NCPAP Flow Splitter for Infant Respiratory Distress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP devices for infants with respiratory distress are often bulky and complex due to the use of multiple jets, which are not suitable for the small size of infants and require complex construction.
Innovation Solution
A nasal CPAP device that utilizes a single jet flow splitter to distribute pressurized gas evenly to both nares, with self-adjusting geometry to accommodate anatomical variations and flow demands, and an exhaust port that diverts excess flow during inhalation and exhalation, reducing the device's size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple jets are used to provide CPAP support to both nares, then the required airway pressure can be delivered, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single jet flow is segmented into two separate flows using a flow splitter, with each segment directed to a separate nare. This allows the device to deliver CPAP pressure to both nares using a single upstream jet, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective pressure delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow splitter acts as an intermediary component that receives a single jet flow and distributes it to two separate channels leading to each nare. This intermediary device enables pressure delivery to both nares without requiring two separate jet sources, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple jets are used to provide CPAP support to both nares, then the required airway pressure can be delivered, but the device size increases and becomes unsuitable for small infants
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the function of two separate jets into a single jet system with a flow splitter. By combining the upstream pressure source into one jet and using the flow splitter to divide it, the device volume is reduced while still providing CPAP support to both nares, making it suitable for small infants.
3Reliability
If complex multiple jet arrangements are used, then CPAP pressure can be delivered to both nares, but the construction becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow splitter segments the single jet flow into two separate channels, each leading to a nare. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing compared to creating two separate jet systems, as it uses a single upstream connection point and a relatively simple splitting geometry that can be easily fabricated.
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 solution provides a compact, simplified, and cost-effective CPAP system that effectively delivers therapeutic airway pressure with reduced patient work-of-breathing, using commonly available gas source pressures and enabling easy monitoring of CPAP pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the flow splitter divides the jet flow into two channel flows directed toward each nare
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust port that diverts excess flow during inhalation and exhalation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A nCPAP device includes an inlet configured for receiving a single gas jet flow. The single gas jet flow supplies gas for both nares. The device also includes a flow splitter configured for proportionally splitting said gas jet flow into two channels for the both nares according to one or more of nare anatomy and flow path resistance.