Collapsible Breathing Conduit for Rapid Patient Interface Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces, such as nasal cannulas, are difficult to quickly remove during medical procedures, leading to inefficiencies and health risks due to gas leaks when transitioning from high flow therapy to non-invasive ventilation, particularly during difficult intubation.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible breathing conduit with a lateral cross section that can transition from an open to a closed configuration, allowing for easy removal and reconfiguration, and a connector system with deflectable tines for quick detachment from headgear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid conduit is used to maintain structural integrity and support weight, then strength is improved, but flexibility and comfort for the patient deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, collapsible structure that can change its state between rigid and flexible. The collapsible design allows the conduit to adapt its rigidity based on operational needs, providing structural support when required and flexibility when needed for patient comfort and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit incorporates a flexible outer shell or membrane structure that can collapse and expand. This flexible shell maintains the necessary strength to support the breathing circuit while allowing the conduit to be collapsed into a compact configuration for patient comfort and ease of positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the conduit is made collapsible to improve flexibility and compactness, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity and support capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit employs dynamic structural elements that can transition between collapsed and expanded states. When expanded, the structural integrity is sufficient to support the breathing circuit; when collapsed, the conduit becomes compact while maintaining necessary strength through its design features.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is divided into collapsible sections or segments that can be compressed into a compact form while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmentation allows the conduit to collapse without compromising the strength of individual sections, enabling both flexibility and structural support.
3Volume of moving object
If the conduit is collapsed to reduce size and improve positioning, then volume is reduced, but the ability to support breathing circuit weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit dynamically changes its volume and structural configuration based on operational requirements. When in use, it expands to provide sufficient volume and structural support for the breathing circuit; when not in use, it collapses to minimize volume while retaining enough structural integrity through its design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shell structure allows the conduit to collapse into a compact form with reduced volume while maintaining the necessary strength to support the breathing circuit when deployed. The flexible membrane or shell provides structural support even in the collapsed state through its material properties and geometric configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a patient interface comprising at least one nasal prong or an outlet of said patient interface to be received by a user's nare(s) or mouth; a gases delivery side member extending from a side of the at least one nasal prong or said outlet; and wherein the gases delivery side member comprises of a lumen for a flow of gases from an inlet of the patient interface to the at least one nasal prong or said outlet; a collapsible portion; at least one elbow portion or flexible portion, located substantially at or toward one or both of a downstream end of said gases delivery member or an upstream end of said gases delivery member.