Dehumidification Conduit Layout for Accurate Ventilation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation measuring devices are cumbersome, obstructive, and inefficient in measuring oxygen consumption due to issues with portability and moisture interference, particularly in emergency settings.

Innovation Solution

A portable ventilation measuring device with a dehumidification assembly and conduit assembly that includes a dehumidification conduit extending from sensor sampling ports, promoting airflow perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and using hydrophobic materials to minimize moisture interference, coupled with a removable dehumidification cartridge for easy sanitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional ventilation measuring device is used, then it can measure ventilation and oxygen consumption, but it is cumbersome and obstructive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a face mask for breath collection, a conduit system for air sampling, sensor assemblies for measurement, and a dehumidification assembly for moisture removal. Each module can be independently designed, assembled, and maintained, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit assembly serves multiple functions: it directs exhaled air away from sensors, provides pathways for ambient air sampling, and integrates with the dehumidification assembly. The face mask both collects breath and seals to prevent leakage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensor sampling ports are exposed to exhaled air, then ventilation can be measured, but moisture interferes with sensor accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen consumption measurementVSAvoidmoisture interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dehumidification assembly is positioned to extract moisture from exhaled air before it reaches the sensor sampling ports. The hydrophobic dehumidification conduit removes water vapor from the breath stream, allowing sensors to accurately measure oxygen consumption without moisture interference while still receiving adequate air samples for ventilation measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dehumidification conduit acts as an intermediary between the exhaled air and the sensor ports. It selectively removes moisture while allowing oxygen and other gases to pass through to the sensors, mediating the interaction between humid breath and sensitive measurement instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the dehumidification conduit is fixed in position, then moisture control is effective, but sanitation and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture controlVSAvoidsanitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dehumidification assembly is designed to be selectively removable from the conduit assembly. This dynamic configuration allows the dehumidification cartridge to be detached for sanitation, replacement, or maintenance while maintaining its functional position during operation. The assembly can be easily reattached to restore moisture control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device effectively measures ventilation and oxygen consumption while maintaining portability and reducing moisture interference, ensuring accurate data acquisition and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The breathing conduit is shaped to promote a flow of air adjacent the sensor sampling port in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow direction control through geometric shaping:

Implementation Method 2

using hydrophobic materials to minimize moisture interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic material properties: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS12543971B2Device for measuring a person's ventilation including oxygen-consumption, and a dehumidification assembly and conduit assembly therefor

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 VO2 MASTER HEALTH SENSORS INC

AI summary

There is accordingly provided a device for measuring a person's ventilation including oxygen consumption. The device includes a breathing conduit with at least one sensor sampling port. The device includes a dehumidification conduit extending from the sensor sampling port towards a sensor. The dehumidification conduit has a proximal end portion flush with the sensor sampling port. The dehumidification conduit has a longitudinal axis about which the proximal end portion thereof extends. The breathing conduit is shaped to promote a flow of air adjacent the sensor sampling port in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.