Microprocessor Gas Cylinder Valve with Digital Expiry Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical gas cylinders lack an efficient and automatic method to track the expiry date of the gas, leading to potential misuse of expired gases, which can compromise patient treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A pressurized gas container equipped with a microprocessor-based control system that detects gas filling, initiates a timer, and calculates the expiry date, displaying warnings when the date is exceeded, using a pressure sensor and digital display integrated into the valve's protective covering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a label with expiry date is attached to each gas cylinder, then the expiry date information is provided, but the process is impractical and extremely time-consuming, and labels can get mislaid, torn off or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpiry date tracking reliabilityVSAvoidexpiry date labeling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual labeling system with an electronic digital display system integrated into the valve housing. The microprocessor-based control means automatically calculate and display expiry dates, eliminating the need for physical labels that can be lost or damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the expiry date based on gas filling detection through pressure sensor readings. The microprocessor initiates a timer upon detecting gas filling and autonomously manages the expiry date tracking without requiring manual intervention for labeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual tracking of expiry date is required, then the system is simple, but the user has to remember to check the expiry date before each use, which poses a risk of using expired gas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpiry date tracking system complexityVSAvoidexpiry date monitoring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the timer status and providing visual warnings on the digital display when the expiry date is approached or exceeded. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually remember and check expiry dates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual memory-dependent tracking with an electronic automated system that uses a microprocessor to calculate, store, and monitor expiry dates, providing reliable tracking without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If an automated system is implemented to calculate and display expiry date, then the reliability of preventing expired gas use is improved, but the device complexity increases with microprocessor and pressure sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpiry date automation reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor-based control means perform multiple functions: detecting gas filling via pressure sensor, calculating expiry dates, storing data, and providing visual warnings. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the expiry date calculation system with the existing valve and digital display components. The microprocessor is integrated into the valve housing, and the same digital display used for pressure information also shows expiry date warnings, combining multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures that medical gases are not used beyond their expiry date, reducing errors and risks associated with expired gases, by automatically tracking and displaying the expiry date and triggering warnings.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas and for supplying at least one measurement signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11808407B2Pressurized gas container with an electronic device automatically calculating the expiry date of the gas

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressurized gas container, in particular a gas cylinder, having an internal volume for gas storage, a fluid-distributing valve, a pressure sensor and microprocessor-based control means. The microprocessor-based control means are configured to detect filling of the gas container with gas, by comparing said at least one pressure value measured by the pressure sensor with at least one predefined and stored reference pressure threshold value; then to initiate a timer on the basis of a detection of filling of the gas container with gas; and to trigger a warning when the timer exceeds a given period calculated from the initiation of the timer.