Flow Therapy GUI With Closed-Loop Oxygen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory apparatuses lack effective graphical user interfaces for controlling flow therapy apparatuses, particularly in managing oxygen concentration and patient parameters, which can lead to inefficiencies and suboptimal patient care.

Innovation Solution

A flow therapy apparatus with a closed loop oxygen control system and intuitive graphical user interface that allows for precise control of oxygen concentration and display of vital patient parameters, using sensors and controllers to adjust oxygen flow automatically and provide real-time feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a graphical user interface is provided for controlling flow therapy apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual controls and mechanical interfaces with a graphical user interface that displays flow characteristics visually. The GUI substitutes traditional mechanical dials and switches with digital representations of flow rate, temperature, gas concentration, humidity, and pressure, making the system easier to operate while managing complexity through software-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays real-time monitoring data, allows parameter adjustment, provides alarm notifications, and presents trend information. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms into a single integrated interface, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If real-time monitoring of gas concentration and flow parameters is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously measuring gas concentration, flow rate, temperature, humidity, and pressure parameters, then displaying these measurements in real-time on the graphical user interface. Sensors detect actual values and feed this information back to the controller, which updates the GUI display, enabling precise monitoring and automatic adjustment of therapy parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the physical sensors and the user. Instead of requiring direct interaction with multiple sensor outputs, the GUI consolidates and presents measurement data from various sensors (flow sensors, gas concentration sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors) in a unified visual format, improving measurement precision presentation while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic closed loop oxygen control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic closed-loop oxygen control where the apparatus monitors its own performance and automatically adjusts oxygen delivery parameters. The controller receives feedback from sensors measuring oxygen concentration and flow rate, then autonomously modifies valve positions and flow settings to maintain target parameters, eliminating the need for constant manual intervention and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop control system uses continuous feedback from oxygen concentration sensors and flow rate sensors to automatically adjust therapy delivery. The controller compares actual measurements against target values and dynamically modifies oxygen flow parameters, enabling the system to self-regulate and improve productivity by reducing manual monitoring and adjustment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3720529B1Graphical user interface for a flow therapy apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD
  • EP3720529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3720529B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3720529B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides to graphical user interfaces for controlling a flow therapy apparatus. The graphical user interface can provide a display of flow therapy treatment information and indicators of a patient's health. The graphical user interface can be configured to display the information associated with the patient on one or more user interface screens.