A replaceable sump for a breathing machine condensate collection device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ventilator condensate collection technology, and discloses a ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber. The device includes a collection chamber with a linkage control mechanism installed at its bottom. The linkage control mechanism includes a fixed base, a rack, a rotating rod, a pinion, a rotating shaft, a large gear, and a control partition. The interior of the top of the fixed base is fixedly installed to the interior of the bottom of the collection chamber. This ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber provides a clear tactile feedback and sound when the rounded corner block engages with the locking groove under spring action during the insertion of the fixed base into the collection chamber, solving the problem of unclear status during replacement. Simultaneously, the insertion and removal action, through the transmission of the rack, pinion, and large gear, precisely controls the opening and closing of the partition, ensuring that the channel is isolated before the replacement chamber is removed and opened only after installation, eliminating the contamination window during the replacement process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ventilator condensate collection technology, specifically to a ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Ventilator condensate collection is a crucial infection control step in respiratory therapy. In the ventilator tubing, the warm, moist air exhaled by the patient condenses into condensate. This liquid contains respiratory pathogens, and improper handling can lead to fatal ventilator-associated pneumonia or equipment damage. When collecting condensate, ensure that a dedicated, sealed collection tank is provided at the lowest point of the ventilator tubing and that the ventilator unit is kept below the patient's level.

[0003] In existing technologies, the workflow for collecting ventilator condensate is performed by healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment at a dedicated collection tank or condensate collector located at the lowest point of the ventilator tubing. The patient is then temporarily isolated from the ventilator, the collection tank is carefully removed, and the condensate is disposed of as infectious medical waste in a sealed container containing disinfectant or directly into a dedicated wastewater treatment system. The collection tank is then thoroughly rinsed, soaked for disinfection, and completely dried. Finally, it is reinstalled in the tubing and its seal is checked.

[0004] However, the following problems still exist in actual use: the water collection tank cannot be replaced more conveniently; when replacing it, it is not clear whether the replacement is in place; and during the replacement, for a few seconds before the old water collection tank is installed, the inlet of the fixing seat is directly open to the ward environment. The residual condensate containing pathogens may generate aerosols, or dust and droplets in the environment may contaminate the inside of the fixing seat and then enter the patient's lungs with the airflow, increasing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia and cross-infection.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection tank, which has the advantages of convenient replacement of the collection tank and avoidance of external interference during replacement, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] This invention provides the following technical solution: a ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber, comprising a collection chamber, a linkage control mechanism installed at the bottom of the collection chamber, the linkage control mechanism comprising a fixed base, a rack, a rotating rod, a pinion, a rotating shaft, a large gear, and a control partition. The interior of the top of the fixed base is fixedly installed with the interior of the bottom of the collection chamber. The outer surface of the rotating shaft is rotatably installed with the inner wall of the fixed base. The interior of the large gear is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating shaft. The interior of the control partition is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating shaft. The outer surface of the rotating rod is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the fixed base. The interior of the pinion is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating rod. The front of the rack is fitted against the back of the fixed base.

[0008] Preferably, a replacement mechanism is installed on the lower surface of the fixing base. The replacement mechanism includes a plug tube, a U-shaped frame, a connecting spring, a telescopic rod, and rounded corner blocks. The outer surface of the top end of the plug tube is inserted into the interior of the fixing base. The left end of the U-shaped frame is fixedly installed to the right side of the plug tube. One end of the connecting spring is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame. One end of the telescopic rod is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame. The right side of each rounded corner block is fixedly installed to the other end of the connecting spring and the telescopic rod.

[0009] Preferably, the front of the large gear is fitted to the back of the fixed base, and the front of the small gear is fitted to the back of the fixed base.

[0010] Preferably, the upper surface of the rack meshes with the outer surface of the pinion, and the outer surface of the pinion meshes with the outer surface of the gear.

[0011] Preferably, the control partition is installed inside the fixed base to control the opening and closing of the internal space of the fixed base.

[0012] Preferably, the insert tube has a snap-fit ​​groove inside, and the outer surface of the snap-fit ​​groove is snapped into the outer surface of the rounded corner block for installation.

[0013] Preferably, the right side of the snap-fit ​​groove is provided with a rounded corner, and the left side of the rounded corner block is provided with a rounded corner.

[0014] Preferably, a connecting frame is fixedly installed on the right side of the rounded corner block, and one side of the connecting frame is fixedly installed with the right side of the rack.

[0015] Preferably, Y-shaped pipes are installed on both sides inside the top of the water collection tank.

[0016] Preferably, a replacement chamber is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the insertion pipe for collecting condensate.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber provides a clear tactile feedback and sound as the rounded corner block engages with the locking groove under spring action during the insertion of the fixed base into the collection chamber, resolving the issue of unclear status during replacement. Simultaneously, the insertion and removal action, driven by a rack and pinion gear, precisely controls the opening and closing of the partition, ensuring that the isolation channel is maintained before the replacement chamber is removed and only opened after installation. This eliminates contamination windows during replacement, effectively blocking the spread of pathogen aerosols and the intrusion of environmental pollutants, reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia and cross-infection.

[0018] 2. This ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber enables the sealed collection and complete disposal of condensate through the collection chamber and replacement chamber, avoiding the cumbersome steps of traditional disassembly, emptying, cleaning, and disinfection, and reducing the chance of medical staff coming into contact with contaminants. The entire linkage mechanism, including the rotating rod and rotating shaft, has a compact structure and reliable operation, requiring no electricity or complex sensors. While achieving automatic isolation and status feedback functions, it reduces costs and maintenance difficulty, making it particularly suitable for high-intensity, high-infection-risk clinical scenarios, and providing an efficient and economical solution for the safe management of ventilator condensate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram; Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Internal structure diagram; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the rear view structure; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Water collection tank; 2. Y-shaped pipe; 3. Fixed base; 4. Insertion pipe; 5. Replacement tank; 6. Snap-fit ​​groove; 7. U-shaped frame; 8. Connecting spring; 9. Telescopic rod; 10. Rounded corner block; 11. Connecting frame; 12. Rack; 13. Rotating rod; 14. Small gear; 15. Rotating shaft; 16. Large gear; 17. Control partition. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber includes a collection chamber 1. A linkage control mechanism is installed at the bottom of the collection chamber 1. The linkage control mechanism includes a fixed base 3, a rack 12, a rotating rod 13, a pinion 14, a rotating shaft 15, a large gear 16, and a control partition 17. The interior of the top of the fixed base 3 is fixedly installed to the interior of the bottom of the collection chamber 1. The outer surface of the rotating shaft 15 is rotatably installed to the inner wall of the fixed base 3. The interior of the large gear 16 is fixedly installed to the outer surface of the rotating shaft 15. The interior of the control partition 17 is fixedly installed to the outer surface of the rotating shaft 15. The outer surface of the rotating rod 13 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the fixed base 3. The interior of the pinion 14 is fixedly installed to the outer surface of the rotating rod 13. The front of the rack 12 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixed base 3. The back of the fixed seat 3 is fitted together, the front of the large gear 16 is fitted together with the back of the fixed seat 3, the front of the small gear 14 is fitted together with the back of the fixed seat 3, the upper surface of the rack 12 meshes with the outer surface of the small gear 14, and the outer surface of the small gear 14 meshes with the outer surface of the large gear 16. The control partition 17 is installed inside the fixed seat 3 to control the opening and closing of the internal space of the fixed seat 3. The inside of the insertion tube 4 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 6, the outer surface of the snap-fit ​​groove 6 is snap-fitted together with the outer surface of the rounded corner block 10, the right side of the snap-fit ​​groove 6 is provided with a rounded corner, and the left side of the rounded corner block 10 is provided with a rounded corner. The right side of the rounded corner block 10 is fixedly installed with a connecting bracket 11, and one side of the connecting bracket 11 is fixedly installed with the right side of the rack 12.

[0023] Specifically, a linkage control mechanism consisting of a fixed base 3, rack 12, rotating rod 13, pinion 14, rotating shaft 15, large gear 16, and control partition 17 enables precise control of the opening and closing of the internal space of the fixed base 3. When replacement is required, operating the relevant components moves the rack 12, which in turn drives the pinion 14 to rotate. The pinion 14 then drives the large gear 16 to rotate, thereby causing the control partition 17 to rotate, opening or closing the internal space of the fixed base 3. This linkage method is simple to operate and ensures the accuracy and stability of the control partition 17's movement, effectively preventing condensate leakage. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​groove 6 inside the connector 4 is snap-fitted into the rounded corner block 10 for installation, and the corresponding positions of the snap-fit ​​groove 6 and the rounded corner block 10 are rounded, making the connection and disassembly of the connector 4 smoother. During installation, the rounded corner block 10 can slide into the snap-fit ​​groove 6 more easily to achieve quick connection; during disassembly, it can also be easily separated, improving the efficiency of replacement. At the same time, the rounded corner design reduces wear during connection and disassembly, extending the service life of the components.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A replacement mechanism is installed on the lower surface of the fixed base 3. The replacement mechanism includes a plug tube 4, a U-shaped frame 7, a connecting spring 8, a telescopic rod 9, and a rounded corner block 10. The top outer surface of the plug tube 4 is plugged into the interior of the fixed base 3. The left end of the U-shaped frame 7 is fixedly installed to the right side of the plug tube 4. One end of the connecting spring 8 is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame 7. One end of the telescopic rod 9 is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame 7. The right side of the rounded corner block 10 is fixedly installed to the other end of the connecting spring 8 and the telescopic rod 9.

[0025] Specifically, the insertion tube 4 and the fixing base 3 in the replacement mechanism are installed using a plug-in connection. This design makes the connection and separation of the replacement chamber 5 from the overall device extremely simple. When the replacement chamber 5 is full of condensate and needs to be replaced or cleaned, simply pull the insertion tube 4 out of the fixing base 3 to easily remove the replacement chamber 5. This shortens the replacement time, improves work efficiency, and reduces interference with the normal use of the ventilator caused by replacing the replacement chamber 5. Through the cooperation of the U-shaped frame 7, connecting spring 8, telescopic rod 9, and rounded corner block 10, a stable and reliable snap-fit ​​connection is achieved between the water collection tank 1 and the insertion pipe 4. When installing or replacing the tank 5, the rounded corner block 10 is squeezed, the connecting spring 8 is compressed, and the telescopic rod 9 retracts. When the rounded corner block 10 reaches the snap-fit ​​position, the elastic force of the connecting spring 8 causes the rounded corner block 10 to automatically reset and snap into the corresponding slot, ensuring a stable connection of the replacement tank 5. When disassembling, only a certain external force needs to be applied to overcome the elastic force of the connecting spring 8, so that the rounded corner block 10 can be disengaged from the slot, thus completing the disassembly. This not only ensures the stability of the connection but also achieves automatic reset, making the operation convenient and reliable.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Y-shaped pipes 2 are installed on both sides of the top of the water collection tank 1, and a replacement chamber 5 is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the insertion pipe 4 to collect condensate.

[0027] Specifically, Y-shaped tubes 2 are installed on both sides of the top of the water collection chamber 1. Their unique Y-shaped structure can more effectively guide the condensate generated in the ventilator tubing. The replacement chamber 5 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the bottom end of the insertion tube 4, providing a centralized collection space for the condensate. Collecting the condensate in the replacement chamber 5 makes it convenient for medical staff to observe and record the amount of condensate, and can promptly understand the operating status of the ventilator and the generation of condensate. At the same time, centralized collection also facilitates the unified treatment of condensate in the future, improving management efficiency.

[0028] Working principle: When using the connector 4, align its bottom end with the fixing seat 3 and insert it. During insertion, the bottom of the connector 4 pushes the rounded corner block 10 of the replacement mechanism. Since the left side of the rounded corner block 10 and the right side of the snap-fit ​​groove 6 are both designed with rounded corners, the rounded corner block 10 is squeezed, causing the connecting spring 8 and the telescopic rod 9 to retract, making the entire mechanism move to the right along the U-shaped frame 7. This movement drives the rack 12 to move to the right synchronously through the connecting frame 11. The rightward movement of the rack 12 drives the small gear 14 meshing with it to rotate clockwise. The small gear 14 drives the rotating rod 13, which is fixed coaxially with it, to rotate. Gear 14 meshes with large gear 16. The rotation of small gear 14 further drives large gear 16 to rotate counterclockwise. The rotation of large gear 16 drives the rotating shaft 15, which is coaxial with it, to rotate. This ultimately causes the control partition 17, which is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 15, to rotate from a horizontally closed state to a vertically open state. The opening of the control partition 17 means that the gas-liquid passage inside the fixed base 3 is opened, and the device enters a normal working state. During this process, small gear 14 and large gear 16 amplify the small displacement of rack 12, making the rotation of control partition 17 more precise and with a stronger sense of positioning. When the insertion tube 4 is fully pushed in... The rounded corner block 10 aligns perfectly with the locking groove 6 inside the connector 4. Under the restoring force of the connecting spring 8, the rounded corner block 10 springs back to the left and locks into the locking groove 6, producing a clear click and a distinct tactile feedback. This mechanically indicates to the user that the installation is complete and locked. At the same time, the rack 12 stops moving, and the entire linkage mechanism stabilizes in the open state of the control panel 17. Under normal operating conditions, condensate in the ventilator tubing flows into the connector 4 through the Y-shaped tube 2 for collection. When replacement is needed, the user pulls out the connector 4. The action of pulling out the connector 4 triggers the above linkage process in reverse: the rounded corner block... 10 disengages from the locking slot 6, the rack 12 moves to the left, and the drive gear set rotates in the opposite direction, causing the control partition 17 to rotate from the vertically open state back to the horizontally closed state. The key point is that the control partition 17 is closed in advance before the insertion tube 4 is completely detached from the fixing seat 3, completely isolating the internal space of the fixing seat 3 from the external environment. This effectively solves the problem of the contamination window period, preventing pollutants from entering the environment and residual aerosols from escaping. The removed insertion tube 4 and the bottom replacement chamber 5 are integrated as a whole, and the contaminated condensate collected inside can be safely disposed of as medical waste. The new insertion tube 4 can be installed immediately.

[0029] It should be noted that, although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] In addition, throughout this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber, characterized in that: The system includes a water collection tank (1), and a linkage control mechanism is installed at the bottom of the water collection tank (1). The linkage control mechanism includes a fixed base (3), a rack (12), a rotating rod (13), a small gear (14), a rotating shaft (15), a large gear (16), and a control partition (17). The inside of the top of the fixed base (3) is fixedly installed with the inside of the bottom of the water collection tank (1). The outer surface of the rotating shaft (15) is rotatably installed with the inner wall of the fixed base (3). The inside of the large gear (16) is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating shaft (15). The inside of the control partition (17) is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating shaft (15). The outer surface of the rotating rod (13) is rotatably connected with the inner wall of the fixed base (3). The inside of the small gear (14) is fixedly installed with the outer surface of the rotating rod (13). The front of the rack (12) is fitted and installed against the back of the fixed base (3).

2. The ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: A replacement mechanism is installed on the lower surface of the fixed base (3). The replacement mechanism includes a plug tube (4), a U-shaped frame (7), a connecting spring (8), a telescopic rod (9), and a rounded corner block (10). The top outer surface of the plug tube (4) is plugged into the interior of the fixed base (3). The left end of the U-shaped frame (7) is fixedly installed to the right side of the plug tube (4). One end of the connecting spring (8) is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame (7). One end of the telescopic rod (9) is fixedly installed to the left side of the U-shaped frame (7). The right side of the rounded corner block (10) is fixedly installed to the other end of the connecting spring (8) and the telescopic rod (9).

3. The ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front of the large gear (16) is fitted against the back of the fixed seat (3), and the front of the small gear (14) is fitted against the back of the fixed seat (3).

4. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the rack (12) meshes with the outer surface of the pinion (14), and the outer surface of the pinion (14) meshes with the outer surface of the gear (16).

5. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control partition (17) is installed inside the fixed base (3) to control the opening and closing of the internal space of the fixed base (3).

6. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: The insertion tube (4) has a snap-fit ​​groove (6) inside, and the outer surface of the snap-fit ​​groove (6) is snap-fitted and installed with the outer surface of the rounded corner block (10).

7. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that: The right side of the snap-fit ​​groove (6) is provided with a rounded corner, and the left side of the rounded corner block (10) is provided with a rounded corner.

8. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting frame (11) is fixedly installed on the right side of the rounded corner block (10), and one side of the connecting frame (11) is fixedly installed on the right side of the rack (12).

9. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: Y-shaped pipes (2) are installed on both sides inside the top of the water collection tank (1).

10. A ventilator condensate collection device with a replaceable collection chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: A replacement chamber (5) is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the insertion pipe (4) to collect condensate.

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