Dual Pressure Respiratory Device Using Oscillatory Relief Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory assistance technologies, such as CPAP and BiPAP, are inadequate for patients with moderate to severe respiratory distress, especially in resource-limited settings where access to mechanical ventilators and BiPAP machines is limited, and there is a need for a more accessible and cost-effective solution that can provide variable pressure support to patients of all ages.
Innovation Solution
A dual pressure respiratory assistance device that utilizes an oscillatory relief valve mechanism with an inverted basket to cycle air pressure between a baseline and peak pressure, powered by airflow and gravity, allowing for conversion of existing bubble-CPAP devices into dual pressure systems, providing adjustable pressure settings without the need for additional electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical ventilators or BiPAP machines are used to provide variable pressure support, then respiratory assistance effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the airway pressure delivery into two distinct phases (inspiratory and expiratory) with different pressure levels, achieved through a dual-channel valve system that independently controls pressure during each phase of the breathing cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the patient's own respiratory effort to trigger and drive the ventilation cycle, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors and control systems by leveraging the natural pressure changes during breathing
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical ventilators or BiPAP machines are used to provide variable pressure support, then respiratory assistance effectiveness is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs simple, inexpensive components such as manual valves, tubing, and basic pressure regulators that can be manufactured at low cost, making the system economically viable for resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex electronic control systems with purely mechanical components, including manual valves and pressure-regulating mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for expensive electronics, power supplies, and associated infrastructure
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical ventilators or BiPAP machines are used to provide variable pressure support, then respiratory assistance effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the patient's own respiratory effort to trigger and drive the ventilation cycle, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors and control systems by leveraging the natural pressure changes during breathing
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs pneumatic principles using gas flow and pressure differential to automatically cycle between inspiratory and expiratory phases, with manual valves controlling air flow paths and pressure regulation occurring through fluid dynamics rather than electronic control
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 recruits and stabilizes alveoli, assists breathing, and reduces hospital stay by providing customizable oscillating pressures, making it suitable for various respiratory conditions and accessible in resource-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The collection of gas in the inverted basket alters the buoyancy and thus causes the basket to rise through the fluid to a second position
Implementation Method 2
within the tube and all associated piping of the bubble-CPAP, a backpressure directly proportional to the submerged depth of the tube is maintained
Data Source
AI summary
A dual pressure respiratory assistance device including a gas source which supplies a flow of gas into an air tube having a bubbler branch and a patient branch. A first tube that is connected to the bubbler branch is at least partially submerged in a fluid. An oscillatory relief valve cycles between first and second configurations. The relief valve includes an oscillating member which captures gas released through at least one hole in the first tube when the oscillating member is in a first position. The gas in the oscillating member causes the oscillating member to rise to a second position, wherein gas is released from the oscillating member and the at least one hole is blocked when the oscillating member reaches the second position.