Breathing Assistance Apparatus Pressure-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilators are costly and complex due to the high expense and difficulty in manufacturing accurate oxygen and flow rate sensors and mass flow controllers, which are necessary for precise delivery of air/oxygen mixtures to patients.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective breathing assistance apparatus using mechanical pressure regulators, valves, and a control system with sensors and processors to manage fluid flow and pressure, allowing for precise mixing and delivery of air and oxygen without the need for expensive sensors, and incorporating error correction mechanisms to maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If expensive accurate oxygen and flow rate sensors and mass flow controllers are used, then delivery precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive flow rate sensors and mass flow controllers from the system. Instead, it uses only pressure sensors to measure pressure at different locations in the fluid pathway. The flow rate is then calculated indirectly using pressure differential measurements and established flow-pressure relationships, eliminating the need for direct flow measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical flow measurement devices (mass flow controllers) with a pressure-based measurement system combined with computational calculation. By measuring pressure differentials across known resistance elements and using the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate, the system achieves accurate flow control without mechanical flow sensors.
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive accurate oxygen and flow rate sensors and mass flow controllers are used, then delivery precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive flow rate sensors and mass flow controllers from the system. Instead, it uses only pressure sensors to measure pressure at different locations in the fluid pathway. The flow rate is then calculated indirectly using pressure differential measurements and established flow-pressure relationships, eliminating the need for direct flow measurement hardware.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated sensors and controllers are used to achieve precise delivery, then delivery accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly measure flow rate. Instead of directly measuring flow with expensive sensors, the system measures pressure at multiple points and uses these pressure readings as intermediaries to calculate flow rate through established physical relationships between pressure drop and flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical flow measurement devices (mass flow controllers) with a pressure-based measurement system combined with computational calculation. By measuring pressure differentials across known resistance elements and using the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate, the system achieves accurate flow control without mechanical flow sensors.
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 solution provides a less complex, cost-effective ventilator with increased accuracy in delivering air/oxygen mixtures, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring precise breathing assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor positioned in the first buffer to measure a first pressure value of the first fluid in the first buffer, a second pressure sensor positioned in the second buffer to measure a second pressure value of the second fluid in the second buffer, and a third pressure sensor positioned in the mixing chamber to measure a third pressure value of the mixed fluid in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure regulator configured to regulate a first regulated pressure value of the first fluid in the first buffer, a second pressure regulator configured to regulate a second regulated pressure value of the second fluid in the second buffer, and a third pressure regulator configured to regulate a third regulated pressure value of the mixed fluid in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a first valve configured to open and close a first pathway between the first buffer and the mixing chamber, a second valve configured to open and close a second pathway between the second buffer and the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 4
a mixing chamber configured to mix the first fluid and the second fluid to form a mixed fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a breathing assistance apparatus for providing a breathing assistance to a user. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a first/second source configured with a first/second buffer. The first/second fluid is controllably transferred from the first/second source to the first/second buffer using any or combination of a first/second pressure regulators and one or more first/second valves. A mixing chamber configured with the first buffer and the second buffer to receive and mix the first fluid and the second fluid. A delivery tank configured with the mixing tank to controllably receive the third fluid through one or more fourth valves and a third pressure regulator. A user feed mask having an inlet configured with the delivery tank and user's face facilitating breathing assistance to the user.