Device for flow measurement

Abstract

Device for measuring the flow of a gas flow in a medical device, comprising at least one sensor arranged in the area of ​​a flow channel, which can be coupled to a base unit via at least one connection device, characterized in that the connection device has at least one plug (6) held by a plug housing, wherein the plug housing can be locked in the area of ​​a wall of the flow channel, wherein a data processing unit for at least one sensor signal and a transmission unit for at least one transmission channel are arranged in the plug, wherein the plug housing has a pivotable locking mechanism which ensures an electrical connection of the sensor by means of spring contacts.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for measuring a gas flow in a medical device, which has at least one sensor arranged in the area of ​​a flow channel, which can be coupled to a base device via at least one connection device.

[0002] US 2014 / 0090464A1 discloses modular flow sensor assemblies and methods. The modular flow sensor assembly can comprise a sensor body, a first end adapter with a first connection configuration, and a second end adapter with a second connection configuration. The sensor body can comprise a main housing and a sensor, with the first end adapter and the second end adapter configured to engage with the main housing. The first and second end adapters can be selected from a group of end adapters, with at least two of the end adapters having a different connection configuration. The selected first and second end adapters can have the same or different connection configurations. The first and second end adapters are configured as interchangeable.

[0003] DE 102 46 683 A1 describes a device for measuring fluidic flows with at least one flow sensor held by a support element. The support element, together with the flow sensor, can be fixed in the area of ​​a housing part. The flow sensor projects from the support element into a flow chamber of the housing part.

[0004] US 7415,895 B2 describes a rectifier module located upstream of a flow channel containing a flow velocity sensor. The rectifier module comprises mesh elements, each with multiple circular small holes and annular spacers. The mesh elements and spacers are stacked axially in an alternating pattern and integrally joined by thermal diffusion welding. The mesh elements have identical structures, with the numerous small holes arranged concentrically at a 1° circumferential angle around the center point of a reference hole. The small holes extend over the entire surface of the mesh element and are continuously connected to adjacent small holes. The small holes of one mesh element and another axially adjacent mesh element are arranged to have a 1° phase angle difference circumferentially.

[0005] Further state of the art is known from US 5 081 866 A.

[0006] In conventional ventilation systems, patient-side measurements such as pressure or flow are usually transmitted pneumatically to the connected device (e.g., ventilator). Other measurements are sometimes obtained by aspirating gases for analysis within the ventilator (e.g., CO2). Occasionally, electrical signals, usually analog, are also recorded and individually transmitted to the device. The individual components are connected sequentially, with each one requiring its own mechanical and electrical connection. This presents several disadvantages. Firstly, the latency of pneumatically transmitted signals increases, the number of cables increases with each additional sensor, and the shielding and ESD / EMC protection of each electrical signal must be addressed individually. Furthermore, mechanical protection against drops or accidental disconnection is implemented separately for each component, and the overall system's weight and size increase significantly with each additional component.These problems can be circumvented and solved together through a suitable system solution.

[0007] The system described below solves some of these problems by bundling the signals onto a single transmission channel. It further describes mechanical solutions for constructing the system to increase its efficiency and also to enhance robustness, ease of handling, and simple processing. In the overall system, all the disadvantages described above can thus be mitigated or eliminated.

[0008] A patient-side processing unit is used to collect all sensor signals and transmit them reliably to the base unit in a suitable format. This base unit could be, for example, a ventilator or a defibrillator. It can also be used to control actuators, identify or initialize any accessories, or directly output signals (optical, haptic, audible, or via a display). The processing unit communicates with the base unit via a wired or wireless interface and is powered by it. Possible communication protocols include a wired USB or RS485 connection, or wireless data transmission via Bluetooth. These connections offer the advantages of standardization and interference immunity.

[0009] At least one of the sensors used can be mechanically coupled to the system via a latching mechanism. One implementation of this is a pivoting latch that ensures an electrical connection through spring contacts. Additional sensors can be connected wirelessly (e.g., RFID) or via cable (e.g., I). 2 They can be connected via C, SPI or UART) or via optical transmission. Power can be supplied via cable or wireless (inductive, optical or capacitive) connection, if required by the sensors.

[0010] The data processing unit comprises at least one microcontroller, one ASIC, one programmable logic or other processing electronics capable of processing sensor signals and transmitting them appropriately to the device (e.g., ventilator).

[0011] The central data processing unit is located close to the patient, within the connector of a patient-side actuator or sensor. Additional accessories can include, for example, a remote ventilator control, a CO2 sensor, and a pressure sensor. An electrically actuated patient valve is a possible actuator. Individual components can also be integrated directly into the unit.

[0012] Specifically, a solution for connecting a proximal, direct-measuring sensor is described. This sensor's primary function is to measure the gas flow (volume or mass flow). Optionally, this sensor system can also provide information about the CO2 content of the breathing gas with very low latency, as well as determine the pressure at that point. Furthermore, this system includes at least one heating element to prevent condensation at low temperatures and ensure the system's operation even at low temperatures.

[0013] The described mechanical design offers the following advantages: It can be operated with one hand, is secured against accidental disconnection, and provides contact protection against water and contamination (IP54). The connector's layered construction protects the connected sensor against impact damage through the use of shock-absorbing materials (e.g., silicone or TPE).

[0014] The plug's hermetic design allows for easy cleaning by wiping or immersion disinfection. Other reprocessing methods such as thermal disinfection or autoclaving are also possible.

[0015] Another advantage of this solution is that all components that come into direct contact with the patient, such as the patient valve, flow sensor, and breathing tube, can also be manufactured as disposable products. The system itself is not directly contaminated and therefore only requires wipe disinfection. This makes the system environmentally friendly and offers the potential for cost savings.

[0016] The drawings schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 A perspective side view of a device for measuring a gas flow, Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 after unplugging, Fig. 3 a view of the arrangement according to Fig. 2 diagonally from above, and Fig. 4 A perspective side view of the plug.

[0017] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the device for measuring a gas flow has a tube-like base element (1). The base element (1) has tubular connection elements (2, 3) and a connecting element (4) that connects the connection elements (2, 3) to one another. The connecting element (4) has a smaller outer diameter than the connection elements (2, 3). A receiving element (5) is arranged in the region of the connecting element (4), which is designed for connection with a plug (6). The plug (6) is connected to a cable (7).

[0018] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 1 after removing the plug (6) from the receiving element (5). It can be seen that the receiving element (5) is provided with a receiving space (8).

[0019] From the presentation in Fig. Figure 3 shows that a circuit (10) equipped with contacts (9) is arranged in the area of ​​the receiving space (8). Typically, the circuit (10) is arranged on a circuit board. The circuit board is equipped with a sensor in the area of ​​its extension facing an interior space of the connecting element (4). The sensor serves to measure a gas flow. In particular, the sensor can also be designed for the metrological detection of at least one gas component.

[0020] A heating element can be arranged in the area of ​​the circuit (10) to provide the circuit (10) with a temperature that prevents condensation. The cable (7) is preferably designed as a multi-core cable. In particular, the sensor is intended to be designed and arranged as a main flow sensor in direct contact with the gas flow to be measured. Arranging the sensor as a main flow sensor avoids the need for a secondary flow sensor. Direct flow measurement is preferably performed.

[0021] From the perspective side view in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the plug (6) is provided with contacts (11) which are arranged to correspond to the contacts (9) of the circuit (10). The arrangement of the contacts (6, 10) ensures that an intended electrical connection is established after the plug (6) is placed on the receiving element (5).

[0022] Fig. Figure 4 also illustrates that the plug (6) has a locking element (12) which is provided with a detent (13). The locking element (12) is implemented as a flexible tongue. This generates spring-like properties.

[0023] After the plug (6) is placed on the receiving element, the detent (13) engages behind a projection on the base element (1) and thereby fixes the plug (6) to the base element (1).

Claims

[1] Device for measuring the flow of a gas flow in a medical device, comprising at least one sensor arranged in the area of ​​a flow channel, which can be coupled to a base unit via at least one connection device, characterized by , that the connecting device has at least one plug (6) held by a plug housing, wherein the plug housing can be locked in the area of ​​a wall of the flow channel, wherein a data processing unit for at least one sensor signal and a transmission unit for at least one transmission channel are arranged in the plug, wherein the plug housing has a pivotable locking mechanism which ensures an electrical connection of the sensor by means of spring contacts. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a bundling of the signals onto a single transmission channel is implemented. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the medical technology facility is equipped as a ventilation facility. [4] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the medical device is equipped as a defibrillator. [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , which is designed for wired transmission. [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the transmission unit is designed for radio transmission. [7] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the sensor is designed as a proximal direct measuring sensor. [8] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that at least one heating element is arranged in the area of ​​the processing unit. [9] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the sensor is designed to detect at least one gas component of the gas flow. [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by that the sensor is designed to detect carbon dioxide. [11] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the control unit is located in the area of ​​an electronic chip. [12] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the plug (6) is equipped with a cable (7). [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by , that the cable (7) is multi-core. [14] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the sensor is designed as a main current sensor.

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