Oxygen Connector Encoding and Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen delivery systems face risks of incorrect and partial connections between patient interfaces and oxygen delivery devices, which can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to patients, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a housing enclosing a first lumen for pressurized oxygen and a second lumen for measuring patient breath pressure, featuring encoding optical reflectivity pads for interface identification and a chamfer for depth measurement, ensuring correct alignment and preventing improper insertion, along with an optional third lumen for gas sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard connection interface is used for connecting patient interface to oxygen delivery device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risks of incorrect and partial connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs an asymmetric design where the optical isolation wall is positioned offset from the center of the connector housing. This asymmetric positioning creates a unique geometric relationship between the isolation wall and the receptacle, allowing the connector to be inserted only in the correct orientation. The asymmetric shape prevents incorrect or partial insertion while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive alignment features.
2Device complexity
If multiple lumens are integrated into a single connector housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lumens (first lumen for pressurized oxygen, second lumen for breath pressure measurement, and optional third lumen for gas sampling) within a single connector housing. This merging of multiple functions into one component reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate connection devices for each function, while the manufacturing precision is managed through integrated molding techniques that ensure proper lumen alignment and positioning relative to the optical isolation wall.
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 connector system significantly reduces the risk of incorrect connections, ensures accurate oxygen delivery, and allows for software constraints based on patient interface type and size, enhancing patient safety by preventing partial or improper connections.
Implementation Method 1
the first top surface portion of the housing comprises at least one encoding optical reflectivity pad configured to enable identification of information relating to the patient interface
Implementation Method 2
the second top surface portion of the housing comprises a chamfer proximal to the open slot, the chamfer configured to enable measurement of a depth of the housing within the oxygen delivery control device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A connector (10) for connecting an oxygen delivery device to a patient interface. The connector includes a housing (15) with a first lumen (20) for delivering oxygen and a second lumen (24) to allow pressure to be measured. A third optional lumen (27) may allow for gas sampling. The housing surrounding the first and second lumen has a portion that includes encoding (30) for determining the type of patient interface being used, as well as a depth indicator (35) sensor.