Therapeutic Gas Delivery System Run-Time Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapy gas delivery systems lack the ability to determine when the remaining therapy gas in a source falls below a predetermined minimum, leading to potential interruptions in treatment due to unknown remaining gas quantities.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic gas delivery system that includes a gas pressure sensor, a CPU-controlled controller, and a display to calculate and display the run-time-to-empty value based on gas pressure and consumption rate, along with features like temperature sensing, gas source identification, and redundant systems for fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a computerized system tracks patient information and communicates with gas delivery components, then the ability to control gas flow and verify dosage is improved, but the system cannot determine the amount of treatment time left before the gas source is empty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure of gas in the source reservoir and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller calculates the remaining treatment time based on the pressure reading, current flow rate, and reservoir volume, then displays this information to the user. This closed-loop feedback system enables the system to determine and communicate remaining gas quantity without requiring complex manual tracking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-calculation of remaining treatment time automatically. The controller autonomously receives pressure sensor data, retrieves reservoir volume information from memory, obtains current flow rate from the flow regulator, and computes the remaining treatment time without requiring external intervention or complex user calculations. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional monitoring equipment while providing comprehensive gas source status information.
2Reliability
If the system monitors gas pressure and calculates run-time-to-empty, then treatment interruption is prevented, but additional sensors and calculation mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions within the system: it monitors gas source pressure for safety purposes, provides data for calculating remaining treatment time, and enables the controller to detect when the gas source is depleted. The controller itself performs multiple tasks including receiving pressure data, calculating run-time-to-empty, controlling gas flow regulation, and displaying status information. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve reliable continuous therapy monitoring without adding dedicated separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and calculation methods with an automated electronic system. Instead of requiring manual checking of gas levels or complex mechanical gauges, the system uses electronic pressure sensing and microprocessor-based calculations to determine remaining treatment time. The electronic display substitutes for manual estimation or mechanical indicators, providing accurate real-time information about gas source status and enabling timely replacement before depletion occurs.
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
Ensures continuous and uninterrupted therapy gas delivery by accurately predicting the remaining gas time, preventing treatment interruptions and ensuring patient safety through timely replacement of gas sources.
Implementation Method 1
a gas pressure sensor adjacent to and in fluid communication with the gas source valve, wherein the gas source valve provides a gas flow path from the gas source coupling to the gas pressure sensor, and the gas pressure sensor is configured to measure a gas pressure at the gas source coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic gas delivery system with at least one gas supply subsystem is disclosed. The at least one gas supply subsystem may include a gas source coupling configured to receive a therapeutic gas source and form a fluid flow connection with the therapeutic gas source, a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and one or more display(s) configured to be in communication over a communication path with the therapeutic gas delivery system controller. The display may be configured to display a graphical, illustrative, or numerical indicator of one or more flow or system parameters.