Modular Ventilation Support for Portable, Extended-Range Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems lack flexibility in configuration and support types, failing to adapt to different patient needs for mobility and duration of use, limiting the quality of life for individuals requiring mechanical ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A modular ventilation system comprising a compressor unit, ventilator, and patient interface, allowing transition between stationary, extended range, and stand-alone configurations, enabling flexible use based on patient needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the ventilation system is designed to be compact and portable, then mobility is improved, but the duration of use and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is divided into separate modular components: a ventilator unit, a compressor unit, and a patient interface. These segments can be connected or disconnected based on the desired configuration, allowing the system to transition between portable and stationary modes of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability where components can be connected or disconnected to change the system's operational characteristics. The ventilator can be docked with the compressor for extended use or undocked for portability, providing adaptability between conflicting requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the ventilation system is designed for extended duration of use, then reliability is improved, but portability and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ventilator from the compressor into independent modules, the system allows users to choose between a compact portable configuration (ventilator only) and an extended duration configuration (ventilator docked with compressor), resolving the contradiction between portability and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilator unit is designed to function independently as a portable unit or to be docked with the compressor for extended operation. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve different purposes, eliminating the need for separate systems for portability and duration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ventilation system uses a fixed configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized interfaces to connect modular components, providing configuration flexibility without requiring complex custom assemblies. The ventilator, compressor, and patient interface can be connected in different configurations using the same docking mechanism, simplifying the system despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized docking interface enables the same components to serve multiple functions and configurations. The ventilator can operate independently or with the compressor, and the patient interface can connect to either configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular ventilatory support systems and methods are disclosed in which a user may transition the system between a stationary configuration, an extended range configuration, and a stand-alone configuration. The modular components of the system include a compressor unit, a ventilator which may dock with the compressor unit, and a patient interface which may be connected to either the compressor unit or the ventilator unit. By rearranging these modular components into different configurations, mobility and duration of use may be optimized to fit the present needs. In the stationary configuration, mobility is most restricted, but duration of use is maximized. In the extended range configuration, mobility is enhanced, with duration of use limited by the battery power of the ventilator. In the stand-alone configuration, mobility is maximized, with duration of use limited by battery power of the ventilator and the quantity of an external gas supply.