Flow Member Moisture Management for Ventilation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor failure in non-invasive ventilation and pressure support systems is commonly caused by moisture ingress from exhaled gases and humidified breathing gases, which affects the accuracy and reliability of pressure and flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow assembly with a sensing assembly protected by a flow member that includes a cover and a second coupling conduit, with flow conduits extending transverse to the conduit, ensuring that moisture and water are directed away from the sensors, reducing the risk of damage and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are exposed to breathing gas for measurement purposes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but moisture ingress causes sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The flow member is divided into distinct functional zones: a first region with flow conduits for sensor measurement, and a second region with water drainage pathways. This segmentation allows the sensor to access breathing gas for accurate measurement while the drainage region actively removes moisture, preventing sensor failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow member acts as an intermediary component between the breathing gas flow and the sensor. It provides a controlled interface where measurement can occur through dedicated flow conduits while simultaneously protecting the sensor from moisture ingress through its integrated drainage structure.
2Reliability
If flow conduits are extended into the channel to prevent damage from high flow rates, then sensor protection is improved, but noise from high flow rates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow member implements different local qualities in different regions: the first region contains flow conduits with restricted openings that protect the sensor from high flow rates, while the second region provides water drainage pathways. This local differentiation allows protection without compromising measurement quality or introducing excessive noise.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow member (200) is for a flow assembly (100) of a pressure support system (2). The pressure support system includes a patient interface device (6), a flow generator (4), and a coupling conduit (8). The flow assembly includes a cover (102) and a sensing assembly (110). The sensing assembly has a flow sensor (114) having flow sensing components (118,120). The flow member comprises: a body (202) comprising: a mounting portion (204) connected to the cover, thereby enclosing the sensing assembly, a gas conduit (206) at least partially overlaying the mounting portion, the second conduit fluidly coupling the first conduit to the flow generator, and a number of flow conduits (208,210) each extending transverse to the gas conduit (206) and receiving a corresponding flow sensing component. Each flow conduit terminates at a distal end portion (209,211) in fluid communication with the gas conduit (206), each distal end portion being spaced a distance from the gas conduit (206) and located internal with respect thereto.