Esophageal Cuff and Gastric Tube for CPAP Air Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive CPAP ventilation can cause pressurized air to enter the stomach, leading to gastric inflation, which impedes lung function and gastrointestinal function, and saliva accumulation can obstruct the esophagus, potentially entering the trachea.
Innovation Solution
A gastric tube with an inflatable cuff seals the esophagus and a suction probe with openings removes saliva, preventing air entry into the stomach and ensuring saliva flow, using intermittent cuff inflation and suction to manage saliva accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tube is used to convey fluid through a filter holder, then fluid can be conveyed through the filter holder, but the tube may be inadvertently dislodged from the filter holder
Solution Approach 1:
The tube and filter holder are merged into a single integrated component where the tube is formed as an integral part of the filter holder structure. This eliminates the separate connection interface that could fail, while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is nested within the filter holder structure, with the tube passing through the filter screen and being retained by the filter holder's geometry. The tube is positioned within the structural envelope of the filter holder, creating a nested arrangement that prevents dislodgement.
2Productivity
If the bottom of the filter holder is open to allow tube passage, then the tube can convey fluid through the filter holder, but debris may accumulate on the tube's outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of debris accumulation on the tube surface is extracted and redirected to the filter screen instead. The filter screen acts as a dedicated debris collection surface, separating the debris accumulation function from the tube surface and maintaining tube cleanliness for efficient fluid conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen serves as an intermediary element between the fluid stream and the tube. It intercepts debris particles before they can reach the tube surface, allowing the tube to maintain its fluid conveyance function without debris accumulation, while the screen handles the debris separation function.
3Power
If a plunger is inserted into the tube to apply pressure to the filter cake, then pressure can be applied to enhance filtration, but the plunger may become dislodged and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is merged with the filter holder structure, forming an integrated pressing mechanism. The plunger is positioned within the filter holder's structural envelope and is retained by the holder's geometry, eliminating the risk of dislodgement while maintaining the pressure application function.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is nested within the filter holder structure, positioned to bear against the filter cake through the tube. The filter holder's walls and geometry provide retention for the plunger, creating a nested arrangement where the plunger remains securely positioned while exerting pressure on the filter cake.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a blocking element for suppression the entry and accumulation of inhaled air in the stomach (4), comprising: a gastric tube (3) in the form of a thin tube that extends in the esophagus (1); a cuff (2) that can be inflated with air and closes the esophagus (1) when inflated; and a device for carrying off saliva penetrating the esophagus (1).