Hyperbaric Chamber Pressure Control via Electronic Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperbaric chambers rely on manual pressure control systems, which are complex, prone to errors, and lack continuous airflow, making it difficult to achieve precise and variable pressure changes, especially for treatments requiring different pressure ramp speeds, leading to patient discomfort and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An automated pressure control system using an electronic air venting control valve and microprocessor controller for continuous pressure regulation, allowing for programmed therapeutic pressure variations and reducing equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure control with multiple vent valves is used, then continuous airflow can be maintained, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate vent valves are merged into a single electronic control valve with programmable pressure settings. The patent consolidates 6-8 manual valves into one automated valve that can be programmed to open at specific pressure thresholds, maintaining continuous airflow while dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical valve operation is replaced with an electronic control system. The patent uses an electronic control valve with programmable pressure settings, replacing manual shutoff valves and mechanical pressure regulation with an electronically controlled system that automatically manages airflow based on programmed parameters.
2Device complexity
If manual pressure control is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Manual pressure monitoring and control is replaced with electronic sensors and digital display systems. The patent incorporates electronic pressure sensors that continuously monitor chamber pressure and display readings digitally, providing precise measurement and control compared to manual gauge reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through electronic pressure sensors that monitor chamber pressure and automatically adjust the control valve. The patent uses electronic sensors to detect pressure changes and provides real-time feedback to the control system, enabling precise pressure maintenance without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If rapid pressure change is implemented, then treatment time is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system transitions from static, fixed-rate pressure changes to dynamic, adjustable pressure ramps. The patent implements programmable pressure ramp rates that can be customized for different treatment protocols, allowing the system to adjust pressure change speed dynamically based on patient needs and treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of pressure change parameters to optimize treatment. The patent enables different pressure ramp rates (e.g., 1 psi per minute for general treatments, faster rates for specific conditions) by changing control parameters, thereby adapting the pressure change characteristics to different therapeutic needs while minimizing patient discomfort.
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 system provides precise, continuous airflow and adjustable pressure changes, enhancing treatment efficacy by reducing technician workload, improving patient comfort, and supporting various treatment methods with reduced equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure regulation is automatic and continuous. The chamber is continuously controlled by an air venting control valve with electronic control to provide tight control.
Implementation Method 2
The control is able to be programmed to provide a therapeutic, varying pressure for treatment.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodied invention is a pressure control system on a hyperbaric chamber where the pressure regulation is automatic, continuous, and independent of the flow curve of the air supply compressor. The chamber is continuously controlled by an air venting control valve with electronic control to provide tight control. The control is able to be programmed to provide a therapeutic, varying pressure for treatment.