Bi-directional Blower Motor Ventilator Eliminates Pressurized Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient ventilator systems rely on pressurized gas sources, which increase operational costs and complexity, as the gas used to drive the bellows is not delivered to the patient and requires additional components like PEEP valves and flow control valves.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional blower motor driven by a four-quadrant controller replaces the traditional pressurized gas source, enabling both inspiratory and expiratory gas flows without the need for pressurized gas, simplifying the system by eliminating components like pressure regulators and PEEP valves, and using atmospheric air for ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bellows system with pressurized gas source is used, then ventilation function is achieved, but operational cost increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pressurized gas source from the ventilator system, replacing it with a bi-directional blower motor that draws atmospheric air directly. This removal of the gas cylinder, pressure regulator, and associated components directly reduces system complexity while maintaining ventilation function through electrically-driven airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional blower motor performs multiple functions: it generates both inspiratory and expiratory flows, creates PEEP pressure, and eliminates the need for separate gas supply and pressure regulation systems. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate components into a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If pressurized gas source is used to drive bellows, then ventilation is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses atmospheric air as a free, unlimited resource instead of consuming paid pressurized gas from cylinders. The bi-directional blower motor draws ambient air to generate both inspiratory and expiratory flows, eliminating the need to purchase and deliver paid medical gas to the patient, thereby reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the source parameter from paid pressurized gas to free atmospheric air, and changes the delivery mechanism from passive bellows driven by gas pressure to active electric blower motor control. This parameter change fundamentally alters the cost structure from consumable gas expenses to electric power expenses.
3Measurement precision
If PEEP valve and flow control valve are included, then precise pressure control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of PEEP valve, flow control valve, and pressure regulation into a single bi-directional blower motor controlled by a microprocessor. The motor's variable speed control and bidirectional operation allow precise adjustment of both inspiratory and expiratory flows and pressures, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and pressure control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical valve-based pressure control systems with an electrically-controlled blower motor system. The microprocessor controls the motor's speed and direction to precisely regulate airflow and pressure, substituting mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control for more precise and adaptable pressure management.
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 solution reduces operational costs, simplifies the design, and enhances reliability by using atmospheric air for ventilation, while maintaining precise control over gas flow and pressure through the bi-directional blower motor and four-quadrant controller.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional blower motor that drives the inspiratory gas flow in the inspiratory section and controls the expiratory gas flow in the expiratory section
Implementation Method 2
A flow sensor measures gas flow rate between the bidirectional blower motor and the patient delivery circuit
Implementation Method 3
A four quadrant controller is configured to control speed and direction of the bi-directional blower motor based on the measured flow rate
Implementation Method 4
The back pressure results in the creation of a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the lungs of the patient by restricting the flow of breathing gases upstream of the flow proportional valve
Data Source
AI summary
A patient ventilator system includes a patient delivery circuit having an inspiratory section that delivers an inspiratory gas flow to a patient and an expiratory section that receives expiratory gas flow from the patient, wherein a bidirectional blower motor drives the inspiratory gas flow in the inspiratory section and controls the expiratory gas flow in the expiratory section. A flow sensor measures gas flow rate between the bidirectional blower motor and the patient delivery circuit. A four quadrant controller is configured to control speed and direction of the bi-directional blower motor based on the measured flow rate so as to effectuate ventilation for the patient.