A saturation system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a saturation system for automatic control of an oxygen flow, the control method, and the installation method of the system comprising a saturation monitor (104) having an optical sensor which continuously measures the patient's oxygen saturation level (SpO2) and is physically connected to an oxygen cylinder (102) via a cable connection (103), wherein accuracy in measuring oxygen saturation level (SpO2) is achieved; a control unit (105) in said saturation monitor (104), which sends an operating command to a pneumatic valve (100) by activating the oxygen control algorithm to enable the saturation level (SpO2) to be evaluated according to a predetermined threshold level by analyzing real-time data, and causes said pneumatic valve (100) to switch the flow of the oxygen cylinder to the open or closed position in accordance with the sent operating command; an alarm unit (106) in said saturation monitor (104), which operates by analyzing saturation level (SpO2) data and gives an audible and / or visual warning when the saturation level (SpO2) falls to a lower value of said threshold level.

Description

[0001] A SATURATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a saturation system and method for automatic control of an oxygen flow.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] In the field of medical devices and health technologies, monitoring and control of oxygen saturation is vital for patients. Current techniques usually consist of standard saturation monitors that measure oxygen saturation levels and provide alerts to healthcare personnel. However, these systems do not automatically control the flow of oxygen and require manual intervention. This leads to loss of time and manual errors for healthcare personnel and patient relatives, especially in intensive care units or home care settings.

[0006] In these systems working with manual control, the healthcare personnel need to manually adjust the oxygen flow when the patient's oxygen saturation drops to critical levels below the threshold value. This increases the risk of human error and can jeopardize patient safety. In addition, leaving oxygen cylinders open unnecessarily by manual control method wastes resources and reduces the service life of the devices.

[0007] Some existing systems provide partial automation, sending a warning signal when they fall below certain threshold values. However, these systems generally do not have pneumatic valve control and the opening and closing of the oxygen flow again depends on user intervention. Such systems cannot provide sufficient automation in terms of resource efficiency and patient safety.

[0008] In the literature, there are only solutions to facilitate warning or manual intervention, and a fully automated control system is not yet available. This shortcoming clearly demonstrates the need for an innovative system that provides real-time monitoring and control of oxygen saturation, without the need for human intervention.In the technical field, an oxygen monitoring and control system is known. Accordingly, the invention no. US2020289784A1 relates to an oxygen monitoring and control system. The invention describes a system which continuously monitors the patient's oxygen saturation and automatically adjusts the oxygen flow based on the data obtained. The system assesses the patient's oxygen needs in real time and regulates the oxygen flow accordingly. However, the invention provides the use of an electronic valve instead of a pneumatic valve. Electronic valves can have slower response times than pneumatic valves. Therefore, automatic control of the saturation level through a pneumatic valve instead of an electronic valve cannot be achieved by a control unit activating a control algorithm.

[0009] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a saturation system and method for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] The object of the invention is to introduce a saturation system and method for real-time monitoring of patients' oxygen saturation levels and providing oxygen flow by automatically activating pneumatic valves when they drop to critical levels.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to introduce a saturation system and method that prevents waste of resources and reduces costs by ensuring that oxygen cylinders are activated only when needed.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to introduce a user-friendly saturation system and method by reducing the workload of healthcare personnel and eliminating the need for manual intervention.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to introduce a saturation system and method for informing users with audible and visual warnings in critical situations.In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a saturation system comprising a pneumatic valve for controlling the flow of oxygen from an oxygen cylinder, and an oxygen cylinder connection providing a physical connection between said pneumatic valve and said oxygen cylinder. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises a saturation monitor comprising an optical sensor, physically connected to the oxygen cylinder by a cable connection to enable measurement of the patient's oxygen saturation level; a control unit for comparing the measured saturation level with a reference saturation level, transmitting an operation signal to said pneumatic valve to open or close according to the result of the comparison, and transmitting a warning signal to a warning unit in the event that the saturation level is found to be lower than said reference saturation level. Thus, when oxygen saturation falls below the specified threshold values, automatic intervention is provided and patient safety is increased. In addition, thanks to the system alarm unit, it informs users audibly and / or visually in critical situations.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a power supply. Thus, the continuity of the oxygen flow is guaranteed and the uninterrupted operation of the device is ensured.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control unit is configured to adjust said reference value of the saturation level taking into account multiple disease parameters. This enables adaptation to different patient needs and more precise treatment management.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a communication unit allowing a notification to be sent to a user interface when the saturation level is lower than the reference saturation level. Thus, patient safety is increased and the emergency response process is accelerated.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method performed in a saturation system comprising a pneumatic valve for controlling the flow of oxygen from an oxygen cylinder, and an oxygen cylinder connection providing a physical connection between said pneumatic valve and said oxygen cylinder. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises the steps of performing installation and calibration of the saturation monitor; continuously measuring the oxygen saturation level of the patient, analyzing the measured data by the controlunit and transmitting the operation signal for opening the pneumatic valve and the start of oxygen flow in the event that the saturation level falls below a reference saturation level; transmitting an operation signal to close the pneumatic valve and stop the flow of oxygen in the event that the saturation level rises above said reference saturation value; testing all components to ensure the accuracy of system operation, monitoring data. Thus, the accuracy and effectiveness of the system are ensured, the data are constantly analyzed, and optimal treatment processes are carried out.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, in cases where the saturation level falls below the threshold value and / or a malfunction occurs, it comprises the steps of giving audible and visual warnings from the warning unit and sending notifications to healthcare personnel and / or patient relatives via the user interface.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a representative view of the saturation system.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a representative view of a representative flow chart of the method in the saturation system.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a representative view of the installation method flow chart of the saturation system.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] In this detailed description, the inventive saturation system for automatic control of an oxygen flow, the control method, and the installation method of the system are explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0027] The invention relates to a saturation system and method comprising a pneumatic valve (100) for controlling the flow of oxygen from an oxygen cylinder (102), and an oxygen cylinder connection (101 ) providing a physical connection between said pneumatic valve (100) and said oxygen cylinder (102).Fig. 1 schematically shows the saturation system automatically controlling an oxygen flow, Fig. 2 shows the flow chart of the saturation control method automatically controlling an oxygen flow, and Fig. 3 shows the flow chart of the installation method of the saturation system automatically controlling an oxygen flow.

[0028] The saturation system (10) comprises a pneumatic valve (100) used to control the oxygen flow of an oxygen cylinder (102) and an oxygen cylinder connection (101) providing a physical connection between this pneumatic valve and the oxygen cylinder (102). This structure ensures that the oxygen flow is transmitted reliably. The pneumatic valve (100), shown schematically in Fig. 1, allows the flow from the oxygen cylinder to be opened and closed.

[0029] The saturation system (10) comprises the saturation monitor (104). The saturation monitor (104) comprises an optical sensor for continuous measurement of the patient's oxygen saturation level (SpO2) and is physically connected to the oxygen cylinder (102) via a cable connection (103). The abbreviation of oxygen saturation level is SpO2. In the rest of the description, SpO2, abbreviation for oxygen level, is used.

[0030] The saturation system (10) comprises a control unit (105). The control unit (105) performs real-time data analysis and compares the SpO2 level with a reference saturation level. Said reference saturation level can be a predetermined threshold level. As a result of the comparison, operating signals are sent to the pneumatic valve (100) and the oxygen flow is controlled. Said operating signals comprise operating commands for opening and closing the pneumatic valve (100).

[0031] The saturation system (10) comprises a warning unit (106). Said warning unit can be placed on the saturation monitor (104). The warning unit can be an alarm unit. Thus, it gives audible and / or visual warnings if the SpO2 level falls below the reference SpO2 level. In addition, a warning notification is sent to a user interface via a communication unit. The communication unit may comprise a Bluetooth module, a modem, a Wi-Fi card, a mobile data network, etc. The user interface can be a mobile application, a website, etc., which is accessed via a mobile device such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc. Thus, it operates in a way that it can send notifications to both healthcare personnel and patient relatives via mobile devices.The saturation system (10) comprises a power supply to meet the energy needs and ensure uninterrupted operation. The power supply supplies all system components, ensuring the continuous functionality of the device.

[0032] The control unit (105) is able to dynamically adjust the threshold values of the SpO2 level, taking into account multiple disease parameters. Thus, the system adapts to different patient needs by working adaptively.

[0033] The invention also comprises the following method steps to automatically control the flow of oxygen, the flow chart of which is given in Fig. 2:

[0034] Performing installation (200) and calibration (201) of the saturation monitor. In this way, a monitor is installed to measure the patient's blood oxygen saturation levels. Calibration is essential to get accurate results. The calibration process usually takes 1-2 minutes. Ambient temperature and humidity can affect the correct operation of the device.

[0035] - Monitoring the oxygen saturation level by continuously measuring the patient's oxygen saturation level (202). In this way, continuous control of the patient's oxygen level is ensured with the data obtained.

[0036] - Analyzing the measured data by the control unit (105) (203). In this way, the operation of the pneumatic valve is ensured when abnormal conditions are detected.

[0037] Sending the command to start the oxygen flow to the pneumatic valve when the saturation level (SpO2) falls below the predetermined threshold value (204). Sending the command to stop the flow of oxygen to the pneumatic valve when the SpO2 level returns to the threshold value (205).

[0038] - Testing all components to ensure the accuracy of system operation (206).

[0039] - Monitoring data (207).

[0040] In addition, when the SpO2 level falls below the threshold value and / or in abnormal conditions where a malfunction situation occurs in the system, audible and visual warnings are sent via the alarm unit (106). In addition, notifications are sent to healthcare personnel and / or patient relatives via mobile devices.In the invention, the installation method of a saturation system automatically controlling oxygen flow, the flow sequence of which is given in Fig. 3, comprises the following steps:

[0041] Firstly, installation and calibration of the saturation monitor under a temperature of 25-30 °C and a pressure of 1 atm. (300). The calibration process usually takes 1-2 minutes.

[0042] Implementing electronic assembly and integration so that the control unit (105) can analyze the data from the saturation monitor (104) (301)

[0043] - Then connecting the pneumatic valve (100) to the oxygen cylinder (102) (302) - Then, if the oxygen level drops, testing the pneumatic system with a temperature between 25-35 °C and under a pressure between 2-4 bar for valve control (303) Then, when the oxygen level is at the threshold value, providing the operation function of the system in accordance with a temperature of 20-25 °C and pneumatic pressure control for correct operation of the valve closing command (304)

[0044] - Then performing performance tests of the saturation monitor (104) at an operation temperature of 20-25 °C and under a pressure of 1 atm (305)

[0045] - Approximating and verifying system stability (306)

[0046] While performing the installation method processes in the invention, a leak control mechanism is used to detect technical problems that may occur during the test of the pneumatic valve.

[0047] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWINGSaturation system

[0048] Pneumatic valve

[0049] Oxygen cylinder connection

[0050] Oxygen cylinder

[0051] Cable connection

[0052] Saturation monitor

[0053] Control unit

[0054] Warning unit

[0055] Installation of saturation monitor

[0056] Performing calibration

[0057] Monitoring oxygen saturation level

[0058] Analyzing

[0059] Sending the command to start the oxygen flow Sending the command to stop the oxygen flow Testing components

[0060] Monitoring data

[0061] Performing installation and calibration Implementing electronic assembly and integration Connecting the valve to the oxygen cylinder Testing

[0062] Providing operation function

[0063] Implementing performance tests

[0064] Verifying system stability

Claims

CLAIMS1. A saturation system (10) comprising a pneumatic valve (100) for controlling the flow of oxygen from an oxygen cylinder (102), and an oxygen cylinder connection (101) providing a physical connection between said pneumatic valve (100) and said oxygen cylinder (102), characterized in that it comprises a saturation monitor (104) comprising an optical sensor, physically connected to the oxygen cylinder (102) by a cable connection (103) to enable measurement of the patient's oxygen saturation level; a control unit (105) for comparing the measured saturation level with a reference saturation level, transmitting an operation signal to said pneumatic valve (100) to open or close according to the result of the comparison, and transmitting a warning signal to a warning unit (106) in the event that the saturation level is found to be lower than said reference saturation level.

2. The saturation system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a power supply.

3. The saturation system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the control unit (105) is configured to adjust said reference value of the saturation level taking into account multiple disease parameters.

4. The saturation system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a communication unit allowing a notification to be sent to a user interface when the saturation level is lower than the reference saturation level.

5. A method performed in a saturation system comprising a pneumatic valve (100) for controlling the flow of oxygen from an oxygen cylinder (102), and an oxygen cylinder connection (101) providing a physical connection between said pneumatic valve (100) and said oxygen cylinder (102), characterized in that it comprises the steps of;- comparing the measured saturation level with a reference saturation level, - transmitting an operation signal to open and close said pneumatic valve (100) according to the result of the comparison,transmitting a warning signal to a warning unit (106) in the event that the saturation level is found to be lower than said reference saturation level.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of; - performing installation (200) and calibration (201 ) of the saturation monitor; - continuously measuring the oxygen saturation level of the patient,- analyzing the measured data by the control unit (203) and transmitting the operation signal for opening the pneumatic valve and the start of oxygen flow in the event that the saturation level falls below a reference saturation level (204); - transmitting an operation signal to close the pneumatic valve and stop the flow of oxygen in the event that the saturation level rises above said reference saturation value (205);- testing all components to ensure the accuracy of system operation (206), - monitoring data (207).

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, in cases where the saturation level falls below the threshold value and / or a malfunction occurs, it comprises the steps ofgiving audible and visual warnings from the warning unit,- sending notifications to healthcare personnel and / or patient relatives via the user interface.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the method steps described between claim 5 and claim 7 are performed by a control unit (105).

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