Heater Wire Temperature Sensing in Respiratory Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring gas properties, such as temperature and humidity, in respiratory treatments are prone to malfunction due to incorrect probe installation and vulnerability of external sensor wires, which can compromise patient safety and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a heater wire integrated into the gas delivery conduit, where the heater wire is part of an electrical circuit that measures gas properties, including temperature, humidity, and pressure, with sensors and a reference resistor mounted on a printed circuit board within the conduit, eliminating the need for external wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature probe is inserted into the breathing tube with external cable connections, then temperature measurement is enabled, but reliability decreases due to wire vulnerability and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing heater wire by measuring its electrical resistance, which changes with temperature. This eliminates the need for separate temperature probe and external cable connections, integrating the measurement function into the existing conduit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater wire serves dual purposes: it both heats the breathing tube to prevent condensation and acts as a temperature sensor through resistance measurement. This multi-functionality reduces component count and eliminates the need for separate sensing wires that would compromise reliability.
2Measurement precision
If sensor wires are run down the outside of the breathing tube, then temperature measurement is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wire vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function with the heater wire already present in the system. By utilizing the heater wire's resistance changes to indicate temperature, the invention eliminates vulnerable external sensor wires while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If sensor wires are run down the inside of the breathing tube, then temperature measurement is achieved, but airflow resistance increases and hygiene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensing with the heater wire that is already positioned within the breathing tube. This approach avoids introducing additional wires that would increase airflow resistance or compromise hygiene, as the heater wire's presence is already necessary for preventing condensation.
4Measurement precision
If a separate temperature probe is used with external cable connections, then temperature measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function into the existing heater wire and control circuitry. This integration eliminates the need for separate probe installation and external cable connections, simplifying both the device structure and installation process while maintaining accurate temperature measurement.
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
This solution enhances reliability and safety by integrating sensors directly into the gas delivery system, reducing the risk of wire breakage and improving airflow hygiene, while allowing for accurate measurement and control of gas properties at the patient interface.
Implementation Method 1
at least one delivery conduit including a heater wire for heating said conduit
Implementation Method 2
wherein said heater wire is utilised in an electrical circuit to determine said properties of said gases
Data Source
AI summary
The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermistor), of gases flowing through a heated tube, supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire within the tube.