Modular Valve Module for Ventilator Patient Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems face challenges in maintaining a consistent positive end-expiratory pressure during patient transfer between ventilators, as prior-art valve modules are either fixed within the ventilator or require invasive placement near the patient, leading to interruptions in ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A valve module with a pressure-limiting element, comprising a control section and control element, that allows for adjustable exhalation pressure control using a control fluid, enabling the valve to maintain a minimum exhalation pressure by switching between flow and blocking positions based on set expiratory limit pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valve modules are fixed internally in ventilators, then the ventilation system structure is simplified, but the system lacks adaptability for patient transfer between different ventilators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ventilation system into separate modular components: a ventilation tube element with integrated valve module that can be disconnected and reconnected between different ventilators. This segmentation enables patient transfer while maintaining functional integrity of the pressure-limiting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation tube element acts as an intermediary carrier that includes the valve module, allowing the pressure-limiting functionality to be transferred between different ventilators without requiring internal integration into each ventilator device.
2Reliability
If valve modules are placed near the patient within the trachea, then pressure control is optimized, but the system becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the valve module with the ventilation tube element into a single integrated unit. The pressure-limiting element is incorporated into the tube assembly rather than being a separate invasive component, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable pressure control at the patient interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valve systems are designed for fixed internal installation in ventilators, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility for subsequent arrangement and patient transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation tube element with integrated valve module serves multiple functions: it can be used with different ventilator types, enables patient transfer, and maintains pressure control. This universal design allows the same component to function across various ventilator systems without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If transfer units are used for patient transfer between ventilators, then ventilator compatibility is improved, but the ventilation process is interrupted and positive end-expiratory pressure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-limiting element is pre-configured in the ventilation tube element before patient connection. This preliminary setup ensures that pressure control functionality is already in place and will continue uninterrupted during patient transfer between ventilators, eliminating the need for reconfiguration and maintaining continuous positive end-expiratory pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve module in the ventilation tube element maintains continuous pressure control during patient transfer. The pressure-limiting element remains active throughout the transfer process, ensuring uninterrupted ventilation and maintaining positive end-expiratory pressure without interruption.
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
Enables seamless transfer of ventilation systems by maintaining a consistent positive end-expiratory pressure, allowing for simple and cost-effective expansion of ventilation systems without requiring invasive placement or fixed internal installation, ensuring continuous patient ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
a control fluid 60 with a control pressure 61 can be admitted to the control element 50, wherein the exhalation pressure of the exhaled air can be admitted to the control section 40, which is functionally connected to the control element 50
Data Source
AI summary
A valve module (20) for a ventilation system (100), includes a tube interface (21) for connection to a counter-tube interface (14) of an exhalation end (13) of a ventilation tube element (11) as well as a device interface (22) for connection to a counter-device interface (114) of an exhalation port (113) of a ventilator (110). The device interface has an exhalation valve section (24) providing an exhalation flow (93) of exhaled air (92) with an exhalation pressure (94). The exhaled air from the tube interface (21) flows through a module space (23). A ventilation tube device (10), the ventilator (110) as well as the ventilation system are provided with the valve module. Processes are provided for severing and establishing a connection between the device interface, the ventilation tube device and the counter-device interface of the exhalation port of the ventilator of the ventilation system.