Adjustable Air-Oxygen Blender for Continuous FiO2 Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambient air-oxygen blenders in CPAP devices require dismantling and replacement to adjust oxygen content, causing potential respiratory distress and inconvenience in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular ambient air-oxygen blender design allows for adjustable oxygen content without dismounting, using components that can be snugly fitted, screwed, or slid to change the distance between the oxygen exit nozzle and entry orifice, with adjustable cross-sectional areas for air-entrainment ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ambient air-oxygen blender is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the oxygen content cannot be adjusted without dismantling and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The blender is divided into multiple modular components including a body, collar, and interchangeable inserts. Each insert contains specific geometric features (constrictions, chambers, ports) that determine oxygen blending ratios. This segmentation allows different inserts to be swapped without replacing the entire blender, enabling adjustable oxygen content while keeping the base structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The blender transitions from a fixed geometry design to a dynamic, adjustable geometry system. The collar can be rotated to different positions, and different inserts can be installed, changing the internal flow paths, chamber volumes, and port configurations. This dynamic adjustment of geometric parameters enables variation of oxygen blending ratios without requiring complex electronic controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blender is dismantled and replaced to adjust oxygen content, then the oxygen delivery can be customized, but the oxygen flow must be stopped causing respiratory distress
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pre-configured inserts are prepared in advance, each designed to deliver specific oxygen blending ratios (e.g., 21%, 40%, 60%, 80% oxygen). The healthcare provider can select and install the appropriate insert before oxygen flow begins, allowing immediate customization without interruption. The quick-connect design enables insertion and sealing within seconds, maintaining continuous oxygen delivery to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component that facilitates quick connection and sealing between the insert and blender body. It includes sealing surfaces and alignment features that ensure airtight connections during rapid insertion, preventing oxygen leakage while enabling fast replacement. This intermediary mechanism decouples the adjustment action from the oxygen flow interruption.
3Measurement precision
If traditional CPAP devices with air tanks and pressure control are used, then precise oxygen delivery is achieved, but the device weight and portability are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy air tank and electronic pressure control system are removed from the device. Instead, ambient air is drawn directly from the environment through carefully designed entrainment ports and mix chambers. The oxygen blending ratio is controlled purely through geometric features (constriction locations, chamber volumes, port sizes) rather than active mechanical compression or electronic regulation, dramatically reducing device weight while maintaining precise delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
The blender uses the patient's own breathing effort to draw in ambient air and mix it with oxygen. The pressure differential created by the patient's inhalation automatically drives the mixing process without requiring external power sources or active pumping. This self-service mechanism eliminates heavy power components while maintaining effective oxygen delivery.
4Measurement precision
If electric power is required to operate CPAP devices, then pressure control and monitoring are improved, but the device portability and ease of use in remote areas are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic pressure control and monitoring systems are replaced with passive mechanical flow control elements. The oxygen blending ratios are determined by fixed geometric features (constriction diameters, chamber dimensions, port areas) that create specific pressure drops and flow rates based on patient breathing. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for batteries, motors, and electronic sensors, enabling portable use in remote areas without compromising the ability to deliver precise oxygen concentrations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless adjustment of oxygen content without stopping oxygen flow, reducing respiratory distress and simplifying the process for healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse oximeter is used to monitor the fraction of inspired oxygen (Flo2) by the patient. The low-pressure in the air entrainment chamber, through which oxygen flows at a high velocity, creates a driving force to draw in ambient air 114.
Implementation Method 2
a second advantage of such bCPAPs is that they don't use an air tank to produce a blend of air and oxygen to the patient, but instead use ambient air, which enters the oxygen stream through air entrainment ports of a device referred to as an ambient air-oxygen blender.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to an apparatus having an adjustable ambient air-oxygen blender that adjustably mixes ambient air with an oxygen supply, especially where a size, diameter or flow rate of an orifice is mechanically adjustable so as to control a quantitative mixing function of the blender.