Bilayer Self-Inflating Bag for Compact BVM Portability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bag-valve-mask (BVM) devices are bulky and not portable enough for use in non-clinical settings due to the size of their components, such as self-inflating bags, two-way valves, and masks, which limits their availability in emergency situations outside hospitals and ambulances.
Innovation Solution
A compact BVM design featuring a bilayer self-inflating bag with an airspace between its layers, a novel valve body with parallel passages and rotatable T-shaped connectors, and a collapsible mask made of bilayer material, allowing for reduced bulk and increased portability by folding the device for storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional single-layer self-inflating bags are used, then the bag can maintain its shape and function, but the device occupies excessive space and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The bag wall is segmented into two separate layers (inner layer and outer layer) with an interlayer space between them. This segmentation allows the bag to collapse into a compact form while maintaining its structural integrity and functionality when inflated, directly resolving the contradiction between reduced volume and maintained reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner layer is nested within the outer layer, with the interlayer space allowing the bag to collapse into a compact nested configuration for portability. When in use, the layers expand outward to maintain the bag's functional shape and volume, effectively resolving the space occupation issue without sacrificing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If rigid plastic components with fixed angles are used, then the device achieves optimal functional performance, but the device becomes too large and obtuse for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that can change its configuration. The parallel passages and rotatable T-shaped connectors allow the valve to maintain its functional performance during use while collapsing into a compact form for portable storage, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates parallel passages arranged in a compact dimensional configuration rather than traditional 90-degree angled structures. This dimensional reorganization allows the valve to maintain its airflow functionality while occupying significantly less space, enabling portable deployment.
3Strength
If thicker materials are used to maintain bag structure, then the bag retains its shape and function, but the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag wall is constructed as a composite structure with two distinct layers (inner layer and outer layer) separated by an interlayer space. This composite configuration provides structural strength and shape retention while allowing the bag to collapse into a compact form, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and reduced bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The bilayer construction with interlayer space enables the use of thinner flexible materials that can maintain bag structure when inflated but collapse into a compact configuration for storage. This approach reduces the overall bulk of the bag while preserving its structural functionality during use.
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 design minimizes the bulk of the BVM, maintains functionality over time, and allows for easier storage and transportation, making it more portable and accessible in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The airspace between the layers which form the wall of the bag... This bilayer can be inflated or expanded by either inflation or by pumping air into the airspace between the layers
Implementation Method 2
the activation of an elongate member or spring found within the bilayer or on one of the bilayers which will give the bag its shape when the bag or bias the bag when the bag is not compressed
Implementation Method 3
a novel valve body with parallel passages and rotatable T-shaped connectors
Implementation Method 4
The t-shaped connector pieces are rotatable which permits the two inflatable portions of the device, the bag and the mask, to fold into the interior of section of the manifold enclosure for storage and transportation purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory assisting device comprising of an expandable bag which has a bilayer that can be inflated in order to give the bag a rigid and predetermined shape. The bag can then be compressed in order to displace inspiratory gas that is in the inner cavity and deliver it to the patient. The bag includes a one-way valve that passes through the bilayer allowing the inner cavity of the bag to fill with ambient air when the air within the cavity has been expended. The bag portion is connected to an air-tight hollow wall prism shape enclosure via a T-connector piece. This t-shaped connecting piece allows the air to pass through two manifold chambers that attach to another t-shaped connecting piece.