Frustum-Shaped Breathing Device Gas Flow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing assistance devices are inefficient in using supplementary respirable gas and often cause significant pressure fluctuations during the breathing cycle, making breathing more difficult for patients.
Innovation Solution
A breathing assistance device with a frustum-shaped interior wall that narrows from a wide end to a narrow end, optimizing gas flow and pressure characteristics by reducing gas requirements and minimizing pressure fluctuations, featuring a gas jet aimed along the central axis and a manometer with a pressure relief valve for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional breathing assistance devices are used to provide CPAP, then breathing support is achieved, but supplementary gas consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the gas flow path into distinct regions (proximal, middle, distal) with different cross-sectional areas, allowing optimized gas distribution. The interior wall is divided into segments with varying angles relative to the central axis, creating zones that control gas flow characteristics and reduce consumption while maintaining CPAP effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the interior wall have different geometric properties - the proximal region has a first angle, the middle region has a second angle, and the distal region has a third angle. This local variation in wall geometry optimizes gas flow at each stage, reducing overall gas consumption while maintaining effective breathing support throughout the device.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional breathing assistance devices are used to provide CPAP, then breathing support is achieved, but pressure fluctuations are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic geometry design where the interior wall angles change progressively from proximal to distal regions. This dynamic variation in cross-sectional area creates optimal pressure distribution throughout the device, stabilizing pressure fluctuations while maintaining effective CPAP support. The gradual transition in wall angles smooths gas flow and prevents pressure spikes.
3Productivity
If the interior wall has a continuous narrowing shape, then gas flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous narrowing interior wall is segmented into three distinct regions with defined angle ranges (proximal: 0-15 degrees, middle: 15-30 degrees, distal: 30-45 degrees). This segmentation maintains the overall efficient narrowing shape for optimal gas flow while breaking the complex geometry into manageable manufacturing zones that can be produced using standard techniques.
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 device achieves effective CPAP with reduced supplementary gas consumption and stable pressure throughout the breathing cycle, enhancing patient comfort and extending the usage time of gas supplies.
Implementation Method 1
A gas jet is provided which is aimed into the wide end of the frustum-shaped interior wall and along a central, lengthwise axis of the frustum-shaped interior space towards the narrow end
Implementation Method 2
The interior wall has a cross-sectional area that continuously narrows from a wide end to a narrow end
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics provides a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle utilizing a frustrum-shaped air channel that has no unblocked openings to accelerate air flow. In some embodiments, a manometer is provided for monitoring pressure and/or a pressure relief valve is provided as a safety measure against overpressure delivered to a patient. In some embodiments, the device is disposable for one-time or single patient use.