Breathing Assist Motor Isolation Mount for Oxygen Explosion Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is an explosion safety risk if high concentration oxygen gases come into contact with electrical and/or electronic components in breathing assistance apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A bearing mount design that isolates the gas flow from electrical and electronic components, featuring an annular body with a central bore and a ledge for radial and axial support of the bearing, and a flexible or resilient material that can deform to reduce the force transmitted to the bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentration oxygen gas is used in the gas flow, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the explosion safety risk increases when oxygen contacts electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing mount divides the support structure into distinct functional zones: a rigid portion for precise bearing positioning and support, and a flexible portion for vibration isolation and force absorption. This segmentation allows the rigid part to maintain bearing alignment while the flexible part protects against oxygen-induced explosion forces
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing mount utilizes material property changes through its flexible portion that can deform under force. This parameter change allows the mount to absorb impact forces from potential oxygen explosions, transforming the rigid support function into a dynamic protection mechanism that maintains bearing support while mitigating explosion risks
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid bearing mount is used to precisely support the bearing, then the bearing alignment is improved, but the force from oxygen explosions is directly transmitted to the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing mount is divided into rigid and flexible portions with distinct functions. The rigid portion ensures precise bearing alignment and positioning, while the flexible portion acts as a force-absorbing element that deforms under oxygen explosion forces, preventing direct force transmission to the bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the bearing mount is designed in advance to absorb and mitigate forces from potential oxygen explosions. This beforehand cushioning protects the bearing from sudden impact forces while the rigid portion maintains precise alignment, preparing the system to withstand explosion forces before they occur
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collar has a narrower outer diameter than the annular body, then a recess is formed for flexibility, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing mount structure is segmented into the annular body and the collar, with the recess providing a flexible zone. This segmentation allows the recess area to deform and absorb explosion forces while the annular body and collar maintain sufficient structural strength for bearing support, distributing the strength-f flexibility trade-off across different structural zones
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 effectively isolates the gas flow from electrical components, reducing the risk of explosions and providing a safe and reliable apparatus for delivering gas to patients.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the bearing mount is arranged to flex or resiliently deform when a force is applied to the bearing mount to reduce the amount of the force that is translated to the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas having a controller, a housing defining a gasflow passage, a motor with an impeller to deliver gas through the gasflow passage, and a flexible printed circuit electrically connected to the motor for electrically connecting the motor to the controller. There is also provided an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas having a housing defining a gasflow passage. The gas flowing through the gasflow passage is a high concentration oxygen gas. The apparatus has a motor with windings and an impeller to deliver gas through the gasflow passage, and an elastomeric shield to pneumatically isolate the windings from the gasflow passage.