Adjustable Leak Valve for Respiratory Therapy CO2 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak valves in respiratory therapy systems are not adjustable, leading to inadequate control over leak flow rates, which can result in CO2 rebreathing and inefficiencies in gas expulsion, causing adverse effects and increased noise, power consumption, and medicine loss.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable leak valve system comprising a tubular body, sleeve, and dial, allowing for rotational configuration of orifices to control the leak pathway's cross-sectional area, enabling precise adjustment of leak flow rates during respiratory therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined leak valve is used, then the structure is simple, but the leak flow rate cannot be adjusted leading to CO2 rebreathing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional layers (first valve body, second valve body) with separate orifice structures. The first valve body contains a first orifice for CO2 expulsion, while the second valve body contains a second orifice for leak control. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each orifice's characteristics without interfering with the other function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable components including a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member that can dynamically modify the effective area of the first and second orifices respectively. This dynamic adjustability enables the leak flow rate to be customized according to different therapeutic requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If leak flow rate is increased to prevent CO2 rebreathing, then CO2 expulsion is improved, but noise and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different orifice characteristics to different locations within the valve system. The first orifice is optimized for CO2 expulsion with specific dimensional characteristics, while the second orifice is optimized for controlled leaking with different dimensional characteristics. This local differentiation allows each function to operate at optimal parameters without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables independent adjustment of orifice parameters (area, shape, position) through the adjustment members. By changing the effective area of the second orifice, the leak flow rate can be precisely controlled to match therapeutic requirements, preventing CO2 rebreathing while minimizing unnecessary gas flow that would increase noise and power consumption.
3Productivity
If leak flow rate is increased to expel gas efficiently, then gas expulsion is improved, but therapeutic gas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The second adjustment member enables dynamic control of the second orifice's effective area, allowing the leak flow rate to be precisely matched to the patient's respiratory requirements. This dynamic adjustment ensures that sufficient gas is expelled to prevent rebreathing while minimizing loss of therapeutic gases through the leak pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
By independently adjusting the parameters of the second orifice (area, shape, position), the system optimizes the balance between gas expulsion efficiency and therapeutic gas conservation. The adjustable second orifice allows customization of leak characteristics to match specific therapeutic protocols and patient needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a system for controlling a leak flow rate during respiratory therapy. The system is configured to determine a leak flow rate necessary for CO2 expulsion for an individual subject and facilitate control of the leak flow rate during therapy such that the system exhausts substantially the entire exhaled volume of gas during an expiration of the subject. The system facilitates control of the leak flow rate during therapy via an adjustable leak valve. Determining the leak flow rate for the subject and facilitating control of the leak rate may minimize noise from air flow in the system, minimize the power draw needed by a pressure generator of the system, reduce a loss of medicine added to the respiratory therapy gas, and/or have other advantages, while still expelling the desired amount of CO2.