Nasal Cannula Flame Detector With Burnable Wire Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oxygen therapy devices do not adequately secure the oxygen flow when flames are detected near the oxygen delivery system, leading to potential burns and fires.

Innovation Solution

An electronic nasal cannula flame detector and oxygen shut-off device that includes a user interface device, a flow tube, and an electronic shut-off valve. The device features a wire conductor that extends across the outlets of the nasal prongs, configured to burn and break the power circuit in the presence of fire, thereby shutting off the oxygen flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fire stop valve with thermal fuse is used in the oxygen delivery tube, then the oxygen flow is secured when fire reaches the valve, but the fire is supplied by oxygen flow during the time it travels up the tubing to the valve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen flow securityVSAvoidburn risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places a flame detector at the patient interface (nasal cannula or mask) to detect flames before they travel up the oxygen delivery tubing to the fire stop valve. This preliminary detection allows the system to shut off oxygen flow at the source before the fire reaches the thermal fuse, preventing the harmful period where fire is supplied by oxygen flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flame detector acts as an intermediary between the fire hazard and the fire stop valve. Instead of relying solely on the thermal fuse to respond to fire, the flame detector provides early warning and triggers the electronic shut-off valve to close, mediating the response to prevent burns before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the fire must travel up the oxygen delivery tube to reach the thermal fuse, then the valve secures oxygen flow, but severe burns can be sustained by the burning tubing during the travel time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve security functionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flame detector performs preliminary detection of fire at the patient interface before the fire travels up the tubing. This allows the electronic shut-off valve to close immediately upon detection, eliminating the time delay associated with fire traveling to the thermal fuse and reducing the response time to prevent burns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If oxygen flow continues during the time required for fire to travel the length of tubing, then the valve eventually stops flow, but inhalation burns are possible and may be exacerbated by toxic gas release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow shutdown capabilityVSAvoidinhalation burns and toxic exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flame detector provides preliminary detection and triggers immediate shutdown of oxygen flow via the electronic valve, preventing the period where toxic burning tubing is present in the patient's breathing path. This eliminates the harmful effects of inhalation burns and toxic gas exposure before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flame detector provides real-time feedback on the presence of fire at the patient interface, which immediately triggers the electronic shut-off valve to close. This feedback mechanism ensures oxygen flow is stopped promptly when fire is detected, preventing continued exposure to harmful conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively prevents the continuation of oxygen flow when flames are detected, reducing the risk of burns and fires associated with oxygen therapy.

Implementation Method 1

A first portion of the wire conductor extends across (e.g., spans) the at least one outlet of the user interface device and is configured to burn in the presence of fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

An electronic shut-off valve is disposed in the flow tube and movable from a first position allowing oxygen flow through the flow tube to a second position preventing oxygen flow through the flow tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20250090783A1Electronic Nasal Cannula Flame Detector And Oxygen Shutoff Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

An electronic nasal cannula flame detector and oxygen shut-off device may include a nasal cannula with a pair of outlets, each outlet being configured for insertion into a nostril of the user. A flow tube has an inlet in fluid communication with the oxygen source and one outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the cannula. An electronic shut-off valve is disposed in the flow tube and movable from a first position allowing oxygen flow to a second position preventing oxygen flow. A wire conductor provides power from a battery to maintain the electronic shut-off valve in the open position. A portion of the wire conductor extends across at least one outlet of the cannula and is configured to burn in the presence of fire.