Humidifier Water Tub Spill Sensing for Protected Heater Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidification systems for respiratory gases face issues with water spillage, which can lead to corrosion of electrical connections and electrical shorts, compromising the safety and efficacy of the device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of conductive sensing elements and water sensors to detect water presence and automatically disconnect power to electrical connections, preventing corrosion and shorts, and design features that channel water away from electrical terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is placed into a tub by a user and the tub is removable, then the humidification system is easier to fill and maintain, but the risk of water spillage onto electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements water sensors that detect water presence before it can reach electrical connections, and heating elements that are positioned to evaporate water before spillage can occur. These preliminary actions prevent the harmful effect of water spillage while maintaining the ease of removable tub design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water sensors as intermediary detection elements between the water tub and electrical connections, and heating elements as intermediary protective measures that convert water to vapor before it can cause electrical shorts. These intermediaries break the direct harmful path from water to electrical components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the humidification system is moved when water is in the tub, then the system is more portable and flexible, but water spillage onto electrical connections can cause corrosion and electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are positioned to actively evaporate water before the system can be moved, and water sensors detect water presence ahead of time. These preliminary actions ensure water is removed or detected before movement could cause spillage, maintaining both portability and electrical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The water sensors provide feedback about water presence to the control system, which can then prevent movement or activate heating elements to evaporate water before movement occurs. This feedback loop ensures electrical connections remain protected while maintaining system portability
3Device complexity
If electrical contacts are exposed to provide power to the heater plate, then the electrical connection is simpler and more reliable, but water exposure can cause corrosion and electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions heating elements and water sensors as intermediary protective measures between water and electrical connections. The heating elements evaporate water before it can reach electrical contacts, while sensors detect water presence to prevent exposure, thus protecting simple exposed electrical contacts from corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the heating elements to convert the harmful presence of water into beneficial evaporation, actively removing water before it can corrode electrical connections. This transforms the potential harmful effect of water exposure into a protective mechanism
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 effectively protects electrical components from water damage, ensuring the reliability and safety of the humidification system by preventing corrosion and electrical failures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element that may be used to heat the water in the tub so that gases moving through the tub from the inlet in use may be heated and moistened with water vapour
Implementation Method 2
the heater encourages the evaporation of the water, which in turn imbues the stream of air with moisture
Data Source
AI summary
The electrical connections of a chamber or enclosure for a water tub can be protected through the use of spill element sensors. The spill element sensors can help to disable the delivery of power to the heater of a water tub in the event that the electrical connections become wet.