Bi-directional Gas Flow Control in Respiratory Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure support and airway clearance systems lack an efficient bi-directional gas flow mechanism for effective insufflation and exsufflation, relying on mechanically intertwined valving which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional gas flow generation system featuring a pressure generator, flow member, and dual valves controlled by a processor to manage gas flow bidirectionally between the respiratory circuit and the airway, enabling precise control for both insufflation and exsufflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically intertwined valving is used to control gas flow direction, then the system can achieve bi-directional flow control, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas flow control system into separate functional components: a first valve controls flow during insufflation while a second valve controls flow during exsufflation. This segmentation allows each valve to be simpler and independently controlled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining bi-directional flow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two distinct operational modes (insufflation and exsufflation) with each mode having its own dedicated valve control strategy. The processor dynamically activates the appropriate valve based on the current phase of the inexsufflation cycle, enabling adaptable bi-directional flow control without mechanical intertwining
2Loss of time
If mechanically intertwined valving is used to control gas flow timing, then the system can achieve proper gas delivery timing, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor monitors the inexsufflation cycle phase and provides feedback control by activating the appropriate valve at the correct time. During insufflation, the first valve is activated; during exsufflation, the second valve is activated. This feedback-based temporal control ensures proper gas delivery timing while simplifying operation through electronic control rather than mechanical intertwining
3Device complexity
If a single integrated valve system is used for bi-directional flow control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different flow directions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each valve is designed with a specific function optimized for its operational phase: the first valve handles insufflation flow control while the second valve handles exsufflation flow control. This specialized multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve superior adaptability for different flow directions while keeping each individual valve relatively simple
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 system allows for efficient and controlled bi-directional gas flow, enhancing the effectiveness of pressure support therapy and airway clearance by optimizing gas delivery and exhalation, reducing patient effort and improving respiratory circuit functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generator configured to generate a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to the airway of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a first valve configured to selectively control flow through the flow path between the respiratory circuit port and the flow member outlet port
Implementation Method 3
a second valve that is mechanically separate and discrete from the first valve, and is configured to selectively control flow through the flow path between the flow member inlet port and the respiratory circuit port
Implementation Method 4
The processor is configured to selectively control the first valve and the second valve to operate in (i) a first mode in which gas flows from the flow member inlet port to the respiratory circuit port, thereby creating a positive pressure at the respiratory circuit port to insufflate the subject; and (ii) a second mode in which gas flows from the respiratory circuit port to the flow member outlet port, thereby facilitating gas flow out from the airway of the subject to exsufflate the subject
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-directional gas flow generation system (10), the system comprising: (a) a pressure generator (14) comprising an inlet (40) and an outlet (42), (b) a flow member (16) comprising an outlet port (50), an inlet port (52), a respiratory circuit port (54) and a flow path (60), (c) a first valve (18), (d) a second valve (20), and (e) a processor (24) configured to selectively control the first valve and the second valve to operate in (i) a first mode in which gas flows from the flow member inlet port (52) to the respiratory circuit port (54), thereby creating a positive pressure at the respiratory circuit port (54) to insufflate the subject; and (ii) a second mode in which gas flows from the respiratory circuit port (54) to the flow member outlet port (50), thereby facilitating gas flow out from the airway of the subject to exsufflate the subject.