Portable CO2 Blending Device for Hyperventilation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for treating hyperventilation are not portable, require significant patient cooperation, and cannot automatically regulate CO2 levels in inhaled air to prevent hyperventilation syndrome, especially for panic disorder patients, and are not suitable for self-treatment outside clinical settings.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a by-pass element, valves, and a blending vessel that measures and adjusts CO2 and O2 levels in inhaled and exhaled air separately, using a CO2 vessel and optionally an O2 vessel to regulate the CO2 content of inhaled air, ensuring the CO2 levels are maintained within a normal range to prevent hyperventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing devices for treating hyperventilation are used, then CO2 treatment effects can be achieved, but the devices are not portable and require significant patient cooperation and medical supervision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient cooperation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables patients to independently monitor and adjust their CO2 levels through automatic sensing and controlled delivery, eliminating the need for continuous medical supervision and complex patient cooperation. The system self-regulates by sensing end-tidal CO2 and automatically adjusting inhalation from the CO2 reservoir.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operation and patient cooperation with electronic sensing and automated control systems. CO2 sensors, microprocessors, and automated valve systems substitute for the mechanical/manual operations required by previous devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If existing devices for treating hyperventilation are used, then CO2 treatment effects can be achieved, but the devices are large and not portable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple functional components into a compact, nested structure where the CO2 reservoir, sensing elements, flow control valves, and power supply are arranged in space-efficient configurations that fit within a portable form factor suitable for patient carry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate functions (CO2 storage, CO2 sensing, flow control, and power supply) into a single integrated portable unit, merging multiple subsystems into one cohesive device that maintains treatment effectiveness while reducing overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If existing devices for treating hyperventilation are used, then temporary symptom relief can be achieved, but they cannot automatically regulate CO2 levels to prevent hyperventilation syndrome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom relief speedVSAvoidautomatic CO2 level regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates CO2 sensors that continuously monitor end-tidal CO2 levels and provide feedback to a control system, which automatically adjusts the rate and amount of CO2 delivered to the patient, enabling dynamic prevention rather than just temporary relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively regulates CO2 levels before hyperventilation syndrome fully develops by continuously monitoring physiological parameters and adjusting CO2 delivery in advance, preventing the condition rather than merely treating symptoms after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If existing devices for treating hyperventilation are used, then treatment can be provided, but they require significant medical supervision and are not suitable for self-treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidmedical supervision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates automated safety monitoring, alarm systems, and self-regulating CO2 delivery mechanisms that enable safe self-treatment without requiring continuous medical supervision, while maintaining treatment reliability through built-in physiological monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Electronic sensing, microprocessor control, and automated safety systems replace the need for manual medical supervision, substituting human oversight with intelligent automated systems that monitor treatment safety and alert medical personnel only when intervention is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace 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 device automatically adjusts CO2 levels in inhaled air to prevent hyperventilation, allowing for self-treatment of hyperventilation syndrome and reducing the need for medical supervision, improving the quality of life for patients with panic and asthmatic diseases by providing a portable and effective solution for managing hyperventilation fits.

Implementation Method 1

a measuring tool (15) determining the CO2 content of the exhaled air is connected to the exhaled air pipe (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCO2 detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

a measuring tool (25), determining the CO2 content of the inhaled air is connected to the inhaled air pipe (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCO2 detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 3

the O2 content measuring tools (16) connected to the exhaled air pipe (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectO2 detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 4

the O2 content measuring tools (26) connected to the inhaled air pipe (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectO2 detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 5

blending the fresh air or compressed air or O2 to the inhaled air using the data of the measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas blending: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3258999B1Device for adjustment and/or conditioning of the co2 content of the inhaled air
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 POMOZINE GYARMATHY AGNES
  • EP3258999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3258999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3258999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The subject matter of the application is a device for adjustment and/or regulation of the C02, carbon dioxide content of the inhaled air. Device based on the invention where a C02 vessel 30 is connected to the CO2 input aperture (22) - a measuring tool (15) determining the CO2 content of the exhaled air is connected to the exhaled air pipe (11), - the output aperture of the measuring tool (15) is connected to the input aperture of a control unit (50), - the output aperture of the control unit (50) is connected to the valve (28) adjusting the blending rate of blending vessel (20) and so adjusting the C02 content of the inhaled air.