Multifunctional Applicator Valve for High Flow Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal insufflation systems for high flow therapy are not portable, limiting patient mobility due to the size and weight of the high flow therapy device, and the supply tube cannot be long enough to provide consistent oxygen and therapy air parameters as they change during movement.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional applicator with an applicator plug, supply tube, Y-piece, and nose piece, featuring a pressure chamber with a humidifier interface and an oxygen supply port, and a valve system that ensures continuous oxygen or therapy air delivery by automatically switching between the high flow therapy device and a portable oxygen source when the applicator plug is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the high flow therapy device is used to provide therapy air, then the therapy air parameters (flow, pressure, temperature, humidity) are controlled precisely, but the device is not portable and limits patient mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a stationary high flow therapy device for precise parameter control and a portable oxygen source with applicator for mobility. The applicator can be connected to either the high flow device or the portable oxygen source, allowing patients to move freely while maintaining access to controlled therapy air when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator acts as an intermediary component that can interface with both the high flow therapy device and the portable oxygen source. It includes a valve system that automatically or manually switches between the two oxygen sources, enabling seamless transition between stationary and mobile usage scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If a long supply tube is used to provide patient freedom of movement, then the patient can move more freely, but the therapy air parameters change during movement due to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the parameter control function (located at the high flow therapy device) from the delivery function (portable oxygen source and applicator). This allows the patient to move freely with the portable unit while the stationary device maintains precise control over therapy air parameters when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable oxygen source is self-contained and does not require a long supply tube connected to the high flow device. The patient carries their own oxygen source, eliminating the problems associated with long tubes while still having the option to connect to the high flow device for parameter-controlled therapy when stationary.
3Reliability
If the applicator plug is permanently connected to the high flow therapy device, then the therapy air supply is continuous, but the patient is bound to the device and cannot move
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the continuous supply capability (high flow therapy device) from the mobility requirement (portable oxygen source). The applicator can be permanently connected to the high flow device when continuous supply is needed and stationary, or disconnected and used with the portable oxygen source when mobility is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the applicator and oxygen sources is made dynamic rather than fixed. The applicator can be connected to different oxygen sources depending on the patient's mobility needs, and the valve system dynamically switches between sources to maintain continuous oxygen supply regardless of the connection state.
4Ease of operation
If a portable oxygen source is used to enable patient mobility, then the patient can move freely, but the oxygen supply may be interrupted when transitioning between stationary and mobile states
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system in the applicator is designed to maintain continuous oxygen flow during transitions between different oxygen sources. The automatic or manual switching mechanism ensures that there is no interruption in oxygen supply when the patient moves between using the high flow therapy device and the portable oxygen source.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator with its integrated valve system serves as an intermediary that manages the transition between different oxygen sources. It automatically detects the connection state and switches between the high flow device and portable oxygen source to ensure continuous oxygen supply without interruption.
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 applicator allows for uninterrupted and portable oxygen or therapy air supply, enhancing patient mobility and quality of life by ensuring consistent therapy air parameters and eliminating concerns about breathing support interruptions during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a helical compression spring opening the oxygen supply port when the applicator plug is removed
Implementation Method 2
a valve body being movable between the upper and lower valve seats, the valve body being forced against the lower valve seat by a helical compression spring opening the oxygen supply port when the applicator plug is removed and forced against the upper valve seat by an actuating element of the high flow therapy device closing the oxygen supply port and preventing oxygen flow when the applicator plug is locked in place on the high flow therapy device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunctional applicator 6 for mobile use having an applicator plug 7, a supply tube 8, a Y-piece 9, fork tubes 10 and a nose piece 11 with prongs 12, wherein the applicator plug 7 comprises a pressure chamber 21 that has a humidifier interface 17 for connection with a high flow therapy device 1, an oxygen supply port 13 having an opening diameter of at least 1 mm, and a therapy air supply port 14 for the supply tube 8, the humidifier interface 17 and the oxygen supply port 13 within the pressure chamber 21 are both in fluid communication with an upper and a lower valve seat 23, 25 that are provided with a seal 22 and a valve body 24 being movable between said valve seats 23, 25 and said valve body 24 being subjected to a force by a helical compression spring 26 from the direction of the oxygen supply port 13 and on the other hand being pushed against the upper valve seat 25 by an actuating element 28 of the high flow therapy device 1 when the applicator plug 7 is locked in place on the high flow therapy device 1.