Angular Patient Valve Reduces Dead Space Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient valves in ventilation systems often have significant dead space, leading to inefficient oxygen delivery and increased risk of extubation, particularly in emergency situations, and lack modularity to accommodate different ventilators and patients.
Innovation Solution
A compact, angularly designed patient valve with interchangeable connections and optional adapters, featuring a conical connection system and non-return membrane to minimize dead space and prevent confusion, supporting modularity and compatibility with standard ventilation interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient valve is located directly downstream of the breathing mask, then ventilation function is provided, but dead space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the patient valve from a downstream location to an upstream location on the breathing mask, changing the spatial dimension of component arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the valve to be positioned in the exhalation pathway without adding volume to the patient-facing space, thereby maintaining ventilation function while minimizing dead space.
2Ease of operation
If the connection system is made lightweight and slim, then ease of operation improves, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components including a breathing mask with integrated valve, a separate ventilation tube, and interchangeable connection pieces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connection pieces can be made slim and lightweight for ease of operation while incorporating security features like color coding and geometric matching to prevent misconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection pieces feature asymmetric design with specific geometric shapes and orientations that ensure correct alignment and secure attachment. The asymmetric configuration prevents incorrect connections while maintaining a compact, lightweight form factor that is easy to handle during emergency situations.
3Volume of stationary object
If the patient valve is made compact, then dead space is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient valve is integrated directly into the breathing mask structure, merging two previously separate components into one unified unit. This integration eliminates the need for additional valve housings and mounting mechanisms, achieving a compact design that reduces dead space while actually simplifying manufacturing by reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable connections with adapters are provided, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs universal connection pieces with standardized interfaces that can accommodate different ventilator types and patient requirements. The interchangeable design allows a single base unit to work with multiple adapter types, achieving versatility without requiring complex integrated systems. Each adapter maintains a simple, consistent interface design that reduces overall system complexity while enabling broad compatibility.
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
The solution reduces dead space, enhances oxygen delivery efficiency, and reduces the risk of extubation by ensuring secure and correct connections, facilitating use across various ventilators and patient sizes, including children.
Implementation Method 1
non-return membrane to minimize dead space and prevent confusion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a patient valve (1) for ventilating a patient with a ventilator, comprising a first valve element (10) having at least one connection (50), wherein the at least one connection is oriented with the central axis thereof at an angle deviating from the vertical position in relation to the patient valve central axis, such that a shortened patient valve having a reduced dead space volume (VT) is supported.