Float retention arrangement for humidification chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing float retention devices in humidification chambers are often assembled onto gas inlet and outlet ports, obstructing pre-assembly of breathing tubes and adapters, and can lead to overfilling if not removed correctly, causing potential damage and uncontrolled water levels.
Innovation Solution
A water spike adapter is used to retain floats in a non-use position, allowing for pre-assembly of breathing tubes and adapters, and preventing accidental overfilling by being the sole path for water entry, while maintaining the float in a desired position during transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a float retainer is assembled onto gas inlet and outlet ports to hold the float in position, then the float is protected from impact damage and fatigue, but the inlet and outlet ports are obstructed preventing pre-assembly of breathing tubes and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The float retainer function is separated from the gas ports. Instead of assembling the retainer onto the ports, a separate float retention device is used that does not obstruct port access, enabling both protection and pre-assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The float retention function is extracted from the gas port assembly. The float retention device operates independently without being attached to the ports, removing the obstruction problem while maintaining the protective function
2Reliability
If the float retainer holds the float in the open position of the water inlet valve, then the float is retained in a desired position, but the chamber could overfill if water is supplied before the retainer is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The float retention device includes a feature that prevents water supply until the float is properly positioned. This preliminary protective action blocks water flow during assembly and transport, and only allows water supply when the float is correctly positioned to prevent overfilling
Solution Approach 2:
A water spike or similar intermediary component is used to control water supply. This intermediary ensures water can only enter through a controlled path that is blocked when the float retention device is in place, preventing accidental overfilling
3Reliability
If the float retainer is assembled during manufacture, then the float valve mechanism is protected during transport and storage, but it precludes factory pre-assembly of breathing tubes and adapters to the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The float retention function is segmented from the main chamber assembly. The float retention device can be installed separately after pre-assembly operations are completed, allowing both protection and pre-assembly of other components
Solution Approach 2:
Breathing tubes and adapters can be pre-assembled to the chamber before the float retention device is installed. The retention device is put in place as a final protective step, allowing all other pre-assembly operations to be completed first
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
Enables pre-assembly of components, prevents overfilling, and reduces impact damage to float valve mechanisms, ensuring controlled water levels and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one float operates an inlet valve that controls a flow of water through the water inlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
A float retention arrangement and related methods for a humidification chamber that includes at least one float that operates an inlet valve that controls a flow of water through a water inlet opening of the humidification chamber. A cover of the humidification chamber defines an interior space, at least one gas port and a float retention opening. A component forms at least a portion of a water supply conduit for supplying water from a water source to the water inlet opening. The component is insertable into the float retention opening and is positionable to contact and retain the at least one float in a non-use position. In some configurations, the component can be a water spike.