Breathing Assistance Device Configuration Diagnostic and Mode Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breathing assistance devices with multiple operational modes become complex and pose safety risks due to potential misconfigurations and manipulation errors, as patients are exposed to inconsistencies between chosen modes and device configurations.
Innovation Solution
A breathing assistance device equipped with a configuration diagnostic system that assigns authorization levels to each mode based on connected components, preventing unauthorized mode selection and ensuring safe operation by locking the device if incorrect configurations are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple respirator modes are made available in a single device, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases and safety risks arise from misconfigurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs a configuration diagnostic before allowing mode selection to pre-verify that the physical configuration (connected components) matches the selected mode requirements. This preliminary check prevents misconfigurations by ensuring the device is properly set up for the chosen mode before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through authorization levels that indicate whether a selected mode is appropriate for the current configuration. The diagnostic results feed back into the mode selection process, enabling or disabling specific modes based on configuration verification, thus guiding the user toward safe mode selections.
2Reliability
If configuration diagnostic and authorization systems are implemented, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is segmented into distinct functional modules: configuration diagnostic module, authorization level determination module, and mode selection control module. Each module performs a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design where each segment can be independently developed, tested, and maintained.
3Reliability
If the device locks to prevent unauthorized mode selection, then safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism prevents unauthorized mode selections before they can cause harm. By proactively blocking incompatible modes based on configuration diagnostics, the system eliminates the need for users to understand complex configuration requirements, as the system itself prevents erroneous selections through the authorization level system.
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing assistance device, capable of operating according to several respiratory modes forming a list of possible modes. The device is equipped with a mechanism for selecting a desired mode from a group of modes that can be selected. The device also includes a mechanism for realising a configuration diagnostic of the device, a mechanism for associating an authorization level with each possible mode, according to the results of the diagnostic, with the lowest authorization level corresponding to unauthorised modes, a mechanism for authorizing only the selection of authorised modes, in such a way that selecting unauthorised modes is impossible.