Heated Filter Assembly for Humidified Gas Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insufflation systems face challenges in maintaining sterility and preventing condensation buildup in filters due to the placement of the filter either on the 'dry-side' or 'wet-side' of the system, leading to issues with water refilling and reduced gas flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a heating element positioned in the housing, spaced apart from the filter medium and housing surface, to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, along with sensors for monitoring and data transmission, ensuring effective filtration and condensation prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is positioned on the dry-side (between the gases source and the humidifier), then sterility is maintained, but water refilling becomes problematic and the humidification chamber cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a sterile side (gases source to filter) and a non-sterile side (humidifier to patient), with the filter positioned at the boundary. This segmentation allows the humidification chamber to be accessed from the non-sterile side while maintaining sterility on the other side.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary barrier between the sterile and non-sterile portions of the system. It allows the humidification chamber to be accessed for refilling from the non-sterile side while preventing contamination of the sterile gas path.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is moved to the wet-side (between the humidifier and the patient), then water refilling is easier, but condensation builds in the filter reducing gas flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature parameter of the filter assembly is changed by introducing a heating element. This raises the filter temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation formation and maintaining consistent gas flow rates.
3Ease of operation
If the filter is positioned on the wet-side, then water refilling is accessible, but condensation clogs the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature of the filter assembly is actively controlled by a heating element to maintain it above the dew point temperature of the humidified gases. This parameter change prevents condensation from forming on or within the filter, ensuring reliable filter functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor provides feedback about the filter assembly temperature to a controller, which adjusts the heating element power to maintain the temperature above the dew point. This feedback loop ensures continuous prevention of condensation.
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 solution maintains sterile conditions and prevents condensation, ensuring consistent gas flow rates and quality by actively heating and monitoring the filter assembly, addressing the limitations of traditional insufflation systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element being positioned in the housing and being configured to heat the filter medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
In one embodiment, a filter assembly for use in an insufflation system is described. The filter assembly comprises: a filter medium operative to filter medical gases; a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet and the filter medium, the housing defining a gases flow path through the filter medium between the inlet and the outlet; and at least one heating element being positioned in the housing and being configured to heat the filter medium; and wherein, the at least one heating element is spaced apart from the filter medium and from an inner surface of the housing.