding air path and the second pressure-guiding air path, an air source interface for providing airflow to the first air path and the second air path for blowing water, and a switching valve assembly for controlling the connection and disconnection of the first air path and the second air path.

[0019] During the dehydration process, it is first determined whether the ventilator's water blowing function is activated. If the water blowing function is activated, it is then determined whether the ventilator meets the water blowing execution conditions. If so, the opening of the switching valve assembly is controlled to achieve dehydration of the first and second pressure-sensing air paths. The dehydration system and method of this application isolate the first and second pressure-sensing air paths through the switching valve assembly, avoiding mutual influence of airflow on the two pressure-sensing air paths, reducing the error caused by condensate in the first and second pressure-sensing air paths when the differential pressure generator measures the patient's expiratory flow rate. By setting the activation conditions of the water blowing function and the execution conditions of the water blowing operation, the controllability of water blowing in the first and second pressure-sensing air paths at both ends of the differential pressure generator is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system according to one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for removing water from the pressurized airway of a ventilator according to one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for removing water from the ventilator's pressurized airway, provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating how to determine if a ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function, according to one embodiment of this application.

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0028] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0030] This application discloses a water removal system for the gas path of a ventilator flow sensor, a water removal method, and a ventilator.

[0031] A ventilator is a device that can replace a patient's spontaneous breathing. It occupies a very important position in the field of modern medicine and is widely used for respiratory failure, anesthetic respiratory management during major surgery, respiratory support therapy, and emergency resuscitation.

[0032] The main parameters for ventilator control include tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory pressure, and inspiratory time, among which tidal volume is the key control variable. In a ventilator, tidal volume is calculated by integrating the respiratory flow rate, and errors in flow measurement directly affect the accuracy of tidal volume control. The flow sensor converts the respiratory flow rate into an electrical signal, which, after circuit processing, is fed back to the control system as crucial input information for the control system's algorithm. The flow sensor plays a vital role in the ventilator control system, and its performance directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of the ventilator parameters.

[0033] Currently, the most common method is to use an external differential pressure flow sensor, which consists of a differential pressure generator and a differential pressure sensor, to monitor flow and pressure near the patient. Specifically, two pressure-guiding air paths are connected to the two ends of the differential pressure generator and the differential pressure sensor, respectively. Exhaled gas passes through the differential pressure generator to generate a pressure difference, and the differential pressure sensor collects the pressure difference before and after the differential pressure generator to calculate the expiratory flow rate. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0034]

[0035] Where Q is the measured flow rate, Qmax is the maximum flow rate, ΔP is the measured pressure difference, and ΔPmax is the maximum pressure difference. Qmax and ΔPmax are determined through calibration.

[0036] However, during the use of a differential pressure sensor ventilator, the patient's exhaled air enters the two pressure-sensing air paths of the flow sensor. The exhaled air contains a large amount of water vapor, which easily produces condensation in the pressure-sensing air paths. Over time, the condensation will remain in the pressure-sensing air paths, causing inaccurate monitoring by the differential pressure sensor, or even damaging the differential pressure sensor and causing equipment failure.

[0037] Furthermore, the expiratory module of a ventilator receives the patient's exhaled air, which is easily contaminated by the patient's pathogens. Therefore, the ventilator module needs to be frequently disassembled for disinfection. The structure of the external differential pressure flow sensor separates the structural and electronic components of the expiratory module from the pressure generator through a pressure-guiding air path, facilitating the disassembly and disinfection of the ventilator module components. However, due to the added pressure-guiding air path, disinfectant residue remaining in the pipeline during disinfection can affect the data acquired by the differential pressure sensor and corrode the air path pipeline and the differential pressure sensor.

[0038] Therefore, during operation, the ventilator needs to remove residual liquid / moisture from the airway.

[0039] One existing solution involves removing moisture through heating, specifically by adding a heating device to prevent condensation. This method is costly, complex, and prone to high-temperature hazards. Another solution uses a high-pressure, high-speed airflow to blow away the condensate. This involves blowing water through the ventilator via a high-pressure air source. However, the continuous airflow during this process introduces measurement errors into the differential pressure flow sensor, and impurities carried in the airflow can clog the filter, shortening its lifespan and increasing expiratory flow measurement errors. Furthermore, the continuous air supply during ventilator standby and shutdown wastes resources. Since the air supply's operation relies solely on a pressure reducing valve, a malfunction would essentially connect the patient directly to the high-pressure air source, directing the high-pressure air to the patient – ​​a highly dangerous situation.

[0040] In response to the existing problems, this application proposes a dewatering system, dewatering method, and ventilator for a ventilator flow sensor air path to solve the above problems. By setting a switching valve assembly to isolate the two pressure-sensing air paths, during the dewatering process, it is first determined whether the ventilator's water blowing function is turned on. If the water blowing function is turned on, it is then determined whether the ventilator meets the water blowing execution conditions. If the conditions are met, the switching valve assembly is controlled to open, so as to achieve dewatering of the first and second pressure-sensing air paths.

[0041] The water removal system and method of this application isolate the first and second pressure-sensing air paths through a switching valve assembly, avoiding mutual influence of airflow on the two pressure-sensing air paths. This reduces the error caused by condensate in the first and second pressure-sensing air paths when the differential pressure generator monitors the patient's inhaled and exhaled tidal volume. By setting the activation conditions and execution conditions of the water blowing function, the controllability of water blowing on the first and second pressure-sensing air paths at both ends of the differential pressure generator is improved.

[0042] The technical solution of this application and how it solves the above-mentioned technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system according to one embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 1 The ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system of this application embodiment includes a differential pressure generator 10, a differential pressure sensor 11, a first pressure-inducing air path 12, a second pressure-inducing air path 13, a first air path 14, a second air path 15, a switching valve assembly 16, an air source interface 17, and a control unit 18.

[0044] The differential pressure generator 10 is installed in the breathing airway of the ventilator, which is connected to the atmosphere. The two ends of the generator generate a differential pressure based on the airflow in the breathing airway.

[0045] The differential pressure sensor 11 is connected to the two ends of the differential pressure generator 10 through the first pressure-inducing air passage 12 and the second pressure-inducing air passage 13, respectively, and is used to collect the airflow pressure difference generated at the two ends of the differential pressure generator 10.

[0046] One end of the air source interface 17 is used to receive airflow provided externally or internally. For example, some ventilators connect to an external high-pressure air source through the air source interface 17 to blow water into the pressure-bearing airway, while other ventilators have a small recirculating air source inside, one end of which is connected to the air source interface 17 for blowing water into the pressure-bearing airway. The other end of the air source interface 17 is connected to the first pressure-bearing airway 12 and the second pressure-bearing airway 13 through the first airway 14 and the second airway 15, respectively, to realize the blowing of water into the pressure-bearing airway through airflow.

[0047] The switching valve assembly 16 is disposed on the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15, and is used to control the connection and blockage of the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15. When the switching valve assembly 16 is turned on, water is blown into the pressure passage through the airflow.

[0048] In some embodiments, the switching valve assembly 16 includes at least two switching tubes, respectively disposed on the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15, for isolating the first pressure-sensing air passage 12 and the second pressure-sensing air passage 13.

[0049] The control unit 18 is electrically connected to the switching valve assembly 16 and is used to control the opening of the switching valve assembly 16 when the ventilator meets the conditions for performing the water blowing function, so as to remove water from the first pressure air passage 12 and the second pressure air passage 13.

[0050] The ventilator flow sensor airway dewatering system provided in this application isolates the first and second pressure-sensing airways through a switching valve assembly, avoiding mutual interference between the airflows on the two pressure-sensing airways. This reduces the error caused by condensation in the first and second pressure-sensing airways when the differential pressure generator measures the patient's expiratory flow. By setting the activation conditions and execution conditions for the water blowing function, the controllability of water blowing in the first and second pressure-sensing airways at both ends of the differential pressure generator is improved.

[0051] In some embodiments, the switching valve assembly 16 includes a first switching valve 161 and a second switching valve 162, wherein the first switching valve 161 is disposed on the first air passage 14 and the second switching valve 162 is disposed on the second air passage 15, isolating the first pressure-sensing air passage 12 and the second pressure-sensing air passage 13, avoiding mutual influence of airflow on the two pressure-sensing air passages, and reducing the error caused by condensate in the first pressure-sensing air passage 12 and the second pressure-sensing air passage 13 when the differential pressure generator measures the patient's expiratory flow rate.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first switching valve 161 and the second switching valve 162 are normally closed. The first and second switching valves are only opened by the control unit 18 when the control unit 18 determines that the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function and executing the water blowing operation. Because the first and second switching valves 161 and 162 are normally closed, when the ventilator is off or in standby mode, and the system is not powered (the control unit 18 does not control them to open), the airflow will not continuously blow water into the pressure airway, thus avoiding gas leakage and wasting resources.

[0053] In some embodiments, the ventilator performs the water blowing operation when it is in the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) phase. When the ventilator is in the PEEP phase, the patient's expiratory flow rate monitored at the expiratory end is zero. At this time, the ventilator does not need to monitor the expiratory flow rate. Performing the water blowing operation at this time will not affect the measurement results of the patient's expiratory flow rate, and therefore will not affect the calculation results of the ventilator's tidal volume.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit 18 is also used to determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function. After determining that the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function, the control unit 18 activates the water blowing function. For example, a water blowing function activation button is provided on the ventilator or a software-based activation mechanism is provided within the ventilator. When the control unit 18 recognizes that the water blowing function activation button is valid or that the conditions for activating the water blowing function have been met, the control unit 18 activates the water blowing function. Further, when it is determined that the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing, the control unit controls the opening of the switching valve assembly 16 to remove water from the first pressure-sensing air path 12 and the second pressure-sensing air path 13.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the ventilator is in operation, the control unit 18 determines whether the conditions for activating the water blowing function are met based on the ventilator's operating time. It is understood that the conditions for activating the water blowing function can vary; they may be the ventilator's operating time, the ventilator's pressure in the ventilator's airway reaching a preset threshold, or the detected humidity in the ventilator's airway reaching a preset threshold.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control unit 18 times the operating time of the ventilator. When the timer reaches a preset value, it determines whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function. If so, it activates the water blowing function, resets the timer, and restarts the timing and judgment. It can be understood that after the ventilator starts working, the operating time is timed using an external timer or a timer built into the control unit 18. When the timer reaches a preset value, such as 10 minutes, it determines whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function. If the conditions are met, the control unit 18 activates the water blowing function, resets the timer, and restarts the timing. When the timer reaches the preset value again, it checks whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function again, thus achieving intelligent water removal from the ventilator.

[0057] In some embodiments, after the ventilator starts working, the working time of the ventilator is timed by an external timer or a timer built into the control unit 18. When the timer reaches a preset value, the control unit 18 sets the preset water blowing enable flag to be valid, the control unit 18 starts the water blowing function, waits to determine that the ventilator meets the water blowing execution conditions, and then controls the opening of the switch valve assembly 16 to remove water from the first pressure air path 12 and the second pressure air path 13.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control unit 18 is also used to obtain the working status of the ventilator. When the ventilator is in standby mode, the control unit 18 determines that the conditions for opening the water blowing function are not met, and controls the first switch valve 161 and the second switch valve 162 to be in the closed state.

[0059] It is evident that by setting the judgment conditions for the ventilator to activate the water blowing function, the control unit 18 can determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function only when these conditions are met. After determining that the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function, the control unit 18 activates the water blowing function, thereby realizing the control of water blowing in the ventilator's pressure airway. This improves the controllability of the pressure airway, reduces measurement errors caused by continuous water blowing during the water blowing process, and avoids impurities carried in the airflow from clogging the filter and shortening the filter's lifespan. Furthermore, by setting the activation conditions and execution conditions for the water blowing function, gas resources are also conserved.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ventilator flow sensor air path dewatering system further includes a judgment unit 19 connected to the control unit 18, used to determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing execution. When the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing execution, the control unit 18 controls the opening of the switching valve assembly 16 to achieve dewatering of the first pressure-feeding air path 12 and the second pressure-feeding air path 13.

[0061] In some embodiments, the determination unit 19 is also used to acquire the tidal volume of the ventilator, and when the tidal volume is zero, it is determined that the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure stage. During this stage, the control unit 18 controls the opening of the switching valve assembly 16 to remove water from the first pressure-receiving airway 12 and the second pressure-receiving airway 13.

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a ventilator flow sensor airway dehydration system provided in another embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 2 The ventilator flow sensor air path dehydration system provided in this embodiment includes a differential pressure generator 10, a differential pressure sensor 11, a first pressure-inducing air path 12, a second pressure-inducing air path 13, a first air path 14, a second air path 15, a switching valve assembly 16, an air source interface 17, and a control unit 18. There may be the same or similar concepts or processes in some embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0063] The ventilator flow sensor airway dehydration system provided in this embodiment, based on the above embodiments, further includes a first filter flow limiting unit 20 and a second filter flow limiting unit 30 on the first airway 14 and the second airway 15, respectively, for filtering impurities in the airflow on the first airway 14 and the second airway 15, and adjusting the received air source flow rate to avoid excessive air source pressure and unnecessary danger.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first filter flow limiting unit 20 includes a first filter 201 and a first flow limiting element 202, and the second filter flow limiting unit 30 includes a second filter 301 and a second flow limiting element 302. The first flow limiting element 202 and the second flow limiting element 302 can be airlocks or throttle valves.

[0065] In some embodiments, the ventilator flow sensor airway dehydration system further includes a third filter flow limiting unit 40 and a fourth filter flow limiting unit 50 respectively disposed on the first pressure-reducing airway 12 and the second pressure-reducing airway 13, for filtering impurities in the airflow on the first pressure-reducing airway 12 and the second pressure-reducing airway 13, and adjusting the gas flow rate on the pressure-reducing airway.

[0066] In some embodiments, the third filter flow limiting unit 40 includes a third filter 401 and a third flow limiting element 402, and the fourth filter flow limiting unit 50 includes a fourth filter 501 and a fourth flow limiting element 502. The third flow limiting element 402 and the fourth flow limiting element 502 may be three-way valves.

[0067] Some embodiments also include a regulating valve 60 disposed at the gas source interface end. The airflow output from the gas source interface is delivered to the first gas path 14 and the second gas path 15 after passing through the regulating valve 60. The airflow magnitude of the first gas path 14 and the second gas path 15 is adjusted by the regulating valve 60.

[0068] In some embodiments, the regulating valve 60 includes two valves, which can be respectively installed in the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15 to regulate the airflow of the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15. In this case, the airflow of the first air passage 14 and the second air passage 15 can be adjusted according to the residual amount of condensate on the first pressure air passage 12 and the second pressure air passage 13 to achieve more efficient water removal.

[0069] In some embodiments, a PEEP valve 70 is also provided in the air path of the differential pressure generator 10 near the atmosphere to ensure that the airflow of the water does not change the airflow control parameters of the ventilator during the water blowing process.

[0070] In some embodiments, an expiratory pressure sensor 80 is also included on the first expiratory airway 12 to detect the pressure on the first expiratory airway 12. During ventilator operation, the pressure value on the first expiratory airway 12 should be equal to the pressure in the expiratory airway, that is, equal to the pressure value configured through the PEEP valve 70, wherein the PEEP pressure value is set by the user.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing water from the ventilator's pressurized airway according to one embodiment of this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The dewatering method for the ventilator's pressure-feeding airway is applied to the dewatering system of the ventilator's pressure-feeding airway described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the control unit 18 executes the dewatering method for the ventilator's pressure-feeding airway. The dewatering method for the ventilator's pressure-feeding airway specifically includes the following steps:

[0072] Step S100: With the water blowing function enabled, determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing execution;

[0073] Step S200: If the conditions are met, the switch valve assembly 16 is opened to remove water from the first pressurized air passage 12 and the second pressurized air passage 13.

[0074] The water removal method for the ventilator pressure passage provided in this application embodiment has a normally closed switch valve assembly 16. By setting the opening conditions for the water blowing function and the execution conditions for the water blowing operation, when the ventilator water blowing function is turned on, it is further determined that the ventilator has reached the water blowing execution conditions, and the opening of the switch valve assembly 16 is controlled to achieve water removal from the first pressure passage 12 and the second pressure passage 13.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ventilator is used to perform water blowing when the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure phase.

[0076] Understandably, when the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure phase, the patient's expiratory flow rate monitored at the expiratory end is zero. At this time, the ventilator does not need to detect the expiratory flow rate. Performing a water blowing operation at this time will not affect the measurement results of the patient's expiratory flow rate, and therefore will not affect the calculation results of the ventilator's tidal volume.

[0077] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for removing water from the ventilator's pressurized airway, provided in another embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 4 In some embodiments, prior to step S100, the following steps are also included:

[0078] Step S10: Determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function;

[0079] Step S20: After determining that the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function, activate the water blowing function of the ventilator.

[0080] It is understandable that when a blow-water function activation button is set on the ventilator or the blow-water function is activated via software within the ventilator, the control unit 18 will activate the blow-water function when it recognizes that the blow-water function activation button is valid or that the conditions for activating the blow-water function have been met.

[0081] In some embodiments, step S10 specifically involves: when the ventilator is in operation, determining whether the conditions for activating the water blowing function are met based on the ventilator's operating time.

[0082] It is understandable that the conditions for a ventilator to activate the water blowing function can be different. It could be the operating time of the ventilator, the ventilator's airway pressure reaching a preset threshold, or the detected humidity of the ventilator's airway reaching a preset threshold.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating how to determine if a ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function, according to one embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 5 In some embodiments, step S10 more specifically includes steps S101 to S103:

[0084] Step 101: While the ventilator is in operation, time the ventilator's operating time.

[0085] Step 102: When the timer reaches the preset value, determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for activating the water blowing function;

[0086] Step 103: Turn on the water blowing function, and reset the timer to zero before restarting the timing and judgment.

[0087] Understandably, when the ventilator is in operation, the working time of the ventilator is timed by an external timer or the timer built into the control unit 18. When the timer reaches a preset value, such as when the working time reaches 10 minutes, it is determined whether the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function. After determining that the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function, the control unit 18 opens the water blowing function and at the same time resets the timer to zero and starts timing again. When the timer reaches the preset value again, it is determined whether the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function again, thus realizing intelligent water removal from the ventilator.

[0088] In some embodiments, when the timer reaches a preset value, the preset water blowing enable flag is set to effective, the water blowing function is first turned on, then the ventilator is waited to determine that it meets the water blowing execution conditions, and finally the opening of the switch valve assembly 16 is controlled to remove water from the first pressure air path 12 and the second pressure air path 13.

[0089] This application also proposes a ventilator, including the dehydration system for the ventilator's pressure path described in the above embodiments. The control unit within this system implements the dehydration methods for the ventilator's pressure path described in the above embodiments. This ventilator isolates the first and second pressure paths via a switching valve assembly, avoiding mutual interference between the airflow on the two pressure paths. This reduces the error caused by condensation in the first and second pressure paths when the differential pressure generator monitors the patient's inhaled and exhaled tidal volumes. By setting the activation conditions and execution conditions for the water blowing function, the controllability of water blowing into the first and second pressure paths at both ends of the differential pressure generator is improved.

[0090] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this application, can make several simple deductions, modifications or substitutions based on the spirit of this application and the scope of protection of the claims without departing from the spirit of this application and the claims. All of these are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dehydration system for the gas path of a ventilator flow sensor, characterized in that, include: A differential pressure generator is installed in the breathing airway of the ventilator, which is connected to the atmosphere, and is used to generate a differential pressure based on the airflow in the breathing airway. A differential pressure sensor, whose two ends are respectively connected to the two ends of the differential pressure generator through a first pressure-inducing air passage and a second pressure-inducing air passage, is used to collect the airflow pressure difference at the two ends of the differential pressure generator; Air source interface, used to receive airflow provided from the outside or inside; The first air passage has a first end for receiving the airflow output from the air source interface, and a second end connected to the first pressure-guiding air passage. The second air passage has a first end for receiving the airflow output from the air source interface, and a second end connected to the second pressure-guiding air passage. A switching valve assembly is disposed on the first gas path and the second gas path, and is used to control the connection and disconnection of the first gas path and the second gas path; the switching valve assembly is normally closed; The control unit, which is electrically connected to the switching valve assembly, is used to control the opening of the switching valve assembly when the ventilator meets the conditions for performing the water blowing function, so as to remove water from the first and second pressure-feeding air paths. The conditions for performing the water blowing are that the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure stage and the tidal volume of the ventilator is zero.

2. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The judgment unit is used to determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for performing water blowing.

3. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination unit is used to obtain the tidal volume of the ventilator, and when the tidal volume is zero, it determines that the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure stage.

4. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also used to determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function. After determining that the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function, the control unit opens the water blowing function.

5. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the ventilator is in operation, the control unit determines whether the conditions for activating the water blowing function are met based on the ventilator's operating time.

6. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit times the working time of the ventilator. When the time reaches a preset value, it determines whether the ventilator meets the conditions for opening the water blowing function, opens the water blowing function, and resets the timer to zero before starting the timer and making the judgment again.

7. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching valve assembly includes a first switching valve and a second switching valve; The first switching valve is installed in the first gas line, and the second switching valve is installed in the second gas line; The first and second switching valves are normally closed.

8. The dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor air path according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit acquires the working status of the ventilator. When the ventilator is in standby mode, the control unit determines that the conditions for opening the water blowing function are not met, and controls the first and second switching valves to be in the closed state.

9. A method for removing water from the pressure-receiving airway of a ventilator, the ventilator comprising a differential pressure generator, a first pressure-receiving airway and a second pressure-receiving airway respectively connected to both ends of the differential pressure generator, a first airway and a second airway respectively connected to the first pressure-receiving airway and the second pressure-receiving airway, an air source interface for providing airflow to the first airway and the second airway for blowing water, and a switching valve assembly for controlling the connection and disconnection of the first airway and the second airway; The switching valve assembly is normally closed; characterized in that, The method for removing water from the pressurized air path includes: With the water blowing function enabled, determine whether the ventilator meets the conditions for water blowing execution; If the conditions are met, the opening of the switching valve assembly is controlled to remove water from the first and second pressurized air paths. The conditions for performing the water blowing are that the ventilator is in the positive end-expiratory pressure stage and the tidal volume of the ventilator is zero.

10. A ventilator, characterized in that, The system includes a dehydration system for the ventilator flow sensor airway as described in any one of claims 1-8; the control unit in the ventilator flow sensor airway dehydration system is used to implement the steps of the dehydration method for the ventilator pressure airway as described in claim 9.

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