Breathing Gas Sensor Energy Management via Periodic Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless breathing gas analyzers face challenges with size, weight, and short operating time due to high power consumption, particularly with infrared radiation-based methods, which complicates clinical procedures and reduces usability, especially for smaller patients.
Innovation Solution
The device employs an electronics board that switches between operation and rest modes to manage energy supply to the radiation source, optimizing energy use during different phases of the breathing cycle, allowing reduced power consumption during phases where accuracy can be lowered, thereby extending battery life and reducing device size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radiation source is supplied with sufficient energy continuously, then accurate concentration determination can be maintained, but the operating time is limited and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is activated periodically during specific phases of the breathing cycle (expiration phase and part of inspiration phase) rather than continuously. The electronics board controls the radiation source to operate only when gas concentration measurement is needed, thereby extending battery life while maintaining measurement accuracy during critical periods.
2Measurement precision
If the radiation source operates at full power continuously, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery size must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power supply to the radiation source based on the breathing cycle phase. During expiration and critical inspiration phases, full power is supplied for accurate measurement. During other inspiration phases, reduced power or shutdown is applied. This dynamic control reduces average power consumption while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the radiation source based on measurement needs. The electronics board modulates the radiation source power level between different states (full power, reduced power, shutdown) depending on the breathing phase, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and measurement accuracy.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is used to extend operating time, then operating time increases, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic operation of the radiation source during specific breathing phases, the system extends operating time without requiring a larger battery. The battery is sized for portable use, and the periodic activation pattern allows sufficient operating time to be achieved from a smaller energy storage device.
4Loss of time
If the radiation source operates continuously, then measurement coverage is complete, but energy is wasted during phases when accuracy can be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurement during critical breathing phases (expiration and part of inspiration) when gas concentration is most informative. During other inspiration phases, measurement is reduced or stopped, accepting reduced accuracy during those specific periods while avoiding energy waste. This periodic approach balances measurement coverage with energy conservation.
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 approach significantly extends the operating time of the gas analyzer, reduces its size and weight, and enhances usability by conserving energy while maintaining accurate measurements during critical phases of the breathing cycle.
Implementation Method 1
gas analyzing based on gas absorption at infrared radiation wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for measuring a concentration of a respiratory gas component is disclosed herein. The sensor comprises at least one radiation source configured to emit radiation and at least one radiation sensing detector configured to receive radiation and provide a signal indicative of the concentration of the gas component. The sensor further comprises an electronics board configured to receive and process the signal to determine the concentration, and an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the radiation source. The electronics board is configured to choose from among at least two different modes, one being an operation mode allowing sufficient energy supply to the radiation source, and another being a rest mode allowing reduced energy supply compared to the operation mode to limit radiation for saving energy within the breathing cycle. A gas analyzer and method for measuring a concentration of a respiratory gas component are also provided.