Gas Flow Disruption Alarm Using Vibration Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oxygen delivery systems in medical settings often disconnect due to non-standardized interfaces, leading to undetected interruptions in gas flow, which can be hazardous for patients and result in resource waste, as low-pressure gas distribution systems lack reliable alarms to alert caregivers of disconnections.

Innovation Solution

The development of gas flow disruption alarm devices that include a gas inlet, a vibration member between the gas inlet and outlet, and a gas outlet configured to couple with gas delivery devices, producing an audible sound when a disconnection occurs, specifically designed to alert caregivers of potential hazards and resource misuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standardized interfaces are not used in gas delivery systems, then adaptability to different delivery devices is improved, but reliability of connection and detection of disconnection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different delivery devicesVSAvoidreliability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vibration member provides real-time information about connection status. When the gas delivery device is properly connected, the vibration member remains stationary. Upon disconnection, the vibration member is activated by gas flow to produce an audible alarm, providing immediate feedback to alert caregivers of the disconnection event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration member acts as an intermediary element between the gas flow and the alarm system. It translates the kinetic energy of gas flow into mechanical vibration and acoustic signals, serving as a mediator that converts invisible gas flow disruptions into detectable audible alerts without requiring direct electronic sensing of the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low-pressure gas distribution systems are used, then safety for patients is improved, but ability to detect disconnections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoiddetection of disconnections
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration as the core detection mechanism. The vibration member is positioned to be directly impacted by gas flow, and when disconnection occurs, the sudden change in flow dynamics causes the vibration member to oscillate and produce an audible alarm. This mechanical vibration approach works effectively with low-pressure gas systems where electronic or pressure-based detection methods may be insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems with a simple mechanical vibration-based alarm mechanism. Instead of using electronic sensors, pressure transducers, or complex control systems to detect disconnections in low-pressure gas systems, the invention uses the gas flow itself to mechanically activate the vibration member, which then produces an audible alert through purely mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If alarm devices are added to gas delivery systems, then detection of disconnections is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of disconnectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of alarm system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration member is designed to be self-activating and self-sustaining during disconnection events. Once gas flow disruption occurs, the vibration member automatically begins vibrating and producing sound without requiring external power, control logic, or additional activation mechanisms. The gas flow itself provides the energy needed to sustain the vibration and alarm until reconnection occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than investing in complex, expensive, and fragile electronic alarm systems, the patent uses a straightforward mechanical vibration element that is robust, easy to manufacture, and can be disposed of or replaced without significant cost or complexity if it becomes worn or damaged over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 alarm devices effectively alert caregivers to gas flow disruptions, preventing hypoxic events and resource wastage by producing a distinct audible sound when a disconnection happens, ensuring patient safety and optimizing resource utilization.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration member can be configured to produce an audible sound when a gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The audible sound can have a frequency of at most about 400 Hz. Further, in some embodiments, the audible sound can be characterized as a musical note

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic emission: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentUS11189147B2Flow alarm
Publication Date: 2021.11.30 VELEZ MICHAEL D
  • US11189147B2 patent drawing
  • US11189147B2 patent drawing
  • US11189147B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are gas flow disruption alarms. The alarms can include a gas inlet; a gas outlet configured to couple to a gas delivery device; and a vibration member between the gas inlet and the gas outlet configured to produce an audible sound when a gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet.