Breathing Gas Analyzer Phase-Synchronized Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas analyzers and nebulizers used in ventilator systems face challenges with small patients, including measurement inaccuracies due to large mechanical dead volume, clogging, and interference from aerosolized liquids, which lead to poor gas exchange and device malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that adjust gas sample supply based on breathing cycle phases to limit aerosol and liquid particle access to the gas analyzer, using a processing unit to control the gas sample supplier and separate liquid components, ensuring accurate gas analysis during nebulization and minimizing device interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid particles are delivered continuously into the breathing gas for nebulization, then drug delivery efficiency is improved, but liquid particles clog the gas analyzer and cause device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers liquid particles intermittently rather than continuously, synchronizing nebulization with specific phases of the breathing cycle (inspiration or expiration) to prevent liquid particles from entering the gas analyzer while maintaining effective drug delivery to the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the liquid particle delivery path from the gas sampling path by directing aerosolized drugs toward the patient's airways while preventing liquid particles from accessing the gas analyzer, thus protecting the analyzer from clogging
2Measurement precision
If gas sample supply is increased continuously for accurate analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but liquid particles are more likely to enter the gas analyzer causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The gas sample supply is adjusted periodically based on breathing cycle phase, increasing sampling during phases when liquid particle concentration is low and decreasing or pausing sampling during phases when liquid particles are present, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while preventing clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses breathing cycle phase information as an intermediary signal to coordinate between liquid particle delivery and gas sampling operations, enabling intelligent control that balances measurement needs with protection against liquid particle interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical dead volume is increased to accommodate gas analysis components, then gas analysis capability is improved, but gas exchange efficiency decreases due to rebreathing of used gas
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary portion of breathing gas for analysis using a sidestream sampling method, allowing gas analysis components to be positioned away from the patient circuit and minimizing the mechanical dead volume in the breathing path while maintaining adequate sampling for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a separate sampling tube as an intermediary pathway that draws gas samples from the breathing circuit without creating significant dead volume, enabling gas analysis capability while preserving efficient gas exchange by keeping the main breathing path minimal
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 improves measurement accuracy and reduces device malfunctions by minimizing the impact of aerosolized liquids on gas analyzers, enhancing the delivery efficiency of aerosolized drugs and maintaining accurate gas exchange, especially in smaller patients.
Implementation Method 1
a gas analyzer configured to receive the gas sample adjusted by the gas sample supplier and to measure the gas sample property of the breathing gas
Implementation Method 2
a liquid supplier configured to deliver one of a liquid substance continuously and liquid particles intermittently into the breathing gas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a breathing gas flowing along a breathing tubing for subject breathing. The breathing gas comprises breathing cycles having different phases. Liquid particles can be delivered intermittently depending on the phase, or continuously into the breathing gas. The apparatus comprises a gas sample supplier for adjusting gas sample supply from the breathing gas, and a gas analyzer for receiving the gas sample adjusted by the gas sample supplier and for measuring the gas sample property. The apparatus further comprises a processing unit for receiving a signal indicative of one of the phases of the breathing cycle and the delivery timing of the liquid particles. The processing unit is able to control the sample supplier based on the signal to limit access of liquid particles with the gas sample towards the gas analyzer.