Electronic APL Valve for Anesthesia Breathing Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anesthesia breathing apparatuses lack accurate and flexible control of manual ventilation systems, leading to potential barotraumas and inefficiencies in pressure management during transitions between mechanical and manual ventilation modes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronically controlled expiration valve, adaptable to both mechanical and manual ventilation modes, using predetermined control rules to manage pressure and flow characteristics, thereby eliminating the need for complex valves and enhancing patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional mechanical APL valve with spring and diaphragm is used in manual ventilation, then the valve can limit pressure by mechanical means, but the control precision and flexibility are insufficient compared to electronic control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical APL valve (spring-daphragm mechanism) with an electronically controlled expiration valve. The electronic control system uses a microprocessor to regulate the expiration valve based on real-time pressure sensor feedback, achieving more precise pressure control while reducing mechanical complexity through electronic substitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure in the breathing circuit, and the microprocessor adjusts the expiration valve accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise pressure control that surpasses the capabilities of traditional mechanical valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure control valves are designed for manual and mechanical ventilation systems, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal expiration valve that serves both manual and mechanical ventilation modes. The same electronic control system and expiration valve are used in both modes, with the microprocessor adapting its control strategy based on the selected ventilation mode. This multi-functionality reduces component count and system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure control functions of manual and mechanical ventilation systems into a single integrated control system. The microprocessor and expiration valve work together to provide pressure control in both modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated valves and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual ventilation is used to check patient conditions during mechanical ventilation, then operator flexibility and patient monitoring improve, but the risk of barotraumas increases due to uncontrolled pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time pressure sensing and electronic feedback control to prevent barotraumas during manual ventilation. The pressure sensor continuously monitors circuit pressure, and the microprocessor adjusts the expiration valve to maintain pressure within safe limits, eliminating the uncontrolled pressure risk associated with traditional manual ventilation while preserving operator flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces uncontrolled mechanical pressure limitation with electronic control. Instead of relying on manual adjustment or mechanical springs that may fail or be imprecise, the system uses electronic sensors and actuators to provide precise, real-time pressure control, reducing the risk of barotraumas while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing apparatus for ventilating the lungs of a patient with breathing gas, has: a breathing circuit configuration; a mechanical ventilation system; a manual ventilation system provided with a manual ventilation bag; a manual ventilation valve for enabling manual ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit; a pressure sensor devised to detect the pressure level in the breathing circuit; an electronically controlled expiration valve (40) that in a mechanical ventilation mode is controlled to control the pressure level in the breathing circuit according to a first set of predetermined control rules adapted to mechanical ventilation mode requirements; said electronically controlled expiration valve in a manual ventilation mode being coupled to enable ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit by means of the manual ventilation system according to a second set of predetermined control rules adapted to manual ventilation mode requirements. In a method for controlling a breathing apparatus, an electronic expiration valve is controlled during the mechanical ventilation mode as well as during the manual ventilation mode of the apparatus. The control of the expiration valve can be implemented by means of a software product for the breathing apparatus embodying programming instructions as control rules, which, when executed in the apparatus, enable control of the expiration valve during manual ventilation.