Nasal Cannula Curvature Sensor Actuator Oxygen Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oxygen therapy poses risks of fire-related incidents and nasal cannula dislodgement due to non-compliant behavior, such as removing the cannula without turning off the machine, leading to oxygen leaks and increased risk of combustion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a nasal cannula with sensors and an actuator that adjusts gas flow based on the curvature of the cannula, preventing gas flow when the cannula is not properly worn to avoid oxygen leaks and potential fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen therapy is provided to patients, then patient health outcomes are improved, but the risk of fire-related incidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to continuously monitor cannula position and provides feedback to the control system. When dislodgement is detected, the system automatically adjusts or shuts off gas flow, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that responds to changing conditions in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors its own operational status through integrated sensors and automatically corrects unsafe conditions without external intervention. The automated detection and response to cannula dislodgement enables the system to self-regulate and maintain safe operating parameters
2Productivity
If nasal cannula is used for oxygen delivery, then oxygen reaches the patient, but cannula dislodgement occurs during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor cannula position and provide real-time feedback to the control system. When dislodgement is detected, the system is alerted and can take corrective action, ensuring continuous monitoring of retention status throughout sleep
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and mechanical retention mechanisms with sensor-based detection and automated control systems. This substitution enables continuous, passive monitoring without requiring patient awareness or manual intervention
3Reliability
If oxygen flow is continuously provided, then patient oxygenation is maintained, but oxygen leaks when cannula is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor whether the cannula is properly positioned and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts gas flow, shutting off or reducing flow when dislodgement is detected to prevent oxygen leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors cannula position and takes preliminary action to prevent oxygen leakage before it occurs. By detecting early signs of dislodgement and preemptively adjusting flow, the system prevents the harmful effect of uncontrolled oxygen release
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 device effectively reduces the risk of fire-related incidents and nasal cannula dislodgement by ensuring proper cannula wear, thereby enhancing patient safety and preventing unnecessary oxygen concentration levels.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor is positioned on the first portion of the nasal cannula. The first sensor is adapted to sense a degree of curvature of the first portion of the nasal cannula and generate first signals indicative thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A gas flow control device uses the curvature of nasal cannula or other tubes conveying the gas to control an actuator movable between two different configurations to permit or prevent gas flow. Curvature of the nasal cannula is measured by a sensor whose electrical resistance changes in response to the curvature of the sensor. The sensor is mounted on the cannula. Signals from the sensor are transmitted to a controller, which moves the actuator when the curvature exceeds or falls below a threshold value as measured by the change in electrical resistance of the sensor. The device finds use in oxygen therapy, where oxygen flow to a patient is cut off when the sensor indicates non-compliant behavior by the patient, indicating release of oxygen into the environment and causing a potential fire hazard.