CPAP Flow Driver Integrating Nebulizer via Venturi Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CPAP devices require two separate sources of pressurized breathable fluid when used with a nebulizer, which complicates their operation and increases equipment complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flow driver that diverts a portion of the breathable fluid supplied to the CPAP system to drive a nebulizer, using a venturi effect to draw ambient air and split the fluid flow, allowing for the integration of a nebulizer with the CPAP apparatus using a single source of pressurized fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a nebulizer is used in conjunction with a CPAP apparatus, then medication can be administered to the patient, but two distinct sources of pressurized breathable fluid are required, increasing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nebulizer and CPAP apparatus into a single integrated system where one pressurized fluid source serves both functions. The flow driver receives pressurized breathable fluid and divides it into two streams: one driving the nebulizer for medication aerosolization, and the other providing CPAP therapy through the venturi effect, thereby eliminating the need for two separate pressurized sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressurized breathable fluid source performs multiple functions: it drives the nebulizer to generate medication aerosols, provides the driving pressure for the venturi effect to draw in ambient air, and ultimately delivers the mixed breathable fluid with medication to the patient for both CPAP therapy and medication administration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate sources of pressurized breathable fluid are used, then both CPAP and nebulizer functions can be performed, but the setup and operation become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of two separate pressurized fluid sources into a single integrated flow driver that automatically divides the incoming pressurized breathable fluid between the nebulizer and the venturi effect mechanisms, simplifying the setup and operation for the user.
3Device complexity
If a single gas cylinder is used with two separate lines, then equipment complexity is reduced, but two separate connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two separate connection lines into a single integrated flow path within the flow driver. The single pressurized breathable fluid source connects to the flow driver, which internally distributes the fluid to both the nebulizer and the venturi effect pathway, eliminating the need for two separate external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow driver acts as an intermediary device that receives a single pressurized breathable fluid source and internally manages the distribution to both the nebulizer and the CPAP delivery system, thereby reducing the number of external connections required while maintaining both functions.
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
Enables efficient operation of a CPAP mask in conjunction with a nebulizer, simplifying the setup and reducing equipment requirements by utilizing a single source of pressurized fluid while ensuring effective delivery of medication to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
The constriction aperture and the venturi throat cooperate to generate, for fluid flow from the constriction aperture into the venturi throat, a pressure drop across the venturi throat to draw fluid from the ambient air intake into the venturi throat
Data Source
AI summary
A CPAP flow driver is adapted to split supplied breathable fluid into a first portion delivered to a venturi throat to generate a pressure drop to draw in ambient air to create a CPAP flow And a second portion that is delivered to a nebulizer to drive the nebulizer.