Modular Medical Gas Humidifier with Dynamic Control and UV Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current humidifiers for medical gases lack flexibility, efficiency, and hygiene, with limitations in energy usage, germ contamination, and inadequate temperature control, leading to suboptimal patient comfort and therapy effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A universal, modular humidifier system with adjustable operation and control algorithms for various humidification technologies, incorporating external power supply options, integrated sensors, and UV radiation for sterilization, along with improved sealing methods and contactless temperature measurement, to enhance flexibility, hygiene, and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific humidification technology is selected, then the humidification effectiveness is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal humidifier design that can accommodate multiple humidification technologies (passover, counter-flow, membrane, flash evaporator, bubble humidifier) through a standardized interface and control system. The device can selectively activate different humidification methods based on clinical requirements, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions while maintaining effectiveness in each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as heating temperature, gas flow rate, and humidification intensity based on real-time sensor feedback and selected therapy mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize performance for different patient conditions and humidification technologies without requiring separate fixed-design devices.
2Power
If the power supply unit is dimensioned for maximum energy demand, then the energy availability for all applications is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit incorporates dynamic power management that adjusts its output capacity based on the actual energy demands of the connected humidification technology and therapy requirements. The control system monitors power consumption in real-time and scales power delivery accordingly, allowing the use of smaller, more compact power supplies while ensuring sufficient energy is available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of operating parameters including heating temperature, power consumption levels, and energy distribution to different components. By optimizing these parameters based on actual clinical needs rather than maximum theoretical demand, the system reduces overall power requirements while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used, then the heating reliability is improved, but the temperature control precision and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of heated components and water in the humidification chamber. This feedback is transmitted to the control unit, which adjusts the heating power in real-time to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, thereby improving temperature control precision while maintaining heating reliability through active regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heating control with electronic temperature regulation systems. Instead of relying solely on mechanical thermostats or manual control, the system uses electronic sensors and control circuits to precisely regulate heating elements, improving both temperature precision and energy efficiency while maintaining reliable heating performance.
4Ease of operation
If the humidifier is integrated into the respiration device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier is designed as a modular, separable unit that can be easily attached to and detached from the respiration device. This segmentation allows the humidification function to be integrated when needed for ease of operation, while enabling the components to be separated for independent cleaning, maintenance, or sterilization, thereby managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to universally manage both the respiration device functions and humidifier operations through a single interface. This multi-functional control approach allows integrated operation without requiring separate complex control systems, as the same control unit adapts to manage different functions based on the connected components.
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 broader application coverage, improved energy efficiency, enhanced patient comfort, and reduced germ contamination, ensuring effective humidification and temperature control for medical gas treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element arranged to heat the water
Implementation Method 2
a UV radiation source arranged to sterilise the water in the humidification chamber
Implementation Method 3
contactless temperature measurement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module (100) including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber (120). Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.