Anesthetic Dosing Device Measuring Unit with Dual Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anesthetic dosing devices face challenges in accurately and robustly determining anesthetic concentration at the outlet, leading to potential inconsistencies in the concentration delivered to patients.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measuring unit comprising two sensor elements that measure gas concentration-dependent parameters in different locations, using calibration information to determine anesthetic concentration by calculating the difference between these measurements, ensuring precise and cost-effective concentration determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor element is used to measure anesthetic concentration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of concentration determination deteriorates due to potential undetected malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing sensor elements at different locations within the anesthetic dosing device - one sensor in the first gas branch (upstream of mixer) and another in the second gas branch (bypass). Each sensor measures local gas composition at its specific position, enabling differentiated monitoring of anesthetic concentration at different stages of the gas delivery system, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by measuring the anesthetic concentration in the first gas branch before the gases are mixed in the mixer unit. This upstream measurement allows the system to detect potential malfunctions or concentration deviations early in the process, enabling corrective action before the final gas mixture is delivered to the patient, thus improving reliability of the final concentration delivery.
2Reliability
If multiple sensor elements are used to improve measurement reliability, then the reliability of concentration determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using identical sensor elements for multiple measurement functions. The same type of sensor is used to measure both the anesthetic concentration in the first gas branch and the final concentration in the second gas branch. This multi-functional approach allows a single sensor design to serve multiple monitoring purposes, improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing the differential signal obtained from comparing measurements at different locations. Rather than treating multiple sensor readings as separate data points requiring complex processing, the system uses the parameter difference (concentration gradient) between upstream and downstream measurements as the key diagnostic parameter, simplifying the evaluation logic while maintaining high reliability.
3Measurement precision
If selective sensor elements are used to directly measure anesthetic concentration, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using relatively simple, cost-effective sensor elements rather than expensive specialized sensors. The system accepts that individual sensors may have limited lifetimes or detection ranges, but compensates for this through the redundant multi-location measurement approach. This allows the use of more economical sensor technology while maintaining overall system reliability and precision through the differential measurement strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using identical sensor elements at different locations rather than a single specialized sensor. The same sensor design is replicated and deployed in multiple positions within the gas delivery system. This copying approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring coverage and high measurement precision through multiple identical, cost-effective sensor units rather than relying on a single expensive specialized sensor.
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
This approach provides a robust and cost-effective method for determining anesthetic concentration, reducing the risk of undetected malfunctions and ensuring precise prediction of anesthetic delivery to patients, while being adaptable to various anesthetic agents and breathing gases.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor element measures the characteristic values of the gas concentration-dependent parameter based on a thermal conductivity measurement
Implementation Method 2
a gas sensor which detects a concentration of the anesthetic agent in the gas mixture based on a density measurement of the gas mixture
Implementation Method 3
based on an optical measurement of spectral properties of the gas mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an anesthetic dosing device (100) with a measuring unit (150) for determining an anesthetic concentration in the region of an outlet (142) of the anesthetic dosing device. The measuring unit is configured to measure a first characteristic value (154) of a gas concentration-dependent parameter between a mixing unit (140) and the outlet of the anesthetic dosing device by means of at least one sensor element (152), and to measure a second characteristic value (155) of the gas concentration-dependent parameter in a second gas branch (120) or in the region of a breathing gas supply (112) of the anesthetic dosing device. The measuring unit is further configured to determine the anesthetic concentration between the mixing unit and the outlet based on calibration information associated with the second characteristic value and the first characteristic value, and to output a corresponding concentration signal (160).