CO2 Absorbent Canister Lifting Mechanism for Anesthesia Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and uninstalling carbon dioxide absorbent canisters in anesthesia machines are cumbersome, prone to operator fatigue, and result in a non-compact structure, with risks of the canister falling due to gravity and complex assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus featuring a lifting member with a chute system and a rotary mechanism, allowing the canister to be easily lifted and secured, reducing operator effort and incorporating bypass valves for seamless gas flow during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CO2 absorbent canister is connected by engaging the lip with a structure and rotating the canister along a rotary shaft, then the canister can be securely fastened by an elastic lock catch, but the operator needs to continuously hold the canister against gravity during rotation, making the operation cumbersome and prone to the canister falling if not tightly locked
Solution Approach 1:
A tray plate is introduced as an intermediary carrier between the operator and the canister. The tray plate supports the canister's weight during the entire installation process, eliminating the need for the operator to directly hold the canister against gravity. The tray plate moves along guide rails and is actuated by a cam mechanism, serving as a mediator that transfers the support function from the operator's hand to the mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray plate is pre-positioned and the canister is placed on it before the rotation and locking operations begin. The tray plate is already in place to support the canister, so the operator does not need to continuously hold it during the subsequent rotation and locking steps. This preliminary positioning resolves the contradiction by having the support mechanism ready in advance.
2Ease of operation
If two vertical sliding bars with a tray plate and cam mechanism are used to lift and install the canister, then the operator's effort is reduced and the canister can be securely installed, but the mechanism becomes very complicated and has a huge size, not presenting a compact structure
Solution Approach 1:
The tray plate and the bypass valve are merged into a single integrated component. The bypass valve is mounted on the tray plate, and both move together as one unit along the guide rails. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray plate serves multiple functions: it supports the canister during installation, acts as a carrier for the bypass valve, and moves along the guide rails to position both the canister and valve simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the canister is pushed into the installation mechanism along two chutes with left and right installation mechanisms, then the canister can be fastened via elastic lock catches, but the operator needs to lift the canister to bring the installation mechanisms rising, making the operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The tray plate acts as an intermediary that carries the canister and moves it into position without requiring the operator to directly lift the canister. The tray plate is actuated by the cam mechanism, which automatically performs the lifting and positioning actions, resolving the contradiction by transferring the lifting function from the operator to the mechanical system.
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 apparatus simplifies the replacement process to two actions, reduces operator strain, and provides a compact, easy-to-assemble design that minimizes the risk of the canister falling, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting mechanism comprises a handle, a rotary shaft which is located on or attached to the body, and a cam which is attached on the rotary shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for installing a carbon dioxide absorbent canister which comprises a body, a lifting member, and a lifting mechanism. The body comprises a breathing circuit and an adapter for connecting the carbon dioxide absorbent canister with the breathing circuit. The adapter is located at or near the bottom of the body. The lifting member comprises a base portion, a positioning portion beneath the adapter, and a connecting portion. The lifting mechanism has a force receiving portion and a force applying portion and which actuates the lifting member. Actuating the handle in the first direction causes the canister to be connected to the breathing circuit and to close the breathing circuit bypass. Turning the handle in a second direction actuates the canister to enable replacement of the canister and to cause the breathing bypass to open. The process can be achieved simply with one hand.