Breathing Valve Electromagnetic Control Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breathing assistance devices face challenges in miniaturization due to large duct diameters required for safety standards, complex control systems, and high breathing resistance, which hinder mobility and adaptability to various operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A breathing assistance device with a gas regulating valve interposed at a proximal location, featuring a leakage orifice with an electromagnetic obstruction element that allows bidirectional gas flow, reducing duct diameter while maintaining safety and enabling real-time control and multiple operating modes without adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large duct diameter is used to meet safety standards, then the device can maintain safety and reliability, but the device size increases and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pneumatic control system with an electromagnetic control system. The electromagnetic obstruction element (coil and magnetic element) controls the gas flow through electromagnetic actuation rather than mechanical pneumatic pressure, enabling more precise and compact control of the gas regulating valve while maintaining safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from pneumatic pressure to electromagnetic field. By using electromagnetic coils to actuate the obstruction element that controls gas flow through the leakage orifice, the system achieves more efficient space utilization and reduced device size while maintaining the required safety performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex control systems are used to manage multiple operating modes, then the device can adapt to various conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas regulating valve with electromagnetic obstruction element serves multiple functions: it controls gas flow during inspiration, regulates flow during expiration, and can be adapted to different operating modes (pressure control, volume control, hybrid modes) through electronic control signals. This single multi-functional component reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each operating mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic control system replaces complex mechanical control linkages with simple electromagnetic actuation. The coil and magnetic element provide precise control of the obstruction element through electrical signals, enabling multiple operating modes to be achieved through software/electronic control rather than complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If long ducts are used to connect the gas source to the patient, then the device can be non-transportable, but the breathing resistance increases and work of breathing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas regulating valve function from the distal end of the long duct and places it at the proximal end near the gas source. This eliminates the need for the patient to push expiration through a long duct, as the regulated gas is delivered closer to the patient with reduced resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas regulating valve acts as an intermediary device that controls and optimizes gas flow before it travels through the duct to the patient. By regulating the flow at the source, the system reduces the work of breathing required by the patient regardless of duct length.
4Measurement precision
If multiple wires are used to connect sensors to the central unit, then the device can monitor gas flow and pressure, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas regulating valve control functions with the sensing and control capabilities in the proximal unit. By integrating the electromagnetic control and sensing functions in one location rather than distributing them throughout the duct system, the number of wires and connection points is reduced while maintaining monitoring precision.
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 achieves miniaturization, reduces wire count, enables real-time control, and allows operation across various modes, ensuring safety and efficiency while meeting pressure loss standards.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic obstruction element (44; 54) capable of varying the opening of said leakage orifice (71; 81) by moving between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient, the device including: a source of respiratory pressurised gas; a gas transmission duct comprising a distal end coupled to said source and a proximal end coupled to the patient; a gas regulating valve interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice and an obstruction means capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases.