Fluid Coupling Conduit Noise Reduction via Segmented Exhaust Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive ventilation and pressure support systems face challenges in balancing exhaust flow and noise, as current patient interface devices are noisy due to the necessary exhaust flow required for CO2 expulsion, disturbing patients and bed partners.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling conduit with a rim defining a relief aperture and a blocking member, featuring protrusions extending transversely to the aperture plane, which allows for the diffusion of breathing gas and reduces noise by increasing the velocity of exhaust gas, thereby attenuating noise and reducing the projected force and distance of exhausted gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaust flow is increased to properly expel CO2, then gas expulsion effectiveness is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust flow path is segmented into multiple openings distributed around the perimeter of the relief aperture. This segmentation allows the exhaust gas to be discharged through multiple smaller openings rather than a single large opening, reducing the velocity and noise of each individual jet while maintaining total exhaust flow for effective CO2 expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is positioned to create different flow characteristics at different locations around the relief aperture. By strategically placing the blocking member, the design creates multiple localized exhaust jets at the perimeter openings, each with reduced velocity, while maintaining sufficient total exhaust flow for effective CO2 removal.
2Productivity
If exhaust flow velocity is increased to enhance gas diffusion, then mixing efficiency is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust flow is divided into multiple smaller jets through the distributed openings around the relief aperture perimeter. Each smaller jet has lower velocity and produces less noise, while the collective effect of multiple jets provides sufficient diffusion and mixing efficiency for effective CO2 expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust openings are arranged in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the relief aperture, utilizing the radial dimension. This arrangement allows exhaust gas to be discharged in multiple directions outward from the center, enhancing diffusion and mixing efficiency while each individual jet maintains lower velocity and reduced noise.
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
The solution significantly reduces noise associated with exhaust, enhances gas diffusion, and simplifies manufacturing by using fewer components with fewer structural features, resulting in a quieter and more efficient patient interface device.
Implementation Method 1
The rim comprises a number of protrusions extending transversely to the aperture plane... which allows for the diffusion of breathing gas and reduces noise by increasing the velocity of exhaust gas
Implementation Method 2
allows for the diffusion of breathing gas and reduces noise by increasing the velocity of exhaust gas
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling conduit is for a patient interface device. The fluid coupling conduit includes a body including: an inlet end structured to receive a flow of breathing gas, an outlet end fluidly coupled to the inlet end, and a middle portion disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end, the middle portion including a rim defining a relief aperture provided in an aperture plane. The fluid coupling conduit further includes a blocking member substantially disposed in the relief aperture, a number of openings being formed between the blocking member and the rim. The rim includes a number of protrusions extending transversely to the aperture plane.