Medical Gas Flow Arrestor With Firebreak and Visual Flow Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical gas delivery systems face safety hazards due to flammable materials in tubing and lack of visual oxygen flow indication, leading to potential fires and accidental oxygen discharge.
Innovation Solution
A gas flow arrestor device with a fusible firebreak and visual flow indicator that automatically shuts off gas flow in case of fire and provides clear visual confirmation of gas flow status, integrated with a sealing mechanism and spring biasing system for compact placement along the patient breathing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flammable materials (plastic tubing, breathing apparatus) are used in the oxygen delivery system, then ease of manufacture and flexibility are improved, but fire safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A firebreak is introduced as an intermediary component between the oxygen source and the patient breathing apparatus. This firebreak includes a fusible stop that melts when exposed to fire, automatically closing the flow path to prevent flame propagation while allowing normal oxygen delivery through the flexible plastic tubing.
2Measurement precision
If conventional ball-style flow meters are used for oxygen flow indication, then flow measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow indication function is merged into the existing flow path structure. A visual indicator is integrated directly into the flow path, using the presence or absence of gas flow itself to indicate flow status, eliminating the need for separate conventional flow meters and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path serves multiple functions: it not only transports oxygen from the source to the patient but also provides visual flow indication through an integrated indicator mechanism, and incorporates fire safety functionality through the fusible stop. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Device complexity
If no visual flow indication is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but user awareness of oxygen flow status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A visual indicator using color changes is implemented to provide flow status information. The indicator displays different colors or visual states to clearly indicate whether oxygen is flowing or not flowing, ensuring user awareness without adding significant complexity to the device.
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
Enhances safety by preventing fire propagation and ensuring accurate oxygen flow indication, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and facilitating safe medical gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a firebreak having a fusible stop disposed along the internal flow path, the firebreak configured to move the sealing member such that the gas flow arrestor device is in the closed position upon fusing of the stop
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured for biasing the sealing member within the internal flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A gas flow arrestor is provided that is configured to be coupled at one end to an oxygen concentrator, a VIPR type device associated with a compressed gas cylinder, or other gas delivery component such as a regulator or flowmeter and at the opposing end to a length of flexible tubing or hose that delivers the medical gas to the patient or patient breathing apparatus, such as a nasal cannula or breathing mask. The gas flow arrestor device includes a firebreak together with a visual flow indicator that is actuated by the flow of gas through the gas flow arrestor device. The visual flow indicator allows a user or patient to visually confirm from a distance whether or not gas is flowing to the patient or breathing apparatus.