Oxygenator Lower Cover Layout for CO2 and Condensed Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygenators in ECMO systems have inefficiencies in their gas circuit design, which hampers oxygenation efficiency and does not effectively discharge carbon dioxide and condensed water.
Innovation Solution
A novel oxygenator lower cover structure with a specific layout of a first and second isolation ring, rib structures, and an exhaust port, which parallel to each other, along with a coordinated upper cover structure, to guide and discharge carbon dioxide and water efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the existing oxygenator gas circuit setting is used, then the structure is simple, but the oxygenation efficiency is low and carbon dioxide discharge is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The gas circuit is segmented into distinct functional zones using isolation rings. The first isolation ring divides the first chamber into an inner chamber and an annular chamber, while the second isolation ring further segments the annular chamber. This segmentation creates dedicated pathways for gas flow, improving oxygenation efficiency by ensuring proper mixing and discharge of gases without compromising overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional gas circuit architecture by arranging tubes and chambers in three-dimensional space. The liquid inlet tube, exhaust tube, and isolation rings create vertical and radial layers of gas flow paths. This dimensional arrangement optimizes gas circulation and carbon dioxide discharge efficiency without significantly increasing the device's external footprint or perceived complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the existing oxygenator lower cover structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the discharge of carbon dioxide and condensed water is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation rings act as intermediary structures that mediate between the gas inlet, liquid inlet tube, and exhaust tube. They create intermediate chambers and passages that facilitate the efficient discharge of carbon dioxide and condensed water by directing flow paths. These intermediaries improve discharge efficiency while maintaining manufacturability as they are simple ring structures that can be integrated into the lower cover during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower cover structure implements local quality optimization by placing specific features at strategic locations. The exhaust port is positioned at a specific height and location on the lower cover, the isolation rings are placed at specific intervals, and the rib structures are positioned to guide flow in critical areas. This localized optimization improves discharge efficiency without requiring complex changes to the entire structure, keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the gas circuit is optimized to improve oxygenation efficiency, then the oxygenation performance improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lower cover structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the gas circuit components, facilitates gas and liquid flow, enables thermal management through the liquid inlet tube, and ensures efficient discharge of carbon dioxide and condensed water. By integrating these multiple functions into a single unified structure rather than separate components, the patent improves oxygenation efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The lower cover structure of an oxygenator includes a lower cover body, a liquid inlet tube, and an exhaust tube. A first chamber is provided on the lower cover body. A first isolation ring, a second isolation ring and rib structures are provided in the first chamber. One end of the liquid inlet tube is arranged on the second isolating ring, and the liquid inlet tube is communicated with the channel between the first isolating ring and the second isolating ring. One end of the exhaust tube is arranged on the side wall of the lower cover body, and the exhaust tube is communicated with the channel between the side wall of the lower cover body and the second isolating ring. The liquid inlet tube and the exhaust tube are arranged parallel to each other and on the same side.