Anesthesia Machine Gas Signaling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anesthesia machines lack the capability to timely and intuitively signal users about the mixed gases and available gas outlets, leading to potential misoperations due to a lack of clear information.
Innovation Solution
A signaling apparatus comprising user input and indicator modules that provide clear, intuitive signals about the types of gases available and which gas outlets are active, using transfer switches and indicator lamps to convey this information to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anesthesia machines provide multiple gas outlets with manual or electronic selector valves, then gas delivery flexibility is improved, but user awareness of available gases and outlets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators (e.g., green LEDs) to visually represent different gas types and their availability at various outlets. Each gas outlet is equipped with indicators that change color or illuminate to show which gases are currently available, providing immediate visual feedback to users without requiring them to interpret complex valve positions or manual instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through visual indicators that automatically update based on the current gas outlet configuration and available gases. This feedback mechanism eliminates the information loss by continuously displaying the current system state, allowing users to immediately know which gases are available at which outlets without needing to track manual valve positions.
2Device complexity
If anesthesia machines use manual selector valves for gas output, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system operates automatically based on the current valve positions and gas availability, eliminating the need for users to manually track or remember system states. The system serves itself by automatically providing accurate information about available gases and outlets, reducing the cognitive load on operators while maintaining simple mechanical valve structures.
3Device complexity
If anesthesia machines lack real-time gas availability signaling, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators (such as green LEDs) to clearly signal which gases are available at each outlet. This simple visual signaling system enhances reliability by preventing misoperations, as users can immediately identify the correct gas outlet based on the color indicators without needing to interpret complex valve positions or rely on memory.
Data Source
AI summary
A signaling apparatus for an anesthesia machine, the signaling apparatus comprising an user input sub-module for receiving input information from an user, an available gas sub-module for signaling types of currently available gases according to information of the user input sub-module, and an available gas outlet sub-module for signaling currently available gas outlets according to information of the user input sub-module.