Passive Gas Regulating Valve for Respiratory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas regulating valves for respiratory systems are heavy, complex, and expensive, making them uncomfortable and costly, while also requiring complex controllers for operation, which complicates their use and increases size, reducing mobility and comfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A passive gas regulating valve with a simple design using well-known elements, featuring a non-return valve and an inflatable obstructing membrane for coaxial main and evacuation paths, integrated sensors, and a security valve for reliable and safe operation without a complex controller, allowing for easy manufacturing and integration with a mask for direct patient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an electromagnetic gas regulating valve is used to reduce the size of the respiratory system, then the gas supply unit size is reduced and mobility is improved, but the valve becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic valve with a passive mechanical valve system that uses the patient's own breathing pressure to operate. The valve contains no motor, sensor, or electronic components, eliminating the weight associated with electromagnetic actuation while maintaining gas flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to be self-operating using the patient's breathing cycle. During inspiration, positive pressure opens the main valve; during expiration, negative pressure closes it. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources and control systems, significantly reducing weight and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic gas regulating valve is used, then gas flow control is achieved, but the valve becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic control systems with simple mechanical components including a diaphragm, valve seat, and pressure-equalization channel. These passive mechanical elements provide reliable gas flow control without electronics, sensors, or motors, dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is divided into functional segments: an inspiration control section with a diaphragm and main valve, an expiration control section with an expiration valve, and a pressure equalization channel. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying both design and manufacturing while maintaining overall control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a complex controller is used to manage the electromagnetic valve, then precise gas regulation is achieved, but the system size increases and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses the patient's breathing cycle itself to control gas flow. During inspiration, positive pressure automatically opens the main valve to deliver gas. During expiration, negative pressure automatically closes it. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external controllers, sensors, and power sources, keeping the system compact and mobile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from the patient's own breathing to actuate the valve mechanism. The diaphragm responds to pressure changes during the breathing cycle, automatically opening and closing the valve without electronic control. This pneumatic actuation system replaces complex electronic controllers with simple pressure-responsive mechanics.
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 provides a lightweight, affordable, and reliable gas regulating valve that simplifies the respiratory system, ensuring safe and effective gas flow during both inspiration and expiration phases, maintaining balanced Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) and allowing for easy integration with various respiratory systems, enhancing patient mobility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the main path is provided with at least a non-return valve for preventing gas to circulate from the outlet to the inlet
Implementation Method 2
the evacuation path is provided with an obstructing membrane arranged and designed for being deformed by gas from the inlet to partially or fully obstruct the evacuation path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas regulating valve (1) for a respiratory system comprising:—a main path between an inlet (2) and an outlet (3), and—an evacuation path between the outlet (3) and an evacuation orifice (4), characterised in that:—the main path is provided with at least a non-return valve for preventing gas to circulate from the outlet (3) to the inlet (2), and—the evacuation path is provided with an obstructing membrane (10) arranged and designed for being deformed by gas from the inlet (2) to partially or fully obstruct the evacuation path. The invention also relates to a mask integrating such gas regulating valve, and to a respiratory system also comprising such gas regulating valve.