Adjustable Corrugated Bymixer for Ventilation Gas Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bymixer devices for measuring mixed expired gas fractions in anesthesia and ventilation circuits are difficult to construct, expensive, and not adaptable to varying patient sizes or changing ventilation parameters, leading to limited clinical utility.
Innovation Solution
A novel parallel design bymixer device with an adjustable mixing chamber and flow restrictor, allowing for variable mixing chamber volume and flow rate, facilitating easy cleaning and adaptation to different patient sizes and clinical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art bymixer devices are constructed with constant volume reservoirs and constant dimension gas diverting tubes, then gas mixing can be achieved, but the devices cannot be rapidly adapted or adjusted to accommodate patients of varying size or changes in ventilation parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mixing chamber volume and gas diverting tube dimensions adjustable rather than fixed. The mixing chamber can be rapidly resized by collapsing or expanding its corrugated walls, and the tube dimensions can be adjusted by selecting different lengths or diameters. This allows the device to adapt to varying patient sizes and ventilation parameters without increasing construction complexity, as these adjustments can be made quickly during clinical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing modification of physical dimensions (mixing chamber volume and tube dimensions) to optimize performance for different clinical scenarios. The corrugated tubing design enables continuous volume adjustment, and different tube lengths/diameters can be selected based on patient size and ventilation requirements, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simple construction from standard components.
2Ease of repair
If prior art bymixer devices use constant volume gas collection reservoirs, then gas sampling can be performed, but the devices are difficult to clean and prone to collect condensed water vapor and respiratory debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells by using corrugated tubing for the mixing chamber instead of rigid reservoirs. The corrugated structure provides flexibility allowing the chamber to be collapsed for easy cleaning and sterilization. This flexible design eliminates the contamination issues associated with fixed reservoirs while maintaining the gas mixing function, as the smooth corrugated interior prevents debris accumulation and allows complete drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the mixing chamber to be easily collapsible for cleaning without requiring disassembly or special tools. The corrugated structure allows the chamber to be compressed and flushed with cleaning solutions or sterilants, enabling quick maintenance between patients. This self-service capability improves both ease of cleaning and reliability by preventing cross-contamination.
3Ease of manufacture
If prior art bymixer devices have fixed construction, then manufacturing can be standardized, but the devices are difficult to construct and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the bymixer using standard anesthesia circuit components that can be used across different applications and patient sizes. The corrugated tubing, flow resistors, and connectors are all standard items available in anesthesia departments. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing and construction while maintaining adaptability, as the same basic components can be assembled in different configurations for various clinical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the disposable principle by enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of the bymixer from standard components. The simple construction allows the device to be quickly built or replaced between patients or procedures. This reduces construction difficulty and cost, as standardized components can be sourced easily and the device can be disposed of or sterilized quickly without complex reassembly procedures.
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 fast-response, accurate measurements of mixed expired gas fractions, improving clinical utility and adaptability in various ventilation circuits, and facilitating indirect calorimetry during anesthesia and critical care.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restrictor (e.g., an orifice or other flow-restricting structure) that partially blocks the flow of respiratory gas through the bypass flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a mixing chamber positioned upstream of the flow restrictor
Data Source
AI summary
A bymixer device and method which provides fast-response, accurate measurements of mixed inspired and/or expired gas fractions in open or closed ventilation circuits and/or in circle circuits used in anesthesia and/or critical care. The bymixer device may include a main flow channel and a bypass flow channel. The bypass flow channel includes a flow-restrictor (e.g, an orifice) that partially blocks the flow of respiratory gas through the bypass flow channel, a mixing chamber positioned upstream of the flow restrictor and a sampling apparatus (e.g., a port for withdrawing samples of gas from said mixing chamber and/or sensor(s) positioned within the mixing chamber).