Non-vented CPAP Mask Cross-flow Gas Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory disorder treatment devices, such as CPAP therapy systems, face challenges with uncomfortable patient interfaces, noise from vents, and inefficiencies in gas exchange due to dead space volume, particularly in pediatric patients, leading to suboptimal therapy efficacy and increased risk of lung injury.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface system with a non-vented design featuring a cross-flow configuration between inspiratory and expiratory ports, a controllable valve for efficient gas flow management, and a heat and moisture exchanger to optimize gas exchange, reducing dead space volume and improving comfort and therapy effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional patient interface with vents is used, then gas exchange occurs, but noise is generated and dead space volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vent component entirely from the patient interface design. By extracting the vent, the system eliminates the source of noise generation while maintaining effective gas exchange through the cross-flow configuration between inspiratory and expiratory ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient interface is segmented into distinct inspiratory and expiratory flow paths that operate independently. This segmentation allows optimized gas flow management without requiring a vent, reducing noise while maintaining therapy effectiveness.
2Productivity
If dead space volume is reduced, then gas exchange efficiency improves, but device design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inspiratory and expiratory flow paths are merged into a single patient interface structure with cross-flow configuration. This integration achieves minimal dead space volume while avoiding the need for separate, complex venting mechanisms, thus improving gas exchange efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If cross-flow configuration is implemented, then gas flow efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface utilizes flexible materials and thin-film structures to create the cross-flow configuration. This approach achieves efficient gas flow separation while maintaining manufacturability through molding techniques, avoiding complex rigid structures that would be difficult to manufacture.
4Ease of operation
If controllable valve is added, then gas flow management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable valve is designed to operate automatically based on patient breathing patterns without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve self-regulates gas flow during inspiration and expiration phases, improving ease of operation while minimizing the complexity of control systems required.
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 solution enhances patient comfort, reduces noise, and minimizes dead space volume, leading to more effective gas exchange and reduced risk of lung injury, while maintaining ease of use and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat and moisture exchanger to optimize gas exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A mask assembly for delivering pressurized gas to a patient comprising a mask having an inspiratory port and an expiratory port located on generally opposite sides, wherein said ports are sized, oriented, positioned, and/or spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a cross-flow of pressurized gas to flow through the mask assembly; an outlet limb connected to the expiratory port and having an aperture in pneumatic communication with the breathing chamber; the aperture size being variable between a first, open configuration and at least one second configuration that is different from the first. A ventilation system for delivering pressurized gas to a patient comprising a seal formed with the patient's airways and in pneumatic communication with a plenum chamber; an exchanger positioned at least partially within the plenum chamber, and in pneumatic communication with inspiratory and expiratory flow paths, to recover heat and/or moisture from gas exhaled by the patient.