Electronic Vaporizer Interlock Logic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anesthesia systems face challenges in managing simultaneous activation of multiple vaporizers, leading to doubled anesthesia effects, and lack electronic integration for improved performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a logic circuit and signal connector system that allows only one vaporizer to be active at a time, preventing simultaneous activation and enabling electronic control and communication with the anesthesia system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vaporizers are connected in series to the anesthesia system, then functional redundancy and ease of selection are improved, but the risk of simultaneous activation causing doubled anesthesia effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interlock system with an electronic control system. The electronic system uses sensors to detect the position of concentration control dials and a control unit to manage activation logic, eliminating the need for physical blocking mechanisms while maintaining the prevention of simultaneous vaporizer activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the position of concentration control dials and relay this information to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and activates or deactivates vaporizers accordingly, ensuring that only one vaporizer is active at a time based on real-time system state information.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used to prevent simultaneous vaporizer activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interlock system with an electronic control system. The electronic system uses sensors to detect the position of concentration control dials and a control unit to manage activation logic, eliminating the need for physical blocking mechanisms while maintaining the prevention of simultaneous vaporizer activation.
3Reliability
If mechanical pins and blocking arms are used for interlocking, then prevention of simultaneous activation is improved, but ease of manufacture and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interlock system with an electronic control system. The electronic system uses sensors to detect the position of concentration control dials and a control unit to manage activation logic, eliminating the need for physical blocking mechanisms while maintaining the prevention of simultaneous vaporizer activation.
4Extent of automation
If electronic control is integrated into vaporizers, then performance and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electronic control system into separate functional modules: sensors for detecting dial positions, a control unit for processing information and making decisions, and actuators for executing activation/deactivation. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing electronic components into distinct, manageable units with clear interfaces.
5Ease of operation
If vaporizers are positioned high over table top for convenient dial use, then ease of operation is improved, but weight and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the vaporizer into modular components that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the heavy vaporization chamber to be positioned optimally while keeping the control interface accessible, and enables flexible installation arrangements that can accommodate weight constraints.
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
Ensures safe and controlled delivery of anesthetic agents by preventing simultaneous activation of vaporizers, allowing for electronic integration and miniaturization of anesthesia systems, and providing redundancy against device failures.
Implementation Method 1
vaporizer receives fresh gas, which is a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide, and completes that with required percentage of the anesthetic drug vapor. On state-of-the-art vaporizers the completion occurs with passive vaporization of the liquid agent respective to its vapor pressure.
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus signal connector includes at least one first apparatus contact for receiving from the anesthesia system a signal indicating whether anesthetic agent supply to the anesthesia system is allowed or prevented, and a second apparatus contact to indicate that this apparatus is configured to supply anesthetic agent to the anesthesia system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for supplying anesthetic agent to an anesthesia system. The system is connecting detachably with at least two such apparatuses. The apparatus includes a storage volume for a liquid anesthetic agent and a space for evaporating the liquid agent. The apparatus also includes a gas inlet port for receiving a fresh gas for mixing with evaporated agent and a gas outlet port for conducting the gas mixture including evaporated agent to the system. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit for controlling anesthetic agent supply and an apparatus signal connector to exchange information. The apparatus signal connector includes at least one first apparatus contact for receiving from the system a signal indicating whether anesthetic agent supply is allowed or prevented, and a second apparatus contact to indicate that this apparatus is configured to supply anesthetic agent.