Patch Cable and Breathing Adapter for Local Gas Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory gas detection systems face challenges such as signal delay, distortion, and alignment issues due to sidestream sampling tubes and the use of optical fibers, which affect accuracy and robustness, particularly in capnography, and are not suitable for battery-powered, portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A patch cable and breathing adapter system that integrates a light guide and electric cable directly at the airways, allowing local detection of respiratory gases without signal transport delays, using single-mode optical fibers and a light detector at the adapter connector to improve accuracy and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If optical fibers are used to guide light from the laser to the breathing adapter and back, then the device can be made small and portable, but signal quality degrades due to interference effects and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light detection function from the remote monitoring module and places it directly at the breathing adapter interface. This eliminates the need for long optical fiber connections between the patient and the monitoring device, thereby removing the source of interference and reflection problems while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electric cable connection at the breathing adapter that carries detection signals directly to the monitoring module, replacing the need for complex optical fiber arrangements. This intermediary solution decouples the optical path from the signal transmission path, eliminating interference issues.
2Measurement precision
If single mode fibers are used to obtain proper and stable CO2 signals, then detection accuracy improves, but positioning and alignment tolerances decrease to 1 micrometer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light detector from the remote monitoring module and integrates it directly into the breathing adapter assembly. This extraction eliminates the need for precise alignment between distant optical components, as the detector is now positioned right at the point of interest where light interaction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the breathing adapter and light detector into a single integrated unit. This combination ensures that the detector is automatically positioned correctly relative to the optical path when the adapter is connected, eliminating separate alignment steps and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If sidestream sampling tubes are used to transport exhalation gases, then the pump can be omitted, but signal delay and distortion occur due to gas transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gas transport system (sampling tubes and pumps) with an optical detection system. By detecting light absorption directly at the breathing adapter where gases interact with the optical path, the system eliminates mechanical transport delays while maintaining simplicity.
4Device complexity
If sidestream sampling tubes are used for gas transport, then the system can be simplified, but the tubes are prone to blockage by respiratory secretions and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the gas transport path and places it directly at the breathing interface. This eliminates the sampling tubes that are susceptible to blockage, as detection occurs where the gas naturally flows without requiring additional transport pathways.
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 provides accurate, reliable, and lightweight respiratory gas detection by eliminating signal delays and alignment issues, enabling a small, battery-powered device for real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
c) a light guide configured to guide light from the module connector to the adapter connector
Implementation Method 2
the absorption of light at a specific wavelength range by the respiratory gas has to be detected to determine the concentration of the respective respiratory gas
Implementation Method 3
the adapter connector comprises a light detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a patch cable for connecting a respiratory module (103) to a breathing adapter (101) being, e.g., part of a capnography system. The patch cable (110) comprises a) a module connector (113), b) an adapter connector (114) comprising a light detector, c) a light guide, and d) an electric cable for directing an electric detection signal generated by the light detector from the adapter connector to the module connector. The adapter connector is configured such that an end of the light guide is positioned to provide the light into a gas cavity of the breathing adapter. The adapter connector is adapted such that the light detector detects light provided by the end of the light guide that has interacted with the gas provided in the gas cavity, when the adapter connector is connected to the breathing adapter. This, allows to improve the accuracy of respiratory gas detection.