Adapter for selective absorption of condensate in ventilation systems

Abstract

Adapter for the selective absorption of condensate in a ventilation system, characterized in that the adapter has a housing with two connecting elements for breathing tube and breathing mask, contains an air duct for the passage of breathing gas and has a condensation chamber separate from the air duct with a moisture absorber which absorbs exclusively liquid condensate.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to medical technology, in particular accessories for ventilation and CPAP systems, and relates to an inline adapter for the selective absorption of condensate while maintaining humidity in the respiratory gas supply. State of the art:

[0002] In respiratory systems, the problem of condensation accumulating in the tubing is common, caused by temperature differences between the breathing gas and the environment. This condensation can impair airways, disrupt airflow, or cause hygiene problems. Conventional solutions such as water separators or heated tubing are technically complex, expensive, or require regular manual emptying. Dehumidifiers, which affect humidity, are unsuitable for medical applications because they remove the therapeutically necessary moisture. Purpose of the invention:

[0003] The aim is to provide a cost-effective, compact, and hygienic adapter that selectively removes only the condensed water (condensate) from the airflow without affecting the humidity of the breathing air (water vapor). The adapter should be easily integrated into existing ventilation systems. Solution to the problem:

[0004] The problem is solved by an adapter that can be inserted between the breathing tube and the breathing mask, and which has the following features: 1. Housing with two standardized connection ends (e.g. 22 mm cone according to ISO 5356-1) 2. Internal air channel through which the breathing gas flow is directed. 3. Lateral or bottom condensation chamber in which liquid condensate collects 4. Insertion of a moisture absorber, preferably made of hydrophilic material (e.g. silica gel, superabsorbent, sponge), which exclusively absorbs the liquid condensate. 5. Separation between airflow and absorber, so that there is no direct contact with the airflow and the humidity is maintained. 6. Optional: Viewing window for visual monitoring of the saturation level or an interchangeable cartridge system 7. A containment system for the mechanical separation of the air duct and the fluid path, 8. A variant with a side-clickable absorber cartridge (replaceable) 9. Another variant involves the absorber being equipped with a humidity indicator dye that changes color depending on the humidity level, e.g. from green → yellow → red. Advantages of the invention: • Prevention of condensation in the breathing mask or hose • No dehumidification of the breathing air - therapeutic humidity is maintained • Low maintenance, hygienic, cost-effective • Easy integration into existing systems • Especially suitable for CPAP, BiPAP, NIV or mobile ventilators Example implementation: • Variant 1 - Fixed absorber in the base of the housing: The adapter has an integrated chamber in the base. This chamber contains a bag or filling area filled with silica gel. The housing is separated from the air by a hydrophobic membrane or grid. Only water entering by gravity reaches the absorber. • Variant 2 - Side-clickable cartridge: The adapter has a side opening with a click connection (e.g. bayonet or snap lock). A replaceable plastic cartridge containing silica gel is inserted into this. The cartridge is equipped with small openings or grid surfaces through which condensation can penetrate. The cartridge can be replaced by the user as a standard spare part. • Variant 3 - Color change display: The silica gel used is mixed with an indicator dye (e.g. cobalt chloride-free, medically safe). For example, the color is green when the cartridge is dry, yellow when it is medium moisture, and red when it is saturated. A viewing window on the side of the adapter or cartridge allows for visual inspection. Alternatively, an external moisture indicator strip can be used. • Variant 4: An adapter housing made of transparent plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) with a 22 mm conical connection contains a central air channel. A separate chamber containing a replaceable silica gel cartridge is located on the underside. A small channel directs any dripping water from the air channel into this chamber, while the airflow continues unimpeded through the adapter, maintaining humidity. • Variant 4 - Disposable version without replaceable cartridge: In another embodiment, the adapter is provided as a compact disposable component that is completely disposed of and replaced by a new one as soon as the absorber material (e.g. silica gel) contained therein is saturated. The absorber (e.g. silica gel or other hydrophilic granules) is permanently embedded in the housing and cannot be removed. The housing is made of injection-molded plastic and is hermetically sealed, except for the openings for the selective collection of condensation. An integrated viewing window allows monitoring of the humidity indicator (color change green → yellow → red). The housing design is as compact and lightweight as possible, making disposal straightforward in domestic or clinical settings. The airflow is designed so that there is no direct contact between the airflow and the granules, but only any condensation that enters comes into contact with the granules. The absorption occurs exclusively through gravity-induced water accumulation, possibly supported by targeted airflow deflection in the lower housing area. This variant is particularly suitable for single use in stationary and clinical settings, e.g. for infectious patients or in areas with high hygiene requirements. Reference symbols for graphics: Image 1: 1 oxygen hose 2 Condensation chamber 3 Breathing air 4. Humidified breathing air 5 moisture absorbers 6. Connecting the ventilation mask 7. No significant reduction in humidity. Image 2: 1 variant with replaceable moisture absorber 2. Variant without replaceable moisture absorber Variant 3 with graphical display of moisture absorption

Claims

[1] Adapter for selective absorption of condensate in a ventilation system, characterized by that the adapter has a housing with two connecting elements for breathing hose and breathing mask, contains an air channel for the passage of breathing gas and has a condensation chamber separate from the air channel with a moisture absorber that absorbs only liquid condensate. [2] Adapter according to claim 1, characterized by that the moisture absorber consists of silica gel, superabsorbent polymer, cellulose or sponge material. [3] Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the condensation chamber contains a replaceable cartridge. [4] Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing has a viewing window for monitoring the moisture absorber. [5] Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the air duct is routed in such a way that no dehumidification of the airflow occurs through the absorber. [6] Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the absorber material is permanently integrated into the housing and is not replaceable, and that the entire adapter is designed as a disposable product.

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