Deformable Anti-Asphyxiation Valve for Non-Invasive Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-asphyxiation valves for non-invasive ventilation are costly to manufacture and often bulky, requiring precise arrangement to remain closed during normal use and open during ventilator failure, with existing designs being separate components that can complicate integration into breathing circuits.
Innovation Solution
An anti-asphyxiation valve integrated into the breathing circuit with a deformable valve member that transitions from a closed to open configuration based on pressure differences, allowing gas passage between the circuit and atmosphere, and remains open during unaided breathing when the ventilator fails, with a resilient biasing mechanism to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-asphyxiation valves are used, then the valve can remain closed during normal use and open during ventilator failure, but the valve is costly to manufacture and relatively expensive to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing an anti-asphyxiation valve that can be easily replaced as a low-cost component. The valve is integrated into the interface device mask, allowing the entire assembly to be discarded and replaced rather than repaired, significantly reducing maintenance costs while maintaining reliability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anti-asphyxiation valve with the interface device mask into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate valve components and complex assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the valve's sealing reliability through unified design
2Reliability
If conventional anti-asphyxiation valves are used, then the valve can remain closed during normal use and open during ventilator failure, but the valve is relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-asphyxiation valve with the interface device mask into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate valve components and complex assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the valve's sealing reliability through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible valve member made from elastomeric material that can deform between open and closed configurations. This flexible membrane design provides reliable sealing when closed while occupying minimal space, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical valve structures
3Reliability
If conventional anti-asphyxiation valves are used, then the valve can remain closed during normal use and open during ventilator failure, but the precise arrangement of the valve is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-asphyxiation valve with the interface device mask into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate valve components and complex assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the valve's sealing reliability through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deformable valve member that automatically responds to pressure changes within the breathing circuit. The valve opens when pressure exceeds a threshold (indicating ventilator failure) and closes when pressure returns to normal, eliminating the need for precise mechanical arrangement or complex control mechanisms
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 provides a cost-effective, compact, and reliable anti-asphyxiation valve that maintains a seal during normal operation while ensuring the user can breathe from the atmosphere when the ventilator fails, improving the efficiency and affordability of non-invasive ventilation systems.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration is greater than the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the closed configuration to the open configuration
Implementation Method 2
a valve member deformable between an open configuration in which the one or more apertures are at least partially exposed and a closed configuration in which the valve member occludes the one or more apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-asphyxiation valve is disclosed, which is adapted for incorporation within a breathing circuit including a ventilator. The valve comprises one or more apertures for enabling passage of gas between the breathing circuit and the atmosphere, and a valve member deformable between an open configuration in which the one or more apertures are at least partially exposed and the passage of gas therethrough is enabled, and a closed configuration in which the valve member occludes the one or more apertures and the passage of gas therethrough is substantially prevented. The valve member is adapted such that the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration is greater than the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the closed configuration to the open configuration.