Humidifier Back-Flow Valve for Tilted Pressure Support Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifiers in pressure support systems fail to effectively prevent back-flow of fluid into the pressure support device, particularly due to condensation and tilting, which can damage the device and lead to bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design with a valve mechanism that moves between open and closed positions based on the system's orientation, preventing fluid back-flow by blocking the inlet when the pressure support device is tilted or not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient circuit is provided between the humidification chamber and pressure support device to prevent back-flow, then device protection is improved, but system complexity and gas flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the back-flow prevention function from the patient circuit and relocates it to the inlet of the humidification chamber. By placing a valve directly at the chamber inlet, the system eliminates the need for a separate patient circuit segment dedicated to back-flow prevention, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining device protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component at the inlet of the humidification chamber. This valve acts as a mediator that selectively controls gas flow based on system orientation, preventing back-flow into the pressure support device without requiring complex circuit configurations
2Stability of the object's composition
If the humidification chamber is rigidly coupled to the pressure support device, then connection stability is improved, but back-flow prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating valve mechanism that automatically responds to system orientation changes. The valve uses the system's own operational conditions (tilt angle, gas flow presence) to trigger closure, eliminating the need for external back-flow prevention measures while maintaining rigid coupling for stability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a snorkel-type inlet configuration is used, then backsplash prevention is improved, but condensation and rainout back-flow prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical snorkel configuration with an active valve mechanism controlled by tilt sensors and flow sensors. This substitution enables the system to detect and respond to both backsplash conditions and condensation/rainout scenarios, providing comprehensive back-flow prevention that the snorkel design cannot achieve alone
4Reliability
If the valve remains closed to prevent back-flow, then device protection is improved, but gas flow to patient deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve control system that continuously monitors system orientation and gas flow conditions. The valve transitions between open and closed states based on real-time sensor data, ensuring the breathing circuit remains open during normal operation for uninterrupted gas flow while closing only when back-flow risk is detected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through tilt sensors and flow sensors that continuously monitor system conditions and provide input to the valve control mechanism. This feedback loop ensures the valve closes only when necessary (during tilting or abnormal flow conditions) while remaining open during normal operation, balancing device protection with continuous patient gas delivery
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
Effectively prevents fluid back-flow into the pressure support device, reducing the risk of damage and bacterial growth, while ensuring continuous airflow for the patient.
Implementation Method 1
A humidifier with back-flow prevention valve... valve to prevent a back-flow of fluid from the humidifier into a pressure support device
Implementation Method 2
A valve is positioned in the inlet and upstream of the fluid chamber. The valve is movable between an open position in which the inlet is substantially unblocked and a closed position in which the inlet is substantially blocked
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A humidifier (1010, 1110) for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier (1010, 1110) includes a body having an inlet (1030, 1130), a fluid holding chamber (1014, 11 14), and an outlet. The inlet (1030, 1 130) is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber (1014, 11 14). The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber (1014, 1114). A back-flow preventing valve (1015, 1115) is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber (1014, 1114). The back-flow preventing valve (1015, 1115) is movable between an open position, in which the inlet (1030, 1130) is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet (1030, 1130) is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve (1015, 1115) prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet (1030, 1130) to the humidifier (1010, 1110).