Modular Pressure Support System with Removable Humidification Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory devices face challenges with inconvenient and complex humidifier interfaces, inaccurate gas pressure measurement, and fluid spillage when a humidifier is installed, and they often provide limited options for obtaining treatment information electronically.
Innovation Solution
A pressure support system with a modular design that includes a patient circuit, docking assembly, and a tank for humidification, along with a method for delivering pressurized breathable gas, and a system for transferring information between the gas flow generating system and modular accessories, ensuring easy interface management and accurate pressure measurement while preventing fluid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a humidifier is added to a respiratory device, then the humidity level of the gas delivered to the patient is elevated, but the interface between the humidifier and the respiratory device becomes inconvenient to use and complicated to couple and uncouple
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modular components: a respiratory device and a removable tank assembly. The tank assembly can be independently attached or detached from the respiratory device without affecting the main unit. This segmentation allows easy operation when adding or removing humidification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a universal interface for connecting the tank assembly, maintains a seal to prevent fluid ingress, and includes an accessory interface for electronic data transfer. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall interface design and improves ease of operation.
2Quantity of substance
If a humidifier is installed on a respiratory device, then humidification is provided, but the pressure of the gas being delivered to the patient may not be measured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure measurement function is extracted from the humidification path. The pressure transducer is positioned in the respiratory device to measure pressure before the gas enters the tank assembly, ensuring that the presence of the tank does not interfere with pressure measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking assembly acts as an intermediary component that separates the pressure measurement system from the humidification system. It provides a sealed connection point that allows the tank to be attached without creating pressure leaks that would affect measurement accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If a humidifier is installed on a respiratory device, then humidification is provided, but conventional systems do not provide suitable safeguards against fluid that is stored within the humidifier from being spilled into the respiratory device
Solution Approach 1:
The system design proactively prevents fluid spillage before it can occur. The docking assembly includes a sealed interface and positioning features that ensure the tank is properly oriented and secured, preventing liquid from escaping into the respiratory device even during patient transport or positioning changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking assembly serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the liquid-containing tank and the electronic components of the respiratory device. The sealed connection and structural design of the docking assembly prevent fluid ingress while allowing functional connectivity.
4Device complexity
If a single mechanism is provided for obtaining treatment information electronically, then the device structure is simplified, but the options for obtaining treatment information are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory interface is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection point for optional tank assemblies and as a data transfer interface. This universal interface allows electronic information retrieval through multiple pathways (direct connection, wireless communication) without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic information retrieval options where the accessory interface can adapt its function based on what is connected. When a tank assembly is attached, data can be transferred through the docking assembly; when removed, wireless or other alternative interfaces remain available, providing versatile information access.
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 a convenient, reliable, and modular solution for humidification and data transfer, ensuring accurate gas delivery and easy operation while preventing fluid spillage and offering multiple options for electronic data retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The tank is adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure support system that comprises a patient circuit, a docking assembly, and a tank. The patient circuit delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient. The docking assembly has an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas, and is also adapted to be connected with the patient circuit. The tank is constructed and arranged to be removably connected with the docking assembly, and enables the pressurized flow of breathable gas to pass therethrough. The tank is also adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough.