Neonatal Resuscitation Device Switching PPV and CPAP

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current PPV and CPAP systems for neonatal resuscitation require a cumbersome switch between ventilation modes and impose higher work of breathing on infants, especially when using specialized CPAP systems, which are also expensive.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first and second fresh gas flow tube, a variable flow CPAP generator, and a pressure release valve, allowing for easy switching between PPV and CPAP without equipment change, reducing the work of breathing by increasing inspiratory flow and eliminating mechanical valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a T-piece system is used to provide both PPV and CPAP, then versatility is improved, but the imposed work of breathing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to provide both PPV and CPAPVSAvoidimposed work of breathing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh gas flow is divided into two separate tubes: a first fresh gas flow tube connected to the CPAP generator and a second fresh gas flow tube that bypasses the generator. This segmentation allows independent control of flows for CPAP and PPV modes, enabling the system to provide both ventilation modes while reducing the work of breathing through optimized flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If specialized CPAP systems are used to reduce work of breathing, then the imposed work of breathing decreases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimposed work of breathingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple functions into a single system that can operate in both PPV and CPAP modes using the same hardware components. The variable flow CPAP generator with its two fresh gas flow tube connections enables the system to adapt to different respiratory support needs without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining low work of breathing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If switching between PPV and CPAP systems is performed, then the appropriate respiratory support can be provided, but time is lost during the switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory support appropriatenessVSAvoidtime to switch equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic flow control capabilities that allow rapid transition between PPV and CPAP modes. By using a variable flow CPAP generator with adjustable fresh gas flows through two tubes, the system can adapt its delivery characteristics in real-time without physical reconfiguration, enabling immediate switching between ventilation modes during resuscitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a single device provides both PPV and CPAP, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching between modesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable flow CPAP generator acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the two fresh gas flow tubes and the patient interface. This intermediate component enables the system to provide both PPV and CPAP functions through a unified structure, simplifying operation while managing complexity through a central control mechanism that handles mode transitions automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 rapid and safe switching between PPV and CPAP, reducing mortality and morbidity, and lowering the need for PPV by minimizing the work of breathing during CPAP treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a first fresh gas flow tube, arranged to provide a first fresh gas flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure release valve, arranged to prevent an excessive positive pressure in a positive pressure ventilation mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure release:

Implementation Method 3

a second fresh gas flow tube, arranged to provide a second fresh gas flow, which is added to the first fresh gas flow in the positive pressure ventilation mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow addition:

Data Source

PatentEP2673033B1System and device for neonatal resuscitation and initial respiratory support
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 NEORES
  • EP2673033B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2673033B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2673033B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and a system for positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for neonatal resuscitation and initial respiratory support. The device and system are designed and tested for preterm and term neonatal use. The device is easy to use and allows rapid switch between PPV and CPAP without change of equipment and significantly reduces the imposed work of breathing for a breathing child treated with CPAP.