Non-sealing High Flow Therapy Device Microprocessor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive ventilation systems require sealed patient interfaces, which are less comfortable and more difficult to apply compared to non-sealed interfaces like nasal cannulas, but non-sealed interfaces do not function properly with these systems due to gas and pressure loss.

Innovation Solution

A high flow therapy system that delivers heated and humidified respiratory gas through a non-sealing patient interface, utilizing a microprocessor-controlled system to manage high flow rates and generate positive airway pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a sealed patient interface is used with NIV systems, then positive airway pressure can be generated, but patient comfort and ease of application deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive airway pressureVSAvoidease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the flow rate parameter to high flows (typically 30-60 L/min) to compensate for the lack of seal, generating positive airway pressure through high velocity gas delivery rather than through sealing mechanisms. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more comfortable non-sealed interfaces while maintaining therapeutic pressure effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic flow delivery with the ability to adjust flow rates in real-time to maintain positive airway pressure. The microprocessor-controlled flow generation adapts to patient needs and breathing patterns, providing dynamic pressure support without requiring a sealed interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a non-sealing patient interface is used, then patient comfort and ease of application improve, but gas and pressure are lost to atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidgas loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for gas loss by increasing the flow rate parameter to high levels. The microprocessor controls the flow generator to deliver sufficient high-flow gas that accounts for atmospheric losses, ensuring adequate therapeutic delivery despite the open interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous high-flow gas delivery to maintain constant positive airway pressure support. The uninterrupted flow ensures that therapeutic effects are maintained continuously despite the non-sealing nature of the interface, compensating for ongoing gas loss to atmosphere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stress or pressure

If high flow rates are delivered through a non-sealing interface, then positive airway pressure is generated, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive airway pressureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical sealing mechanisms with a microprocessor-controlled flow generation system. This substitution uses electronic control and high-velocity gas dynamics rather than mechanical sealing components, achieving positive airway pressure through controlled gas delivery rather than physical sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microprocessor acts as an intermediary between the flow generator and the patient interface, precisely controlling flow rates to generate the required positive airway pressure. This intelligent control system coordinates the complex interactions between high-flow delivery and the non-sealing interface, managing system complexity through sophisticated software control.

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

The system effectively delivers respiratory support with high flow rates, improving patient comfort and therapeutic outcomes by maintaining positive airway pressure even with a non-sealing interface, thus addressing the limitations of traditional NIV systems.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to heat the respiratory gas to a temperature between about 30°C and about 40°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a humidifier configured to humidify the respiratory gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250025649A1Non-sealing high flow therapy device and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A high flow therapy system for delivering heated and humidified respiratory gas to an airway of a patient, the system including a respiratory gas flow pathway for delivering the respiratory gas to the airway of the patient by way of a non-sealing respiratory interface; wherein flow rate of the pressurized respiratory gas is controlled by a microprocessor.