Respiratory Mask Vent Assembly With Variable CO2 Washout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory treatment apparatuses for sleep disordered breathing, such as CPAP therapy, face challenges in efficiently venting carbon dioxide from the mask to prevent rebreathing, requiring fixed vent configurations that can lead to increased power consumption and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A variable area gas washout vent arrangement is introduced, utilizing gears, radial exhaust revolvers, or spherical diverters to dynamically control the venting area, allowing for automated adjustment of the exhaust area to optimize CO2 removal without altering the flow generator's pressure settings, thereby improving patient comfort and reducing noise and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed vent configuration is used to vent carbon dioxide from the mask, then CO2 washout is achieved, but power consumption increases and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable area vent arrangement where the venting area can be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. The vent area is varied to optimize CO2 washout efficiency while minimizing power consumption, replacing fixed vent configurations with adaptive, dynamically controllable venting areas that respond to changing respiratory demands and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the venting area parameter dynamically to optimize system performance. By adjusting the vent area as a variable parameter rather than keeping it fixed, the system achieves efficient CO2 washout at lower power consumption levels, adapting the venting capacity to match actual respiratory needs and operating conditions
2Reliability
If a fixed vent configuration is used to vent carbon dioxide from the mask, then CO2 washout is achieved, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable area vent arrangement dynamically adjusts the venting area to match patient respiratory needs, improving comfort by simulating natural breathing patterns. The dynamic adjustment allows the vent to adapt to different breathing phases and intensities, providing more comfortable and physiologically appropriate ventilation compared to fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the vent area parameter in response to respiratory conditions, the system enhances patient comfort while maintaining reliable CO2 washout. The adjustable vent area allows optimization of gas flow characteristics to reduce turbulence and improve the breathing experience
3Reliability
If a variable area gas washout vent arrangement is used to optimize CO2 removal, then CO2 washout efficiency increases and power usage decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable area vent arrangement with dynamic control capabilities to optimize CO2 washout efficiency while managing device complexity through integrated control systems that adapt venting parameters based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the vent area parameter to improve CO2 washout efficiency and reduce power consumption, accepting increased device complexity as a trade-off for achieving superior performance and adaptability in respiratory support
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a variable area gas washout vent arrangement is used, then turbulence decreases and noise decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable area vent arrangement dynamically adjusts the venting area to reduce gas flow turbulence and associated noise, accepting increased device complexity as a worthwhile trade-off for creating a quieter, more comfortable respiratory support system
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the vent area parameter, the system reduces turbulence-induced noise while managing the inherent complexity of the variable vent arrangement through integrated control and design
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 variable venting system enhances CO2 washout efficiency, reduces turbulence, and decreases noise, allowing for smaller and less costly therapy systems, while improving patient comfort by simulating normal breathing and reducing exhalation pressure.
Implementation Method 1
As the patient exhales, carbon dioxide gas may collect in the mask. A washout vent in the mask or conduit may be implemented to discharge the exhaled gas from the mask to atmosphere.
Implementation Method 2
A variable area gas washout vent arrangement is introduced, utilizing gears, radial exhaust revolvers, or spherical diverters to dynamically control the venting area, allowing for automated adjustment of the exhaust area
Implementation Method 3
The first and second gears may be adapted in a meshed configuration. In some cases, a rotation of the first and second gears closes of the first and second flow bores to prevent a transfer of gas through a conduit of the vent assembly. In some cases, a rotation of the first and second gears opens the first and second flow bores to permit a transfer of gas through a conduit of the vent assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system provides automated control of gas washout of a patient interface, such as a mask or nasal prongs. A gas washout vent assembly of the system may include a variable exhaust area, such as one defined by gears, radial exhaust revolvers and/or flow diverters for a conduit having a variable gas passage channel. The vent assembly may be attached substantially near or included with the patient interface. An actuator of the assembly, such as a solenoid, motor or voice coil, manipulates the vent assembly. The actuator may be configured for control by a processor to change the exhaust area of the vent assembly based on various methodologies including, for example, sleep detection, disordered breathing event detection and/or leak detection.