Humidity Sensor Breath Detection for Perioperative Oxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring human respiration, especially during the perioperative period, are prone to human error and logistical challenges, often relying on less reliable observation and examination techniques due to the lack of CO2 monitoring in respiratory gases.
Innovation Solution
A breath detection apparatus equipped with a humidity sensor, optionally combined with temperature and pressure sensors, connected to an oxygenation device to monitor respiratory gases and generate visual alerts based on humidity changes, providing accurate breath detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CO2 monitoring in respiratory gases is implemented, then measurement precision of breath detection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential breath detection function from complex CO2 monitoring systems by using only a humidity sensor to detect breath events. This simplifies the system while maintaining adequate measurement precision for breath detection during the perioperative period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive, disposable humidity sensors instead of expensive, complex CO2 monitoring equipment. This approach provides adequate breath detection precision at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional CO2 monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If CO2 monitoring equipment is used, then reliability of breath detection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to logistical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity sensor-based system is self-contained and requires no additional logistical support, complex setup, or specialized handling. It attaches directly to the oxygenation device and operates autonomously, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable breath detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to work with standard oxygenation devices already in use during the perioperative period, making it universally applicable without requiring separate, specialized equipment. This multi-functionality enhances both reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If observation and examination techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observation and examination techniques with an automated electronic humidity sensing system. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining operational simplicity, as the device requires minimal setup and provides automatic, objective breath detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through visual or audible alerts when breath events are detected, enabling continuous, objective monitoring without requiring constant human observation. This feedback mechanism significantly improves measurement precision while keeping the system easy to operate.
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 apparatus offers high accuracy in breath detection, reducing human error and logistical challenges, with the ability to monitor breaths in real-time, providing a reliable alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a humidity sensor adapted to monitor differences in humidity during a breath of the patient, wherein the humidity sensor generates an electrical signal representing a humidity level in response to measuring the humidity during a breath
Data Source
AI summary
A breath detection apparatus for monitoring individual breaths of a patient. The apparatus includes a sensing assembly comprising a humidity sensor. The sensing assembly adapted to be connected to an oxygenation device wherein respiratory gases of a patient are directed over the sensing assembly and the humidity sensor is adapted to monitor differences in humidity during a breath of the patient. The humidity sensor generates an electrical signal representing a humidity level in response to measuring the humidity during the breath. The apparatus also includes a processor in electrical communication with the sensing assembly to receive electrical signals generated by the humidity sensor and determine a state of the relative humidity during the breath, and a visual display element controlled by the processor and adapted to display a predetermined visual alert in response to the state of the relative humidity during the breath.