Gas Flow Warning System for Medical Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressurized gas systems lack effective alarm mechanisms to detect and alert malfunctions downstream of the regulator, such as disconnections, leaks, and blockages, and fail to provide advance warning of gas reservoir depletion, especially in medical settings where timely notification is critical for patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A gas flow warning alarm device that includes a flow sensing and error signal generating subassembly to detect deviations in gas flow rate, an indicator subassembly for perceptible alarms, and a power subassembly for remote communication and control, along with a motorized reservoir changing device to automatically switch to a reserve gas source when the primary reservoir is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylinder pressure sensor is used to detect gas exhaustion, then the alarm can be activated when cylinder pressure reaches a minimum set point, but the sensor is ineffective at detecting downstream malfunctions such as disconnections, leaks, and blockages in gas lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas system into multiple monitoring zones by placing flow sensors at different locations (upstream and downstream of the regulator). This segmentation allows each sensor to detect specific types of malfunctions in its respective zone, with upstream sensors detecting reservoir depletion and downstream sensors detecting line disconnections, leaks, and blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow sensors as intermediary detection devices between the pressure sensor and the downstream appliance. These flow sensors act as mediators that can detect both pressure-related issues (reservoir depletion) and flow-related issues (disconnections, leaks, blockages) that the pressure sensor alone cannot detect.
2Loss of information
If alarm warnings are communicated only by audible alarms and alarm lights at the local site, then the alarm device is simple, but remote users cannot be notified of gas supply issues
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm device is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both local indication components (audible alarms and alarm lights) and remote communication components (wireless transmitters). This allows the single device to serve both local and remote users, ensuring comprehensive notification coverage without requiring separate alarm systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the alarm device not only detects malfunctions but also actively communicates status information to remote users through wireless transmission. The system provides continuous feedback about gas supply status, enabling remote monitoring and timely response to issues.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the alarm device monitors only cylinder pressure, then the detection mechanism is simple, but it cannot detect malfunctions occurring downstream of the regulator
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple detection points: upstream flow monitoring to detect reservoir depletion and downstream flow monitoring to detect line malfunctions. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage of all potential failure points without requiring overly complex detection mechanisms at each point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure-based detection with electronic flow sensing technology. Flow sensors can detect both pressure changes and flow interruptions electronically, providing more reliable downstream malfunction detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas supply warning and communication system to generate and communicate alarm signals indicating gas pressure and gas flow malfunctions in a pressurized gas system, and to open a reserve gas reservoir in the event of certain types of malfunction. The system stores, transmits, and makes available for download, gas pressure, gas flow, and oxygen concentration data, and information regarding the status of the system. The system also accepts commands for modification of system function from users of remote devices. A software product encoding methods for operating the gas supply warning and communication system. A motorized reservoir changing device including a universal valve coupler, and methods for operating a reservoir valve with the reservoir changing device. A gripper tube for secure connection of gas lines linking components of a pressurized gas system.