Digital vacuum adjustment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital vacuum regulator. The device comprises a digital vacuum gauge with a display, a vacuum regulator body to which the digital vacuum gauge is connected, a vacuum sensor for detecting negative pressure and sending a negative pressure reading to the digital vacuum gauge, and the vacuum regulator body is actuated to adjust the negative pressure to the desired level based on the negative pressure reading displayed on the digital vacuum gauge. Figure 2 for the abstract

Description

Title of the invention: Digital vacuum control device

[0001] The present invention relates to medical and hospital sanitary vacuum systems and in particular a digital vacuum gauge for a vacuum regulator suitable for all continuous medical suction applications in hospitals and nursing homes. Previous art

[0002] As is well known in this technical sector and in the field of health assistance, in many circumstances suction systems are required, for example systems to apply negative pressure (vacuum) in order to aspirate fluids from a patient.

[0003] In these cases, it is necessary to ensure that the negative pressure level is maintained at the level required for a particular treatment. For this purpose, manual controls, known as vacuum regulators, are available, through which it is possible to control and vary the level of negative pressure (i.e., vacuum). Vacuum gauges are also provided, either incorporated into or combined with the vacuum regulator, which monitor the level of vacuum or negative pressure.

[0004] In the past, mechanical vacuum control systems were used, which included at least one valve controlled manually via a handle. An analog-type vacuum gauge was also provided, which included a Bourdon spring with a dial and an indicator needle that showed the pressure. An operator would occasionally glance at the dial and needle to ensure that the vacuum level remained stable at the desired pressure.

[0005] These systems, which could be described as "old-fashioned" for the hospital setting, were not always practical in emergency situations, for example in a paramedic setting, at an accident scene, or in an ambulance. For example, it might be necessary to check the needle dial several times, and it is also possible that paramedics might not read the dial correctly.

[0006] US 2013 / 267919 Al describes a suction regulator comprising a main valve fixed to a vacuum source and a micro-blocking solenoid valve connected to an electromechanical actuator, the timing and control of which are entrusted to a low power microcontroller.

[0007] However, such a regulator does not allow control of operation, control parameters and system settings, resulting in impracticality for different users.

[0008] US 2006 / 122558 A1 describes a digitally controlled vacuum cleaner with a processor which allows the user to select operating conditions from one or more predefined settings.

[0009] However, such a device is external to a regulator and therefore requires an association between two devices which are not always compatible with each other.

[0010] Vacuum control is also adopted in other contexts and with different functions, such as in the case of thoracic drainage, where devices such as that defined, for example, in EP 1 894 584 A2 are applied.

[0011] Nowadays it is necessary to provide a vacuum regulator with a more precise reading of the vacuum, preferably a regulator which provides a better visual reading, such as could be provided by a digital LCD screen.

[0012] Preferably, such a system should also be independent of mains power (i.e., not require electrical wiring in a building), and be battery-powered for most applications, thus allowing it to be used anywhere in a structure or outdoors if necessary.

[0013] Preferably, in addition, the negative pressure (vacuum) display will be incorporated into the body of a manual vacuum regulator so that the digital negative pressure (vacuum) display is provided in a single compact unit.

[0014] Preferably, the vacuum regulator will be designed to operate with minimal power consumption so that it can be powered by a long-life battery, a rechargeable battery, a 3-volt battery, or by solar power, if desired. Mains power connections could also be incorporated so as to be available for use, if required, as an optional alternative.

[0015] Finally, there should be an alarm associated with the depression gauge, which will alert the operator if there is a deviation from a predetermined value. Summary of the invention

[0016] One aspect of the present invention is that of providing a digital vacuum gauge, or vacuum gauge, for a vacuum regulator comprising a sensor for detecting a pressure value, a central process unit receiving a signal detected by the sensor and capable of activating the sensor intermittently as well, a power supply on board the regulator, so as to generate a digital reading of the negative pressure (vacuum).

[0017] To provide the aforementioned advantages, the invention includes a digital vacuum control device for use in conjunction with a vacuum system in which suction is employed for medical purposes, to assist in monitoring and adjusting the vacuum required for the procedure. The digital vacuum control device is suitable for all medical suction applications in hospitals and nursing homes.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a digital vacuum regulating device may include a digital vacuum gauge or vacuum gauge with a display, a vacuum control body to which the digital vacuum gauge is connected, the digital vacuum regulating device further comprising a plurality of buttons for switching on / off or settings arranged on the digital vacuum gauge, a vacuum sensor for detecting negative pressure and sending a negative pressure level to the digital vacuum gauge, and wherein the vacuum control body is actuated to set the negative pressure to the desired level based on the negative pressure level displayed on the digital vacuum gauge.

[0019] Depending on the button operations for settings, a user of the device may be allowed to set a timer for automatic switching off of the device, select a specific unit of measurement, set a full scale of negative pressure and reset the device at any time to compensate for barometric pressure variation.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum adjustment device may further include a vacuum adjustment handle for adjusting the negative pressure disposed on the vacuum adjustment body.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum regulating device may further include a 1 / 0 button for blocking and reactivating a gas supply located immediately on the vacuum regulating body.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum regulating device may further include a safety vessel to protect the device connected to the vacuum regulating body.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum gauge may include a control unit, to which are connected a display unit, a power management unit, an interface management unit, a memory unit, an alarm unit and a sensor unit.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may include the LCD screen and the sensor unit may include the vacuum sensor, wherein the vacuum sensor can send a detected negative pressure level to the control unit and the control unit can send a received negative pressure level to the LCD screen for display and when a negative pressure level displayed on the LCD screen is greater than a predefined level, the control unit can control the alarm unit to provide attention information.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, alarm information may include text information, lighting information, sound information, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure level Negative pressure can be continuously displayed by the LCD screen of the digital vacuum gauge and updated each time the vacuum sensor detects negative pressure.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, a digital screen of the digital vacuum gauge can be a screen with numbers.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply management unit may include a battery to provide power to the device.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum regulating device may further include an inlet opening for connection to a vacuum source and an outlet opening for connection to a fluid collection device for a hospitalized patient, and in which a digital vacuum regulating device may be selectively connected between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0030] The characteristics and advantages of the digital vacuum adjustment device according to the invention will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment provided by way of indicative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] [fig. 1] shows an illustrative diagram of a digital vacuum adjustment device according to the present invention; [fig.2] shows an example of the digital vacuum regulating device of [fig.1] according to the present invention; [fig.3] shows an example of a digital vacuum gauge of the digital vacuum regulating device of [fig.2] according to the present invention; [fig.4] shows an illustrative functional diagram of the digital vacuum gauge according to the present invention. [fig.5] shows another illustrative functional diagram of the digital vacuum gauge according to the present invention. Detailed description

[0032] The invention illustrated herein is an embodiment described with respect to air and vacuum. However, the invention can be applied to any gas with the appropriate selection of materials. Furthermore, the invention can be used for fluid aspiration in the medical field.

[0033] The device of the present invention consists of a robust technopolymer body, with a quick 1 / 0 switching button, a "Soft Grip" suction adjustment handle for easy operation with a "Push & Lock" positioning system, and a digital vacuum indicator control with three possible end-of-scale settings: -250 mbar, -600 mbar, and -1000 mbar. The quick 1 / 0 switching button allows the operator to quickly block and reactivate the gas supply to the flow meter, maintaining the previous preset suction value unchanged.

[0034] With reference to [Fig. 1], it shows an illustrative diagram of a digital vacuum control device 100 according to the present invention. The digital vacuum control device 100 may include a digital vacuum gauge 110, a vacuum control body 120, and an optional safety vessel 130. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum gauge 110 is connected to the vacuum control body 120, and the vacuum control body 120 is connected to the safety vessel 130.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum control device 100 may include a vacuum sensor (not shown in [Fig. 1]) for detecting negative pressure and sending a negative pressure level to the digital vacuum gauge. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum control body is actuated to adjust the negative pressure to a desired level based on the negative pressure level displayed on the digital vacuum gauge.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum adjustment body 120 may include a vacuum adjustment handle 121 for adjusting the negative pressure and a button 123 I / 0 for immediately blocking and reactivating a gas supply.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the safety vessel 130 can be used to protect the upstream equipment and installation, in the event that the overflow valve in the main vessel does not function properly.

[0038] With reference to [fig.2], it shows an example of the digital vacuum control device 200. As shown in [fig.2], the example digital vacuum control device 200 can comprise three parts, in which the upper part is the digital vacuum gauge 210, the middle part is the vacuum control body 220 and the lower part is the safety vessel 230.

[0039] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], according to the present invention, the digital vacuum gauge 210 may have a monochrome LCD screen with user-activated backlighting that displays the vacuum value, which can be set for reading by end users in mbar / hPa or mmHg. The front of the digital display has three buttons: one to turn the device on / off or to confirm settings, and two others with UP / DOWN arrows for the different configurations. Indeed, thanks to the digital vacuum gauge, the end user can: - set the timer for the automatic switching off of the vacuum gauge; - set the LCD screen backlight on time (to conserve battery power); - select the unit of measurement scale (mbar / hPa or mmHg); - set an empty value as the "alert" reference; and - reset the device at any time to compensate for barometric pressure.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the example digital vacuum regulator 200 may include a protective silicone cover and a technopolymer support to prevent damage to the pressure gauge caused by any shocks received during transport or use. The vacuum regulator body 220 may be manufactured with a threaded outlet fitting for screwing onto conventional collection containers for aspirated fluids, or for direct connection to the safety vessel 230, via a specific integrated quick-release fitting.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the safety vessel 230 can be made of technopolymer and is fully autoclavable (134 °C - 18 min), with a floating overflow valve and a housing designed to accommodate an antibacterial filter to ensure complete protection of the system against microbial contamination. The collection vessel of this safety device has a deliberately reduced capacity (approximately 50 ml) so that even a small amount of fluid can immediately activate the floating valve to stop the suction.

[0042] The inlet connection with a quick-release elastic ring, the 360° rotating position of the vacuum outlet hose connector set to supply the collection system, and the 1 / 12-turn quick-release vessel-lid locking system make connecting and removing the safety vessel for vacuum regulators and suction units simple and easy. Everything is designed to make it simple, quick, safe, and easy for hospital staff to use.

[0043] With reference to [fig.3], it shows an example of a digital vacuum gauge 210 of the digital vacuum control device 200 of [Fig. 2] according to the present invention. The operations of the digital vacuum gauge 210 will be described below with reference to [Fig. 3].

[0044] The Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 can be switched on by pressing the ON / OFF button for at least one second and then releasing the button. The Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 can perform all initial checks and then display the detected vacuum value. A battery status symbol can be displayed on the LCD screen of the Digital Vacuum Gauge 210, which will appear approximately five seconds after switching on, to properly verify the charging status. Once switched on, the Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 can read and display, according to the settings, the negative pressure level with a full scale set by parameter S2 and with the unit of measurement set by parameter PL. The Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 can only be switched off in the vacuum level reading function. To switch off, the ON / OFF button can be pressed for approximately five seconds, and only when the "OFF" symbol is displayed. appears, the button is released and then the digital vacuum gauge 210 will be switched off.

[0045] With the digital vacuum gauge 210 off, the "UP" and "DOWN" buttons can be pressed simultaneously, then the ON / OFF button can be pressed and released to enter a service menu in which there may be at least six options, S1-S6, for selection.

[0046] The following describes the barometric (ambient) pressure reset procedure. Before performing this procedure, ensure that the Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 is not connected to the vacuum source and that the measured pressure is indeed the barometric pressure of the medium. The "UP (Zero)" button may be pressed for approximately three seconds and then released only when a countdown from 9 to 0 is displayed. After this time, the Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 has completed the reset procedure in a pressure medium. This value is stored non-volatilely, so each time the device is switched on with a similar medium pressure, the Digital Vacuum Gauge 210 will continue to display "0" [mbar or mmHg].

[0047] A calibrated instrument can be used for calibrating the sensor. For this purpose, the calibrated instrument can be connected in parallel to the sensor to be calibrated, with a suitable full-scale measurement (DUT). The accuracy of the reference instrument must be at least twice that required by the DUT. It is possible to use a system, for example a pump, to create a vacuum down to -1000 mbar (-750 mmHg) and a device for adjusting the degree of suction. During calibration, the digital vacuum gauge 210 can read the values ​​from the sensor every 10 ms (100 samples per second). The calibration coefficients K of the vacuum sensor are calculated based on the selected points.

[0048] It should be noted that calibration can be interrupted at any time by pressing the "ENTER" key for at least five seconds.

[0049] With reference to [fig.4], it shows a functional diagram 400 illustrating the digital vacuum gauge according to the present invention.

[0050] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the digital vacuum gauge may include a central processing unit (CPU) or a controller, which controls the overall operations of the digital vacuum gauge. In one embodiment of the present invention, an input for a charger with a Micro USB Type-C connector may be connected to a USB management system, which is connected to the CPU, and to a power supply and charger. The power supply and charger may include a battery pack and be connected to the CPU. A digital ON / OFF power switch may be connected between the power supply and charger and the CPU. A user interface switch may be connected to the digital ON / OFF power switch and to the CPU. An optional external data management interface may be connected to the CPU. The digital vacuum gauge may further include an LCD screen, a vacuum sensor, and an interface. The bootloader (loading at startup) and an EEPROM memory are all connected to the CPU. In one embodiment of the present invention, a condition of the analog front-end signal can be connected to the vacuum sensor and the CPU. In one embodiment of the present invention, the LCD screen may further include an LCD backlight.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum gauge may further include an alarm unit (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum sensor may send a detected vacuum pressure level to the CPU, and the CPU may send a vacuum pressure level to the LCD screen for display. In one embodiment of the present invention, when a negative pressure level displayed on the LCD screen exceeds a predefined level, the CPU may control the alarm unit to provide "alert" information. In one embodiment of the present invention, the alarm information may include text information, lighting information, audible information, or a combination thereof.

[0052] With reference to [fig.5], another illustrative block diagram is shown of the digital vacuum gauge according to the present invention. The electronic circuit shown in [Fig. 5] can be used by the digital vacuum gauge to sample a pressure signal at intervals. A memory 58 is connected to the controller 54 to store data.

[0053] A pressure sampler 50 is connected to the vacuum sensor, which is not shown, and operates at intervals to sample the pressure detected in the vacuum sensor. The sampler 50 is powered by the power supply 40. This may be any one or a combination of different power supplies, for example a battery, a rechargeable storage device, solar power, or a mains power supply and transformer.

[0054] The pressure sampler 50 is connected to the amplifier 52 to amplify the pressure signal. Amplifier 52 is connected to a microcontroller 54. Controller 54 is connected to a digital display, usually an LCD, shown as 56. Controller 54 is also connected to a vacuum adjustment potentiometer 121, which is not shown.

[0055] The controller 54 controls the sampler 50, which therefore samples the pressure at predetermined time intervals. This provides a reading on the screen 56 each time a sample is taken. This significantly reduces the system's energy consumption. Thus, a power supply in the form of a long-life battery will provide extended operation without requiring a mains connection.

[0056] The sampling frequency can be modified by the controller 54. Thus, When the vacuum adjustment handle 121 is turned, the controller 54 will temporarily increase the sampling frequency of the sampler 50. In this way the screen will provide an instantaneous reading of the new negative pressure.

[0057] The microcontroller 54 generally comprises an electronic chip that incorporates the logic for controlling the sampler 50. The microcontroller 54 controls the time interval at which the negative pressure is monitored, sampled, and read. The reason for sampling at intervals rather than continuously is to extend the life of the power source, such as a battery or other device. Therefore, batteries can be used to provide continuous current.

[0058] Battery life can be further extended by including a light sensor 97 associated with the digital display 56 and a circuit that detects when light is present near the vacuum regulator, in which case the sampling circuit 48 will continue to intermittently sample the negative pressure as described previously. However, whenever it is dark (for example, at night or when the unit is in a block) or whenever the room is exposed to low light or a selected candela power level, the digital display turns off. In other words, the digits on the digital display turn off because it is too dark in the room for anyone to walk around. This therefore conserves battery charge since the LCD, for example, would not be powered.However, the vacuum would still be sampled intermittently as described previously if the patient experienced a lack of suction, since the alarm could be deactivated if the vacuum was blocked. Once the light returned to the room, the light sensor detected this condition and reactivated the digital display. Alternatively, the display and intermittent sampling can be turned off (when the room is dark), but the light sensor remains active. When the light sensor detects light, the display is powered on and the pressure sensor is sampled intermittently.

[0059] The microcontroller 54 can be programmed so that when the digital display is turned on because it is no longer dark or when the vacuum adjustment handle 121 is turned to a different vacuum level, the intermittent time period in which the vacuum is sampled is temporarily increased, i.e. the sampling frequency is increased to provide a more accurate reflection of the vacuum during this transition period.

[0060] In addition, the regulator could carry a solar panel 99 to charge or recharge rechargeable batteries in order to further extend battery life. Examples of batteries that can be used include AA or 3.6-volt batteries. In one embodiment, two of these batteries are used.

[0061] Furthermore, although the vacuum is sampled intermittently, the screen will continuously display the vacuum level. Thus, the digital display will continuously show numerical indicators, which are generally easier to read, more immediate, more precise and more reliable than a dial with needles.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the digital vacuum regulating device may further include an inlet opening for connection to a vacuum source and an outlet opening for connection to a collection system attached to the patient, and in which a digital vacuum regulating device is selectively connected between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0063] Furthermore, as an additional alternative, the invention described herein may include a controller which can enable the sensor to continuously detect pressure and generate a signal.

[0064] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, remote control of the device 100, 200 is provided through specific applications or software connected via a wireless connection, for example via a Bluetooth signal.

[0065] It is also possible to configure in the factory a full scale value of the device 100, 200.

[0066] It should be noted that the negative pressure level monitored by the sensor is continuously displayed on the LCD screen, which is convenient for the user to control and allows them to view the negative pressure level very intuitively, which is more precise and intuitive compared to the display of a mechanical vacuum gauge. Furthermore, if the user needs to change the negative pressure measurement units displayed on the LCD screen, they only need to press the buttons or keys located on the vacuum gauge.

[0067] Therefore, advantageously, the device according to the invention, compared to vacuum regulators according to the prior art, firstly allows the screen to be switched on and off by a user, and also provides for automatic switching off if the device is not used for a predefined period. Prior art devices, on the other hand, remain constantly active, consuming energy even when they are not in use.

[0068] In addition, it is possible to configure a specific unit of measurement relevant to that used in the country, and there is not a single predefined one.

[0069] Next, it is possible to recharge the device's battery through an external power supply, so there is no battery that is depleted and, once depleted, requires sending the device for replacement.

[0070] Furthermore, the user can set a visual alarm at a given depression value, also having a numerical indication of the depression value and also with a fill bar, which can provide additional and immediate information to the user regarding the degree of vacuum applied to the patient;

[0071] It is also possible to turn the screen backlight on or off to make reading easier.

[0072] Furthermore, the vacuum regulator described herein is also pre-equipped with a threaded connection for attaching to ordinary collection containers for aspirated liquids or, via the specific integrated quick-connect fitting, for direct connection to the safety vessel. The use of the safety vessel is particularly recommended to obtain a complete suction unit that can ensure total protection for both the vacuum regulator and the installation. The compact dimensions of the vacuum regulators particularly facilitate the installation of multiple devices at the terminal units of the installation.

[0073] Extreme rationality and simplicity, combined with sophisticated technical implementation, allow both operators and patients to appreciate the safety and functionality of this device.

[0074] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is provided herein solely by way of example. The invention should not be considered limited to any of the specific features described, but includes all variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Digital vacuum control device (100, 200), comprising: a digital vacuum gauge (110, 210) with display; a vacuum control body (120, 220) to which the digital vacuum gauge (110) is connected.210); a vacuum sensor for detecting negative pressure and sending a negative pressure level to the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210); and a plurality of buttons for switching on / off or settings arranged on the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210), wherein the vacuum adjustment body (120, 220) is actuated to set the negative pressure to the desired level based on the negative pressure level displayed on the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210), wherein, depending on the button operations for settings, a user of the device can set a timer for automatic switching off of the device, set a time for switching off the LCD backlight, select a specific unit of measurement, set a preferred negative pressure level, and reset the device (100, 200) at any time to compensate for barometric pressure variation.

2. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, further comprising: a vacuum adjustment handle (121) for adjusting the negative pressure disposed on the vacuum adjustment body (120, 220).

3. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, further comprising: a button (123) 1 / 0 for blocking and reactivating a gas supply located immediately on the vacuum regulating body (120, 220).

4. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, further comprising: a safety vessel (130, 230) to protect the device (100, 200) connected to the vacuum regulating body (120, 220).

5. Digital vacuum regulator device (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210) comprises a control unit (54), to which a display unit (56), a power management unit, an interface management unit, a memory unit (58), an alarm unit and a sensor unit are interconnected and in communication with each other through the control unit (54).

6. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 5, wherein the display unit (56) includes the LCD screen and the sensor unit includes the vacuum sensor, and wherein the vacuum sensor sends a detected negative pressure level to the control unit (54) and the control unit (54) sends a received negative pressure level to the LCD screen for display, and wherein when a negative pressure level displayed on the LCD screen is greater than a predefined level, the control unit (54) controls the alarm unit to provide alarm information.

7. Digital vacuum regulator device (100, 200) according to claim 6, wherein the alarm information includes text information, lighting information, sound information or a combination thereof.

8. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the negative pressure level is continuously displayed by the LCD screen of the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210) and is updated each time the vacuum sensor detects negative pressure.

9. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein a digital display of the digital vacuum gauge (110, 210) is a digit display.

10. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 5, wherein the power supply management unit (40) includes a battery to supply power to the device (100, 200).

11. Digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) according to claim 1, further comprising: an inlet opening for connection to a vacuum source and an outlet opening for connection to a patient fluid collection device, wherein the digital vacuum regulating device (100, 200) is selectively connected between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

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