CPAP NIV Device with Detachable Coupling and Recessed Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices for continuous positive pressure (CPAP) face challenges with storage and operational efficiency, including accidental damage during handling and the need for frequent gas refilling due to the flexible conduit's length and design.

Innovation Solution

A CPAP NIV device with a detachable coupling mechanism between the gas admission and ventilation modules, using a flexible conduit that can be easily connected and stored, and a gas tank with a flexible envelope to maintain gas pressure and prevent gas loss, allowing for efficient operation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible conduit of length 1 to 2 meters is used to connect the gas inlet module and ventilation module, then the device can deliver gas effectively to the patient, but the ventilation module may inadvertently hit structures or objects during handling, causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas delivery capabilityVSAvoidventilation module protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable modules: a gas inlet module and a ventilation module that can be disconnected from each other. This segmentation allows the ventilation module to be protected by storing it separately in a recess of the gas inlet module when not in use, preventing accidental damage while maintaining gas delivery capability when connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a flexible conduit of length 1 to 2 meters is used to connect the gas inlet module and ventilation module, then gas can be delivered to the patient, but the overall size of the NIV device increases and storage becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas delivery functionVSAvoiddevice storage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation module is designed to be inserted into and stored within a recess of the gas inlet module when not in use. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the overall storage volume of the NIV device while maintaining the ability to connect and deliver gas when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the gas tank is disconnected from the ventilation module, then the device can be stored compactly, but the gas tank empties and requires refilling for each use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidgas refilling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gas inlet module is pre-filled with gas before use. When the ventilation module is connected, gas is already available for immediate delivery to the patient, eliminating the need for refilling during each use and reducing preparation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of moving object

If the ventilation module is made detachable for easy storage, then storage compactness improves, but the risk of accidental damage during connection and disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidaccidental damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gas inlet module includes a recess that serves as a protective storage location for the ventilation module. When the ventilation module is placed in this recess, it is cushioned and protected from accidental damage during handling and storage, while still allowing for easy connection and disconnection when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4275729B1Continuous pressure ventilation device suitable for treating patients in respiratory insufficiency
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 AIR LIQUIDE MEDICAL
  • EP4275729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4275729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4275729B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) non-invasive ventilation (NIV) device comprising a gas inlet module (100), a ventilation module (200), and a gas delivery line (300) fluidically connecting the gas inlet module (100) to the ventilation module (200). Coupling means are provided to allow the gas inlet module (100) to be detached from the ventilation module (200) when the device is to be put into operation or when it is not in use and needs to be temporarily stored. Such a device makes it possible to treat patients suffering from respiratory difficulties or failure, in particular people infected with a coronavirus affecting their lung capacity, such as COVID-19.