NO Delivery Bypass Dosing for Controller Failure Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NO delivery systems are susceptible to malfunctions that can lead to abrupt discontinuation of therapy, posing risks to patients, especially when used with high-frequency oscillation ventilators, and current emergency dosing mechanisms fail to maintain safe NO therapy during such failures.
Innovation Solution
An NO delivery device with an emergency dosing system that includes an emergency solenoid valve and flow rate control device, which switches to a pre-fixed emergency flow rate based on previous measurements to ensure continuous NO delivery during malfunctions, bypassing the primary injection line and using a calibrated orifice to regulate the flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an emergency dosing system is implemented to ensure continuous NO therapy during malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency solenoid valve is pre-configured in a normally open state, allowing emergency gas flow to be automatically activated without requiring complex control logic or power supply during malfunction. The valve only closes during normal operation when controlled by the operating means, simplifying the emergency response mechanism while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass line is introduced as an intermediary pathway that allows gas to flow independently of the main injection line controlled by the complex operating means. This bypass line with the emergency solenoid valve provides a simple, reliable alternative route that activates automatically during malfunctions, reducing dependency on the complex primary control system.
2Reliability
If a bypass line with emergency solenoid valve is added to the injection line, then reliability during malfunction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency solenoid valve serves multiple functions: it normally remains open to allow bypass flow, can be closed by the operating means during normal operation to stop emergency flow, and automatically opens during malfunctions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for normal and emergency operations, minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency dosing system is designed to be self-activating during malfunctions through the normally open emergency solenoid valve, which automatically allows bypass flow without requiring external control signals or power supply when the operating means fails. The system serves itself during emergency conditions, reducing the need for additional monitoring and control components.
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
Ensures continuous and safe NO therapy during device malfunctions, maintaining desired dosage levels and preventing adverse effects, compatible with various ventilator types including high-frequency oscillation ventilators.
Implementation Method 1
an emergency solenoid valve configured to be normally in an open position in order to permit a circulation of gas in the emergency line
Implementation Method 2
a flow rate control device... configured to supply the gas at a pre-fixed emergency flow rate of gas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an NO delivery device for supplying an NO-containing gas, including an NO injection line, a flow rate measurement device and a valve device. The valve device is normally closed. An emergency line connected to the injection line includes an emergency solenoid valve, which is normally open, and a flow rate control device. An operating unit operates these elements. In the event of malfunction of the operating unit, the emergency solenoid valve passes to an open position, whilst the valve device passes to a closed position. The flow rate control device supplies the gas at a pre-fixed emergency flow rate of gas, determined on the basis of the gas flow rate measurements supplied by the flow rate measurement device during the normal functioning of the device prior to the malfunction. Gas supply installation including such an NO delivery device and a medical ventilator.