Pressure-Synchronized BVM Assist for Automatic Bag Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency ventilators, such as Bag Valve Masks (BVMs), require manual operation by a practitioner, which can be tiring and inefficient, and lack synchronization with the patient's breathing, potentially causing discomfort or injury.
Innovation Solution
A breathe assist system with a mechanism to automatically compress an inflation bag, synchronized with the patient's breathing using pressure sensors and a controller to manage air supply, including modes for synchronized and modified breathing assistance, and safety features to prevent over- or under-pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation of BVM is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator fatigue increases and synchronization with patient breathing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to detect patient breathing patterns and automatically triggers bag compression without requiring continuous operator intervention. The controller monitors pressure changes and autonomously activates the compression mechanism to synchronize with patient inhalation attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical compression system with an automated system that uses electronic sensors and controllers to detect breathing patterns and trigger compression, substituting human operator actions with automated mechanical actuation.
2Ease of operation
If synchronized breathing assistance is implemented, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes in the breathing circuit and uses this feedback to detect patient inhalation attempts. The controller processes pressure signal variations and adjusts compression timing based on real-time feedback to achieve synchronized breathing assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in pressure parameters to detect breathing patterns. By analyzing pressure signal variations and thresholds, the system identifies inhalation attempts and triggers appropriate compression responses without requiring extremely high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If automatic compression mechanism is added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing adjustment of compression timing, duration, and force based on detected breathing patterns. The system can adapt its operation to match patient respiratory rate and depth, improving assistance efficiency while managing complexity through programmable control.
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
Provides efficient, synchronized breathing assistance, reducing operator fatigue and preventing injuries by automatically adjusting to the patient's breathing patterns, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure within a patient mask indicative of patient inhalations and exhalations
Implementation Method 2
a movable member controllable to compress the inflation air bag
Data Source
AI summary
A breathe assist system is used with a breathe assist control system in providing air to a patient to assist with breathing. The breathe assist control system includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within a patient mask indicative of patient inhalations and exhalations and a controller. The controller is connected to the pressure sensor and to an air supply device for supplying air to the patient mask. The controller receives a pressure signal indicating a pressure detected by the pressure sensor and sends a control signal to the air supply device to control supply of air to the patient mask. An associated breathe assist system and methods are also disclosed.