Pressurized Gas Adaptor With Internal Valve Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for switching gas connections between different medical devices, such as nasal cannulas and ventilators, are cumbersome and prone to errors due to the need for physical disconnection and reconnection of tubing, which can be difficult for patients or caregivers, especially those with limited physical ability.

Innovation Solution

A gas adaptor with a valve that allows selective or simultaneous redirection of gas flow between two outlets without the need to disconnect and reconnect tubing, featuring a movable switch and swivel mechanisms to prevent tubing twisting or pinching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical disconnection and reconnection of tubing is used to switch gas connections, then gas flow can be redirected to different devices, but the procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch gas connections between devicesVSAvoiddifficulty of disconnecting and reattaching tubing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism within the gas delivery device that allows gas flow to be redirected between outlets without disconnecting tubing. The switch acts as a mediator that changes the flow path internally, eliminating the need for users to physically manipulate connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas delivery device is segmented into separate functional components: a fixed connection point for the gas supply, a switchable valve mechanism, and multiple outlet ports. This segmentation allows the switching function to be isolated from the connection points, enabling flow redirection without disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical disconnection and reconnection of tubing is used to switch gas connections, then gas flow can be redirected to different devices, but the procedure is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch gas connections between devicesVSAvoidtime required for disconnecting and reattaching tubing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tubing is pre-connected to the gas delivery device at a fixed inlet point, and multiple outlets are pre-configured within the device. The switch mechanism is pre-set to control flow paths. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming connection and disconnection actions during switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic switch mechanism that can rapidly change the gas flow path between outlets. This dynamic element allows instantaneous redirection of gas flow without the time required for manual disconnection and reconnection of tubing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical disconnection and reconnection of tubing is used to switch gas connections, then gas flow can be redirected to different devices, but connection reliability decreases due to bad connections and leaking tubing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch gas connections between devicesVSAvoidconnection quality and leak prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal switch mechanism serves as an intermediary that manages gas flow redirection without requiring external manipulation of connections. This eliminates repeated connection and disconnection cycles that cause tubing degradation, stretching, and connection failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fully disconnecting and reconnecting tubing for each switch, the system uses a partial action approach where only the internal valve position changes while the external connections remain intact. This excessive connection stability prevents tubing damage and maintains connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables quick and easy switching of gas flow between various medical devices, reducing the risk of bad connections and improving usability for patients and caregivers, even those with limited physical ability.

Implementation Method 1

a valve located within the adaptor that can be used to direct the gas from the gas supply selectively to one of the two different outlets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11185654B2Pressurized gas adaptor

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 NTINIKA CALVIN

AI summary

The present invention is an adaptor for connecting a pressurized gas, such as an oxygen supply, to two different outlets, with each outlet connected to a different gas delivery device. Gas delivery devices include, but are not limited to a nasal cannula, a c-pap machine, a bi-pap machine, a bubbler, or a nebulizer. The adaptor is provided with a valve located within the adaptor that can be used to direct the gas from the gas supply selectively to one of the two different outlets, or alternately, to both outlets at the same time.