Therapeutic Gas Source Controller with Run-Time Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapy gas delivery systems lack the ability to accurately determine when a therapy gas source is about to run empty, failing to provide timely alerts or transitions to alternative sources, which can lead to interruptions in treatment.
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 redundant systems for fail-safe operation and seamless transitions between gas sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a therapy gas delivery system uses a gas source valve and pressure sensor to monitor gas delivery, then the system can control gas flow and verify dosage information, but the system cannot determine the amount of treatment time left before the gas source falls below a minimum level
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring gas pressure through the pressure sensor and using this information to calculate and display the run-time-to-empty value. The CPU receives pressure values from the sensor, calculates the remaining treatment time based on current consumption rates, and provides this information back to the user through the display, enabling informed decision-making about gas source replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating and displaying the run-time-to-empty value before the gas source actually runs out. This allows healthcare providers to proactively replace gas sources or switch to backup supplies before treatment interruption occurs, rather than reacting after the gas is depleted.
2Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors gas pressure and calculates run-time-to-empty, then accurate prediction of gas depletion is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pressure sensor in the gas delivery system is made multi-functional by using it not only for its original purpose of monitoring gas pressure during delivery but also for calculating the run-time-to-empty value. This eliminates the need for separate sensors or measurement systems, achieving accurate gas depletion prediction without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (pressure sensor, CPU, and current consumption rate data) to self-determine the run-time-to-empty value without requiring external monitoring equipment. The CPU leverages data already being collected for gas delivery control to simultaneously provide depletion prediction, making the system self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If the system provides real-time run-time-to-empty information and alerts, then treatment interruptions are prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional monitoring and alert management
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preliminary information about gas depletion timing, allowing operators to plan ahead for gas source replacement. By knowing the run-time-to-empty in advance, operators can schedule replacements during appropriate intervals rather than dealing with urgent, unexpected interruptions, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
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 by accurately predicting gas depletion and seamlessly switching to alternative sources, reducing the risk of treatment interruptions and enhancing patient safety.
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 source and cart and methods thereof for use with a therapeutic gas delivery system is disclosed. The therapeutic gas source may include a cylinder operable to contain a therapeutic gas that includes a body and a gas source valve body. In some examples, the gas source valve body has a valve and a coupling member.