Backup Flow Control for Anesthesia Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup flow control systems for anesthesia machines lack flexibility and reliability, particularly in emergency situations, as they are prone to accidental regulation or difficult to access, leading to potential delays in treatment.
Innovation Solution
A backup flow control system that includes an electromagnet and permanent magnet mechanism to automatically open a cover exposing a flow regulation valve when the electronic flow control system fails, combined with a position sensor and controller to manage the backup ventilation mode, ensuring safe and reliable gas flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle valve is directly exposed outside the anesthesia machine for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a protective cover that encloses the flow regulation valve during normal operation, and an emergency release mechanism that automatically opens the cover when needed. This segmentation allows the valve to be protected during routine use while remaining accessible in emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-positioned to enclose and protect the flow regulation valve before any emergency occurs. The electromagnet is pre-configured in the accommodation cavity to automatically open the cover when power is lost or the electronic system fails, eliminating the need for manual intervention to access the valve during emergencies.
2Reliability
If the needle valve is hidden under a cover for protection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as medical personnel may have difficulty finding the cover in emergency states
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the action of opening the cover automatically without requiring human intervention. When power is lost or the electronic flow control system fails, the electromagnet loses power and automatically releases the cover, allowing medical personnel to immediately access the flow regulation valve without having to search for or manually open the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of opening the cover is replaced by an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet provides automated mechanical action to open the cover based on electrical signal status, eliminating the need for manual cover operation and ensuring consistent, reliable access during emergencies.
3Reliability
If the needle valve is retracted inside the anesthesia machine with popup capability, then the protection from accidental regulation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to compatibility requirements for electronic and manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation valve is extracted from direct exposure and placed inside an accommodation cavity protected by a cover. This extraction simplifies the control mechanism by eliminating the need for complex popup/retraction mechanisms while maintaining protection. The valve remains accessible through automatic cover opening rather than through complex mechanical popup actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the flow regulation valve during normal operation, it acts as a barrier to accidental regulation, and it can be automatically opened by the electromagnet during emergencies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure.
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 system protects the flow regulation valve from accidental regulation, provides automatic cover opening for emergency ventilation, and maintains simplicity, thereby enhancing flexibility and reliability in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet and a permanent magnet, where power sources for the electromagnet and the electronic flow control system are different, one of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet is fixed to the cover and the other one thereof is fixed to the accommodation cavity
Implementation Method 2
the permanent magnet corresponds to the electromagnet in position; and the first controller is connected to the electromagnet and controls to energize and de-energize of the electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A backup flow control system applicable to an anesthesia machine. The backup flow control system turns on a backup ventilation mode when an electronic flow control system of the anesthesia machine has failed, and comprises a first controller (1), a flow regulation valve (2), an accommodation cavity (3), and a cover (4). The accommodation cavity (3) is a hollow structure having an opening. The cover (4) is connected to the opening of the accommodation cavity (3) to close the opening. The flow regulation valve (2) is disposed inside the accommodation cavity (3). The first controller (1), according to the operating state of the electronic flow control system, controls to turn on the backup flow control system and to open the cover (4), such that the opening is wide open to expose the flow regulation valve (2); or controls to turn off the backup ventilation mode.