Pneumatic control system

Abstract

A pneumatic control system is provided comprising: a pressure tank for supplying compressed gas; a plurality of valve groups for controlling the flow of gas supplied from the pressure tank; a fluid pump for flowing internally contained fluid in one direction by gas delivered from the plurality of valves; a connecting line that is a passage for the gas and connects at least one of the pressure tank and the plurality of valves to the fluid pump; an air pump disposed in the connecting line to form a vacuum in the fluid pump; and a control unit for controlling the above-described components.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic control system capable of using high-pressure oxygen as a power source by sequentially discharging it. Background Technology

[0003] Extracorporeal blood oxygenation devices (e.g., ECMO) maintain mechanical blood circulation and oxygen supply to patients with impaired cardiopulmonary function by circulating and oxidizing blood outside the body.

[0004] These ECMOs can be classified into VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) depending on the procedure.

[0005] While these ECMO procedures contribute to increasing patient survival rates, the survival rate of VA-ECMO patients is lower than that of VV-ECMO patients, and left ventricular dilation is a significant cause of death among VA-ECMO patients.

[0006] To solve this, it is efficient to use a pulsatile blood pump instead of the non-pulsatile blood pump used in conventional ECMO.

[0007] However, in the case of conventional pulsatile blood pumps, their low efficiency relative to their size and heavy weight made it difficult to apply the blood oxidation system itself, including the pump, in real-time to emergency transport patients.

[0008] In actual clinical practice, lighter non-pulsatile blood pumps are available compared to pulsatile blood pumps, but their use is limited in actual transport situations due to the risk of death in patients who have undergone VA-ECMO.

[0009] ECMO, including non-pulsatile blood pumps, rotates an impeller that comes into direct contact with the blood at high speed to push the blood out by rotational force. In other words, non-pulsatile blood pumps, which are equivalent to centrifugal pumps, inevitably have large volume and mass in order to supply sufficient output (e.g., an average of 50W) to the motor and controller that drive them.

[0010] Furthermore, the use of actuators and motors results in high power consumption, and since the aforementioned components inevitably increase its size, its application locations are limited. In other words, it is unsuitable for use in actual transport situations.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology to improve ECMO, including pulsatile blood pumps, into a form suitable for use in actual transport situations.

[0012] Meanwhile, ECMO, including a pulsatile blood pump, induces pressure changes in a blood bag that performs the function of an artificial ventricle in a pressurized or pneumatic manner to eject the blood inside.

[0013] For example, a pneumatic ECMO must be equipped with a pneumatic control system (or pneumatic circuit) to control the pneumatic pressure to circulate blood while causing pressure changes in the pulsatile blood pump.

[0014] As part of such pneumatic control technology, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0133817 (hereinafter referred to as the 'prior art') has been disclosed.

[0015] Conventional technology presents a pneumatic control module for an actuator that generates driving force using negative and positive pressure.

[0016] At this time, the pneumatic control module of the prior art is configured to include a main block and a plurality of valves.

[0017] In the main block, positive pressure passages and negative pressure passages are formed parallel to each other, and multiple output passages are formed perpendicular to the positive pressure passages and negative pressure passages.

[0018] Multiple valves are installed in the main block corresponding to each of the multiple output passages, and the configuration selectively connects the output passage with either the positive pressure passage or the negative pressure passage.

[0019] That is, the prior art is configured such that positive or negative pressure is selectively supplied to a pneumatic actuator by the aforementioned pneumatic control module proposed for rapid pneumatic control.

[0020] These conventional technologies had the following problems.

[0021] First, in the case of the pneumatic control module, it is divided into negative and positive pressure sections, making it difficult to control and use the desired pressure. In other words, there was a problem in that precise pressure control was not easy.

[0022] Second, in the case of pneumatic control modules, they are designed to control motors or actuators using compressed air; however, since driving force is generated through valves, energy loss is inevitably bound to occur compared to cases where direct energy transfer takes place. Prior art literature

[0024] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2022-0133817 (Date of publication: Oct. 05, 2022) The problem to be solved

[0025] This invention was conceived to solve the aforementioned problems and to achieve miniaturization while ensuring excellent efficiency. means of solving the problem

[0027] To achieve this purpose, a pneumatic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a pressure tank for supplying compressed gas; a plurality of valve groups for controlling the flow of gas supplied from the pressure tank; a fluid pump for flowing a fluid contained therein in one direction by means of gas delivered from the plurality of valve groups; a connecting line that serves as a passage for the gas and connects at least one of the pressure tank and the plurality of valve groups with the fluid pump; an air pump disposed in the connecting line for forming a vacuum in the fluid pump; and a control unit for controlling the above components.

[0028] At this time, a pneumatic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one regulator that is disposed in the connection line and is disposed in a path through which gas is supplied from the pressure tank to the plurality of valve groups to adjust the supply pressure of the gas supplied from the pressure tank to the plurality of valve groups.

[0029] Here, the valve group may include: a first valve composed of at least one two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve composed of at least one three-way (3-way) solenoid valve; and a pneumatic port provided at the connection between the first valve and the second valve to supply the gas to the fluid pump or to receive the gas discharged from the fluid pump.

[0030] In addition, a pneumatic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an oxidizer for oxidizing the fluid flowing through the fluid pump.

[0031] And, the above gas is oxygen, and the oxygen discharged through the air pump can be supplied to the oxidizer.

[0032] In addition, it may further include at least one pressure sensor disposed on the above connection line.

[0033] Meanwhile, to achieve this objective, a pneumatic control system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: an oxygen tank for supplying high-pressure oxygen; a plurality of valve groups for controlling the flow of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank; a plurality of blood pumps for flowing internally contained blood in one direction by oxygen delivered from the plurality of valve groups; an oxidizer for oxidizing blood circulating by the plurality of blood pumps; a connecting line that serves as a passage for the oxygen and connects at least one of the oxygen tank, the plurality of valve groups, and the oxidizer with the plurality of blood pumps; an air pump disposed in the connecting line connecting the plurality of blood pumps and the oxidizer to form a vacuum in the plurality of blood pumps; and a control unit for controlling the above components. The control unit can control blood to flow out from one of the plurality of blood pumps and blood to flow into another blood pump.

[0034] Here, a pneumatic control system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one regulator disposed in the connection line and positioned in a path through which oxygen is supplied from the oxygen tank to the plurality of valve groups to adjust the supply pressure of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank to the plurality of valve groups; and the pressure of oxygen supplied to the plurality of valve groups can be adjusted differently by the regulator.

[0035] Here, the blood pump comprises: a blood chamber composed of a main bag, an inlet bag, and an outlet bag; an outer case housing the blood chamber; and a gas outlet between the outer case and the blood chamber through which oxygen delivered from the plurality of valve groups is introduced or the introduced oxygen is discharged; wherein the blood chamber can form a flow of blood by deforming the shape of at least one of the main bag, the inlet bag, and the outlet bag by the pneumatic pressure formed between the outer case and the blood chamber.

[0036] At this time, one of the plurality of valve groups (hereinafter referred to as the 'first valve group') comprises: a first valve provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve provided as a three-way (3-way) solenoid valve and connected in series with the first valve; and a pneumatic port provided in the connection portion between the first valve and the second valve to provide oxygen to the blood pump through the gas outlet or to receive oxygen discharged from the blood pump; wherein the first valve and the second valve are provided in a 1:1 correspondence and may be connected in series with each other.

[0037] And, the pneumatic port of the first valve group is in communication with the gas outlet and can supply oxygen to either the inlet bag or the outlet bag within the blood chamber, or receive oxygen discharged from either the inlet bag or the outlet bag.

[0038] Additionally, another valve group among the plurality of valve groups (hereinafter referred to as the 'second valve group') comprises: a first valve provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve provided as a three-way (3-way) solenoid valve; and a pneumatic port provided at the connection between the first valve and the second valve to provide oxygen to the blood pump through the gas outlet or to receive oxygen discharged from the blood pump; wherein the first valve and the second valve are provided in a 2:3 correspondence and may be connected in series with each other.

[0039] At this time, the pneumatic port of the second valve group is connected to the gas outlet and can supply oxygen to the main bag side within the blood chamber or receive oxygen discharged from the main bag side.

[0040] In addition, one of the three flow paths provided in each of the three-way solenoid valves configured in the first valve group and the second valve group may be closed.

[0041] In addition, oxygen supplied to at least one of the first valve group and the second valve group through the gas outlet can be supplied to the oxidizer through the air pump.

[0042] In addition, it may further include at least one pressure sensor disposed on the above connection line. Effects of the invention

[0044] As explained above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be derived.

[0045] First, by connecting and using the energy of high-pressure oxygen to a pump that operates as a power source, power consumption can be reduced compared to pneumatic ECMOs that require conventional actuators and motors. In other words, superior efficiency compared to conventional technology can be guaranteed.

[0046] Second, as power consumption decreases, the battery capacity required to operate the entire system on the go is also reduced. Furthermore, by utilizing the pressure of the oxygen tank—which was essential in pneumatic ECMO—instead of the actuator, which is a large and heavy power source, it is possible to lighten and miniaturize not only the pneumatic control system but also the pneumatic ECMO. In other words, since it is not constrained by the operating environment, it can be actively utilized in transport situations.

[0047] Third, when connecting the solenoid valves applied to the pneumatic control system, the oxygen discharge path is configured as a closed loop, allowing the oxygen used as a power source to be reused for other purposes, such as operating an oxidizer. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a pneumatic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a pneumatic control system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a reference diagram illustrating the structure of the blood pump in the pneumatic control system of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a reference diagram illustrating the connection of the valve group in the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2. FIGS. 5a to 5c are reference diagrams illustrating the flow of blood within a blood pump according to the pneumatic control of the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a timetable exemplified to explain the operation of the valve group in the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that technical details that are already well known are omitted or compressed for the sake of brevity.

[0051] It should be noted that references to “one” or “one” embodiment of the present invention in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean at least one.

[0052] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0053] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

[0054] In the following examples, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0055] Each component shown in the drawings is depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0057] <공압제어시스템에 관한 설명>

[0058] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a pneumatic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, a pneumatic control system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure tank (110), a valve group (120), a fluid pump (130), a connecting line (140), an air pump (150), and a control unit (160).

[0060] The pressure tank (110) is configured to supply compressed gas and contains compressed gas.

[0061] Depending on the implementation, when gas contained in the pressure tank (110) is supplied to another configuration, gas discharged from the pressure tank (110) may be supplied to another configuration (e.g., regulator (R) or valve group (120)) through a regulator (not shown) to provide a suitable level of pressure.

[0062] For reference, the regulator (R) provided at the front end of the above-mentioned regulator (not shown) and valve group (120) is a configuration commonly used to adjust the pressure of gas, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] A plurality of valve groups (120) are provided and are configured to control the flow of gas supplied from the pressure tank (110).

[0064] This valve group (120) may include a first valve (121), a second valve (122), and a pneumatic port (123).

[0065] The first valve (121) is composed of at least one two-way (2-way) solenoid valve.

[0066] The second valve (122) is composed of at least one three-way (3-way) solenoid valve.

[0067] The pneumatic port (123) is provided at the connection between the first valve (121) and the second valve (122) and is configured to provide gas to the fluid pump (130) to be described later, or to receive gas discharged from the fluid pump (130).

[0068] That is, the pneumatic port (123) means the gas outlet of the valve group (120).

[0069] The fluid pump (130) causes the internally contained fluid to flow in one direction by means of gas delivered from a plurality of valve groups (120).

[0070] At this time, the fluid pump (130) may be a blood pump, which is an application example of the present invention, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The connecting line (140) is a passage for gas movement and connects the pressure tank (110) and at least one of the plurality of valve groups (120) to the fluid pump (130).

[0072] That is, the connection line (140) provides a path for the gas discharged from the pressure tank (110) in the pneumatic control circuit (100) proposed by the present invention.

[0073] The air pump (150) is positioned in the connection line (140) and sucks in and discharges the gas supplied to the fluid pump (130). Through this operation, the air pump (150) creates a vacuum in the fluid pump (130).

[0074] And, the gas discharged through the air pump (150) can be reused for other purposes.

[0075] For example, the pneumatic control system (100) proposed by the present invention may further include an oxidizer (not shown) for oxidizing a fluid flowing through a fluid pump (130), in which case the gas may be oxygen, and the gas discharged through an air pump (150) may be provided to the oxidizer.

[0076] At this time, depending on the type of gas used in the pneumatic control system (100) or the purpose of use of the pneumatic control system (100), the configuration of the gas discharged through the air pump (140) is not limited to an oxidizer and can be varied.

[0077] The control unit (160) is a configuration for controlling the above-mentioned configurations.

[0078] For example, the control unit (160) can control the above configurations so that the pressure of the gas supplied from the pressure tank (110) to the plurality of valve groups (120) is adjusted to a preset value.

[0079] As another example, the above configurations can be controlled so that the gas supplied to the fluid pump (130) can be reused in other configurations.

[0080] In addition, the pneumatic control system (100) proposed by the present invention may further include at least one pressure sensor (not shown) disposed on a connection line (140).

[0081] In this case, the pressure of the gas adjusted to be usable in each of the above configurations can be checked, so the pressure of the gas operating within the pneumatic control system (100) can be accurately checked, and if there is a difference from the preset value, the control unit (160) can quickly take appropriate measures accordingly.

[0082] In the following, the pneumatic control system (100) proposed by the present invention will be described only in the case where it is utilized in ECMO technology, but the field of application is not limited thereto. In particular, it can be actively utilized in fields requiring sequential supply of pneumatic pressure and fluid circulation control.

[0084] <에크모에 적용되는 공압제어시스템에 관한 설명>

[0085] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a pneumatic control system according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating the structure of a blood pump in the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a reference diagram illustrating the connection of a valve group in the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a pneumatic control system (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an oxygen tank (210), a valve group (220), a blood pump (230), an oxygenator (240), a connecting line (250), an air pump (260), and a control unit (270).

[0088] The oxygen tank (210) is configured to supply high-pressure oxygen and contains compressed air inside.

[0089] For example, the oxygen tank (210) may be an oxygen tank used for transporting patients.

[0090] For reference, existing ECMO devices that circulate blood using actuators or motors as a power source were unsuitable for use during transport because the overall system volume increased due to the use of a separate oxygen tank during patient transport.

[0091] In contrast, the present invention utilizes a pneumatic circuit composed of a valve group (220) described later that utilizes a solenoid valve while using compressed air from an oxygen tank (210) used during patient transport as a power source, thereby eliminating the need for a separate actuator or motor to circulate blood, which can drastically reduce the volume and size of the entire ECMO device. That is, the ECMO device can be actively utilized not only in hospitals but also during transport, regardless of the location of use.

[0092] For reference, the oxygen tank (210) may include a regulator (not shown) so that the oxygen contained in the oxygen tank (210) is supplied to other components (e.g., a regulator (R) or a valve group (120)) at an appropriate pressure level. Since this is a configuration commonly used when using the oxygen tank (210), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0093] A valve group (220) is configured to control the flow of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank (210) and is provided in multiple numbers.

[0094] These multiple valve groups (220) can be divided into a first valve group (221) and a second valve group (222) according to detailed components.

[0095] One of the multiple valve groups (220) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘first valve group (221)’) may be composed of a first valve (221a), a second valve (221b), and a pneumatic port (221c).

[0096] The first valve (221a) is provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve.

[0097] The second valve (221b) is provided as a three-way solenoid valve and is connected in series with the first valve.

[0098] The pneumatic port (221c) is provided at the connection between the first valve (221a) and the second valve (221b) and is configured to provide oxygen to the blood pump (230) through the gas outlet (233) provided in the blood pump (230) to be described later, or to receive oxygen discharged from the blood pump (230).

[0099] That is, the pneumatic port (221c) is the gas outlet of the first valve group (221).

[0100] For reference, the first valve (221a) and the second valve (221b) of the first valve group (221) are provided in a 1:1 correspondence, but can be connected in series with each other.

[0101] It may be preferable to have at least two of these first valve groups (221) based on a single blood pump (230).

[0102] Another valve group (hereinafter referred to as the 'second valve group (222)') among the plurality of valve groups (220) may be composed of a first valve (222a), a second valve (222b), and a pneumatic port (222c).

[0103] The first valve (222a) is provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve.

[0104] The second valve (222b) is provided as a three-way (3-way) solenoid valve.

[0105] The pneumatic port (222c) is provided at the connection between the first valve (222a) and the second valve (222b) and is configured to provide oxygen to the blood pump (230) through the gas outlet (233) or to receive oxygen discharged from the fluid pump.

[0106] That is, the pneumatic port (222c) is the gas outlet of the second valve group (222).

[0107] For reference, in the second valve group (222), the first valve (222a) and the second valve (222b) are provided in a 2:3 ratio and are connected in series with each other.

[0108] It may be preferable to have at least one of these second valve groups (222) based on a single blood pump (230).

[0109] At this time, it goes without saying that the number of the first valve group (221) and the second valve group (222) can be varied according to the shape of the blood pump (230).

[0110] For reference, the first valve group (221) and the second valve group (222) are configured such that internally configured solenoid valves (e.g., the first valve and the second valve, and the first' valve and the second' valve) are connected in series, and high-pressure oxygen is used in the middle so that the pneumatic pressure can be controlled by the control unit (270) to be described later.

[0111] That is, the air pressure to be supplied to the blood pump (230) can be easily controlled through the air pressure port (221c) of the first valve group (221) and the air pressure port (222c) of the second valve group (222).

[0112] And, a regulator (R) may be provided at the front end of the valve group (220), that is, between the oxygen tank (210) and the valve group (220).

[0113] To explain more specifically, the regulator (R) is positioned in the connection line (250) to be described later, and is positioned in the path where oxygen is supplied from the oxygen tank (210) to the plurality of valve groups (220), thereby adjusting the supply pressure of the oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank (210) to the plurality of valve groups (220).

[0114] These regulators (R) can be connected in parallel according to the usage range, so that the usage pressure can be adjusted differently for each valve group (220).

[0115] That is, the pressure of oxygen supplied to the plurality of valve groups (220) through the regulator (R), i.e., the pneumatic pressure, is different.

[0116] For reference, in the pneumatic control system (200) proposed by the present invention, valve groups (220) of different configurations are arranged in parallel. This is because, in the case of the inlet bag and outlet bag that serve as auxiliary blood bags within the blood pump (230), the capacity is small, so sufficient pneumatic control is possible with a configuration of a single two-way solenoid valve and a single three-way solenoid valve. However, in the case of the main bag within the blood pump (230), if the first valve group (221) composed of the aforementioned single two-way solenoid valve and three-way solenoid valve is applied, sufficient blood supply to the main bag cannot be achieved.

[0117] Accordingly, in the case of the main pouch side of the blood pump (230), a second valve group (222) is applied in which a two-way solenoid valve and a three-way solenoid valve correspond in a 2:3 ratio.

[0118] To explain more specifically, the application of the second valve group (222) is designed so that the blood pump (230) receives sufficient air pressure through two two-way solenoid valves, namely the first valve (222a), and rapidly discharges oxygen supplied to the main pocket side through three three-way solenoid valves, namely the second valve (222b).

[0119] The blood pump (230) is configured to flow blood contained within in one direction by means of oxygen delivered from a plurality of valve groups (220).

[0120] A plurality of such blood pumps (230) may be provided. In this case, the control unit (270), which will be described later, controls the blood to flow out from one of the plurality of blood pumps (230) and to flow into another blood pump, thereby causing the blood to circulate.

[0121] This blood pump (230) is configured to include a blood chamber (231), an outer case (232), and a gas outlet (233).

[0122] At this time, the blood chamber (231) is divided into a total of three parts: a main blood sac (MBS), an inlet blood sac (IBS), and an outlet blood sac (OBS).

[0123] These main pouch, inlet pouch, and outlet pouch are blood pouches made of polymer material. That is, the aforementioned blood pouches are made of an elastic material and are easy to restore even if they contract due to applied pneumatic pressure.

[0124] At this time, the blood pump (230) applied in the present invention is designed to allow blood to circulate in one direction through an operation algorithm in which at least one of the inlet bag and outlet bag is closed at the time before and after the main bag contracts, without using a valve with a valve structure to prevent backflow.

[0125] For reference, the blood chamber (231) is provided in a curved tube shape and has a structure that allows for easy closure by buckling the outer surface due to oxygen pressure, thereby contracting or blocking the flow of blood.

[0126] The outer case (232) is configured to accommodate the blood chamber (231). The outer case (232) and the blood chamber (231) are completely separated, but a space is provided between them through which gas can be introduced.

[0127] The gas outlet (233) is a passage through which oxygen delivered from a plurality of valve groups (220) between the outer case (232) and the blood chamber (231) flows in or flows out.

[0128] At this time, the gas outlet (233) may be separately provided for each main pocket, inlet pocket, and outlet pocket within the blood chamber (231).

[0129] For reference, the blood chamber (231) can form a blood flow by deforming the shape of at least one of the main pocket, inlet pocket, and outlet pocket by the pneumatic pressure formed between the outer case (232) and the blood chamber (231).

[0130] Below, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connection between the valve group (220) and the blood pump (230) will be explained in more detail.

[0131] First, the pneumatic port (221c) of the first valve group (221) is connected to the gas outlet (233) and can supply oxygen to either the inlet bag or the outlet bag within the blood chamber (231), or receive oxygen discharged from either the inlet bag or the outlet bag.

[0132] Next, the pneumatic port (222c) of the second valve group (222) is connected to the gas outlet (233) and can supply oxygen to the main bag side within the blood chamber (231) or receive oxygen discharged from the main bag side.

[0133] At this time, the first valve group (221) can be controlled to prevent backflow by contracting at least one of the inlet bag and outlet bag with a higher air pressure than the air pressure transmitted to the main bag side by the second valve group (222).

[0134] And, one of the three flow paths provided in each of the three-way solenoid valves (e.g., the second valve and the second' valves) configured in the first valve group (221) and the second valve group (222) is closed.

[0135] This is configured to prevent air pressure from being drawn in from the outside by closing a part of the three-way solenoid valve, and to enable the formation of negative pressure by the air pump (260) described later to the maximum extent.

[0136] In addition, the three-way solenoid valve is configured to be switched between normal close and normal open depending on the intended use.

[0137] This is to prevent continuous overheating of solenoid valves configured by connecting them to a "normal open" position where they must remain continuously open.

[0138] The oxidizer (240) is configured to oxidize blood circulating through multiple blood pumps (230).

[0139] For reference, oxygen supplied to at least one of the first valve group (221) and the second valve group (222) through the gas outlet (233) can be supplied to the oxidizer (240) through the air pump (250) described later and reused.

[0140] The connecting line (250) is a passage for oxygen and connects at least one of the oxygen tank (210), a plurality of valve groups (220) and an oxygenator (240) with a plurality of blood pumps (230).

[0141] The air pump (260) is positioned in a connecting line (250) connecting a plurality of blood pumps (230) and an oxygenator (240) to form a vacuum for the plurality of blood pumps (230).

[0142] At this time, the air pump (260) can inhale the oxygen supplied to the multiple blood pumps (230) and discharge it to the oxygenator (240).

[0143] To explain more specifically, the air pump (260) is used to expand the blood bag inside the blood pump (230) after it has contracted. When the blood bag is expanded using the air pump (260), the oxygen released can be supplied to the oxygenator (240) and used for other purposes.

[0144] This air pump (260) operates to continuously generate negative pressure, and when the first valve group (221) operates and oxygen is momentarily discharged from the blood pump (230), it operates to inhale the discharged oxygen, thereby maintaining a vacuum level within the blood pump (230) and providing the inhaled oxygen to the oxygenator (240).

[0145] For reference, the pneumatic control system (200) proposed by the present invention may further include at least one pressure sensor (PS) disposed on a connection line (250).

[0146] At this time, the control unit (270) described later monitors the pneumatic pressure supplied and maintained from a plurality of valve groups (220) to the blood pump (230), checks changes in pressure in real time, and controls the above-described components to maintain the pressure at a preset level.

[0147] The control unit (270) is a configuration for controlling the above-mentioned configurations.

[0148] For example, the control unit (270) can control the above configurations so that the pressure of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank (210) to the plurality of valve groups (220) is adjusted to a preset value.

[0149] To explain more specifically, the control unit (270) can control the air pressure of oxygen (e.g., 0.25 MPa) supplied to the inlet bag and outlet bag side of the blood pump (230) through the first valve group (221) to be maintained at a higher pressure than the air pressure of oxygen (e.g., 0.2 MPa) supplied to the main bag side of the blood pump (230) through the second valve group (222).

[0150] In addition, the control unit (270) performs integrated control of the pneumatic control system (200) proposed by the present invention, such as controlling the above-mentioned configurations so that the oxygen supplied to the blood pump (230) can be reused in other configurations, such as being used to oxidize the blood supplied to the oxygenator.

[0152] Hereinafter, the operation of the pneumatic control system (200) proposed by the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0154] FIGS. 5a to 5c are reference diagrams illustrating the flow of blood within a blood pump according to pneumatic control of the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a timetable illustrating the operation of a valve group in the pneumatic control system of FIG. 2.

[0156] Before referring to FIGS. 5a to 5c, oxygen discharged from the oxygen tank (210) through the pneumatic control system is supplied to the valve group (220) through the connection line (250), then supplied from the valve group (220) to the blood pump (230), and from the blood pump (230) to the oxygenator (240) through the air pump (260).

[0157] That is, oxygen discharged from the oxygen tank (210) is supplied to the blood pump (230) to form pneumatic pressure and is used to operate the blood pump (230), and the oxygen used at this time is subsequently transferred to the oxidizer (240) and used to oxidize the blood that has flowed to the oxidizer (240) by the blood pump (230).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 5a, when oxygen is introduced from the valve group (220) to the blood pump (230) side through a pneumatic port (P1 or P4) connected to the gas outlet (233a) on the inlet bag (IBS) side within the blood pump (230), the inlet bag (IBS) contracts and the blood inside the inlet bag (IBS) flows to the main bag (MBS) side.

[0159] In this manner, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, when oxygen is introduced from the valve group (220) to the blood pump (230) side through the pneumatic port (P2 or P5) connected to the gas outlet (233b) on the main bag (MBS) side within the blood pump (230), the main bag (MBS) as well as the already contracted inlet bag (IBS) contracts, and the blood that had flowed to the main bag (MBS) side flows to the outlet bag (OBS) side and moves to the oxygenator (240) side.

[0160] When all the blood bags in the blood pump (230) contract, the air pump (260) operates to expand the blood bags in the blood pump (230) again, and subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5c, when oxygen is introduced from the valve group (220) to the blood pump (230) side through the pneumatic port (P3 or P6) connected to the gas outlet port (233c) on the outlet bag (OBS) side in the blood pump (230), the outlet bag (OBS) contracts and blood is introduced to the inlet bag (IBS) and main bag (MBS).

[0161] The control unit (270) controls each component included in the pneumatic control system (200) based on a pre-input or set timetable, thereby sequentially providing pneumatic pressure so that a plurality of blood pumps (230) alternately perform the above-described operation repeatedly, so that blood circulation is achieved.

[0162] At this time, an example regarding the timetable is shown in Fig. 6.

[0163] That is, the control unit (270) controls the multiple blood pumps to operate sequentially (pump1->pump2) based on a preset timetable.

[0164] Additionally, after the first valve group (221) connected to the inlet bag side operates over time, the main bag of one of the blood pumps (e.g., pump 1) contracts. After a sufficient amount of blood has been ejected, the first valve group (221) connected to the outlet bag side operates to contract the outlet bag side to prevent backflow, and at this time, the control unit (270) determines the degree of contraction of the blood bag within the blood pump (230) by adjusting the supply time of high-pressure oxygen to contract the main bag.

[0166] As a result, the user can directly use the timetable at the desired time through the pneumatic control system (200) that sequentially provides pneumatic pressure. That is, it is configured to facilitate the user's use of the oxygen tank (210) as a power source for circulating blood by adjusting the desired time.

[0168] In summary, the present invention relates to a pneumatic control system capable of using high-pressure oxygen as a power source by sequentially discharging it.

[0169] The pneumatic control system of the present invention is configured to allow the system to be used by adjusting the pressure with a regulator according to the purpose of use, and is designed to provide different pneumatic pressures to each separated part to prevent backflow due to the characteristics of the blood pump.

[0170] This pneumatic control system is configured to allow the speed at which pneumatic pressure from the oxygen tank is transmitted to the blood pump by arranging a group of valves, in which solenoid valves are connected in series, in parallel so that pneumatic pressure can be delivered to the desired part.

[0171] In addition, the pneumatic control system is configured to discharge and draw in pneumatic pressure simultaneously or sequentially through pneumatic ports configured in each valve group.

[0172] In this case, a group of multiple valves composed of solenoid valves operates according to a preset timetable to enable sequential driving, operates for a desired amount of time, and is configured to operate according to the intended purpose by adjusting the pneumatic discharge time.

[0173] Such a pneumatic control system can be controlled to regulate the internal pressure of the entire system or the blood pump by adjusting the time during which oxygen is released.

[0175] As described above, the specific description of the present invention has been made through embodiments with reference to the drawings, but since the above-described embodiments are merely preferred examples of the present invention, the present invention should not be understood as being limited only to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood as the claims and equivalents described below. Explanation of the symbols

[0177] 100: Pneumatic control system 110: Pressure tank R: Regulator 120: Valve group 121: 1st valve 122: 2nd valve 130: Fluid pump 140: Connection line 150: Air pump 160: Control unit 200: Pneumatic control system 210: Oxygen tank R: Regulator 220: Valve group 221: 1st valve group 221a: 1st valve 221b: 2nd valve 221c: Pneumatic port 222: 2nd valve group 222a: 1st' valve 222b: 2nd' valve 222c: Pneumatic port 230: Blood pump 231: Blood chamber IBS: Inlet bag MBS: Main bag OBS: Outlet bag 232: Outer case 233: Gas outlet 240: Oxidizer 250 : Connection line 260 : Air pump 270 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A pneumatic control system comprising: a pressure tank for supplying compressed gas; a plurality of valve groups for controlling the flow of gas supplied from the pressure tank; a fluid pump for flowing a fluid contained therein in one direction by means of gas delivered from the plurality of valve groups; a connecting line that serves as a passage for the gas and connects at least one of the pressure tank and the plurality of valve groups with the fluid pump; an air pump disposed in the connecting line for forming a vacuum in the fluid pump; and a control unit for controlling the above configurations; wherein the valve group comprises: a first valve composed of at least one two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve composed of at least one three-way (3-way) solenoid valve; and a pneumatic port provided in a connection between the first valve and the second valve for supplying the gas to the fluid pump or receiving the gas discharged from the fluid pump. Claim 2 A pneumatic control system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: at least one regulator disposed in the connection line, and disposed in a path through which gas is supplied from the pressure tank to the plurality of valve groups, for adjusting the supply pressure of the gas supplied from the pressure tank to the plurality of valve groups. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A pneumatic control system characterized by further including, in claim 1, an oxidizer for oxidizing the fluid flowing through the fluid pump. Claim 5 A pneumatic control system characterized in that, in paragraph 4, the gas is oxygen, and the oxygen discharged through the air pump is supplied to the oxidizer. Claim 6 A pneumatic control system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor disposed on the connection line. Claim 7 An oxygen tank for supplying high-pressure oxygen; a plurality of valve groups for controlling the flow of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank; a plurality of blood pumps for causing blood contained therein to flow in one direction by oxygen delivered from the plurality of valve groups; an oxidizer for oxidizing the blood circulating by the plurality of blood pumps; a connecting line that serves as a passage for the oxygen and connects at least one of the oxygen tank, the plurality of valve groups, and the oxidizer with the plurality of blood pumps; an air pump disposed in the connecting line connecting the plurality of blood pumps and the oxidizer to form a vacuum in the plurality of blood pumps; and a control unit for controlling the above configurations; wherein the control unit controls blood to flow out from one of the plurality of blood pumps and blood to flow into another blood pump, and the blood pump comprises: a blood chamber composed of a main bag, an inlet bag, and an outlet bag; and an outer case for housing the blood chamber. and a gas outlet between the outer case and the blood chamber through which oxygen delivered from the plurality of valve groups is introduced or the introduced oxygen is discharged; wherein the blood chamber has the external shape of at least one of the main pouch, the inlet pouch, and the outlet pouch deformed by the pneumatic pressure formed between the outer case and the blood chamber, and forms a flow of blood; and any one of the plurality of valve groups (hereinafter referred to as the 'first valve group') comprises: a first valve provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve provided as a three-way (3-way) solenoid valve and connected in series with the first valve; and a pneumatic port provided at the connection part between the first valve and the second valve to provide oxygen to the blood pump through the gas outlet or to receive oxygen discharged from the blood pump. A pneumatic control system comprising, wherein the first valve and the second valve are provided in a 1:1 correspondence and are connected in series with each other. Claim 8 A pneumatic control system according to claim 7, comprising at least one regulator disposed in the connection line and positioned in a path through which oxygen is supplied from the oxygen tank to the plurality of valve groups to adjust the supply pressure of oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank to the plurality of valve groups, wherein the pressure of oxygen supplied to the plurality of valve groups through the regulator is different. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A pneumatic control system according to claim 7, wherein the pneumatic port of the first valve group is in communication with the gas outlet, and is characterized by providing oxygen to either the inlet bag or the outlet bag within the blood chamber, or receiving oxygen discharged from either the inlet bag or the outlet bag. Claim 12 In claim 7, another valve group among the plurality of valve groups (hereinafter referred to as the 'second valve group') comprises: a first valve provided as a two-way (2-way) solenoid valve; a second valve provided as a three-way (3-way) solenoid valve; and a pneumatic port provided at the connection between the first valve and the second valve to provide oxygen to the blood pump through the gas outlet or to receive oxygen discharged from the blood pump; wherein the first valve and the second valve are provided in a 2:3 correspondence and are connected in series with each other. Claim 13 A pneumatic control system according to claim 12, wherein the pneumatic port of the second valve group is connected to the gas outlet and is characterized by providing oxygen to the main bag side within the blood chamber or receiving oxygen discharged from the main bag side. Claim 14 A pneumatic control system according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the three flow paths provided in each of the three-way solenoid valves configured in the first valve group and the second valve group is closed. Claim 15 A pneumatic control system according to claim 13, characterized in that oxygen supplied to at least one of the first valve group and the second valve group through the gas outlet is supplied to the oxidizer through the air pump. Claim 16 A pneumatic control system characterized by further including, in paragraph 13, at least one pressure sensor disposed on the connection line.

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