Multipoint Gas Injector for Homogeneous NO Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas injection modules for delivering nitric oxide (NO) in respiratory therapies face challenges in achieving homogeneous gas mixtures with low resistance, compact design, and efficient performance across varying dosages and flow rates, while also risking the formation of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) due to prolonged gas transport times.
Innovation Solution
A gas injection module with a multipoint injection system, featuring a hollow element with multiple gas outlet openings distributed across the section of the gas conveying line, positioned close to the patient to minimize transport time and oxidization, and integrated with a sampling device for real-time analysis, ensuring homogeneous mixing and toxic compound control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point injection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas mixture homogeneity deteriorates with concentration variations up to 100:1
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into multiple injection points distributed across the conveying line section. The hollow element contains multiple outlet openings (at least 3, preferably 5-20) arranged to inject gas at different locations, transforming a single-point injection into a distributed multi-point system that achieves homogeneous mixing without excessive complexity
2Loss of time
If the injection module is placed far from the patient, then gas mixing time is increased allowing turbulent flow homogenization, but the transport time increases risking NO2 formation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas injection process is segmented into multiple stages at different locations along the conveying line. By distributing injection points throughout the line rather than using a single distant injection point, the system achieves progressive mixing that reduces the time required to reach homogeneous composition, thereby minimizing NO2 formation risk while maintaining effective gas mixing
3Measurement precision
If multiple modules (injection and sampling) are used, then the gas analysis precision is improved, but the device complexity and operating field complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The injection module and sampling module are merged into a single integrated unit. The sampling device is positioned within the same module body as the injection system, with sampling orifices arranged to access the mixed gas flow downstream of the injection points. This integration eliminates the need for separate modules and their associated connectors, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise gas analysis capability
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 module achieves homogeneous gas mixing with low resistance and reduced NO2 formation, ensuring accurate and safe delivery of NO-based gas mixtures, even at low flow rates, by distributing the secondary gas at multiple points within the main gas flow, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
the turbulent flow of gases participates in supplying the patient with a correctly mixed fluid
Implementation Method 2
a gas injector formed of a hollow element comprising a gas inlet opening allowing gas to enter the hollow element and a plurality of gas outlet openings allowing gas to exit from the hollow element
Implementation Method 3
under the effect of oxygen, oxidizes to form a highly toxic compound, namely nitrogen dioxide NO2
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas injection module (12) for a gas mixture distribution system, particularly for gaseous NO, comprising a module body through which a gas delivery line (15) passes and a gas injector (40) formed of a hollow element (22) having a gas inlet orifice (29) allowing gas to enter the hollow element (22) and several gas outlet orifices (41) allowing gas to exit the hollow element (22). The module body has a first lateral orifice (23) provided in the peripheral wall (28) of the line (15) and at least a second lateral orifice (24, 25, 26) also provided in said peripheral wall (28).The gas injector (40) is arranged in the line (15) such that the first lateral orifice (23) is located opposite the gas inlet orifice (29) of the hollow element (22) and that at least some of the gas outlet orifices (41) are arranged to distribute gas to several injection points in the section of the gas delivery line (15). At least a second lateral orifice (24, 25, 26) is provided in the peripheral wall (28) of the gas delivery line (15), between the gas injector (40) and the gas outlet end (30) of said line (15).