Patient Module Valve Protection via HME Filter Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient ventilation devices face challenges in maintaining a dry environment for valves and sensors within the patient module, leading to potential operational issues due to moisture from exhaled breathing gas, and require effective filtration to prevent contamination and ensure reusability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) filter upstream of the valve section to separate the 'wet' and 'dry' areas within the patient module, with an optional particle filter positioned to minimize moisture exposure and enhance filtration efficiency, allowing bidirectional flow while maintaining the dryness of critical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the valve section and sensors are placed within the patient module, then the device can be compact and reusable, but moisture from exhaled breathing gas will contaminate these components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of valve section and sensorsVSAvoidmoisture contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patient module is divided into distinct functional zones: a wet area where the HME filter is located to handle moisture, and a dry area where the valve section and sensors are positioned to remain moisture-free. This spatial segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment while maintaining overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The HME filter acts as an intermediary barrier between the wet exhaled breathing gas and the dry valve section/sensors. It selectively removes moisture and microorganisms from the gas stream, protecting critical components while allowing the system to remain compact and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter is added to prevent moisture and microorganism contamination, then component reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of valve section and sensorsVSAvoidfiltration system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HME filter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it removes moisture, filters microorganisms, and facilitates heat and mass exchange between inhaled and exhaled gases. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, maintaining system compactness while enhancing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The HME filter is designed as a disposable component that is replaced periodically, while the valve section and sensors remain reusable. This approach simplifies the overall system by accepting that the filter will degrade and needs replacement, rather than attempting to make the entire assembly permanent and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the particle filter is positioned for bidirectional flow, then filtration coverage is maximized, but exhalation resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidexhalation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The particle filter is configured with directional flow characteristics that adapt to the breathing cycle. During inhalation, the filter captures particles effectively; during exhalation, the flow path is optimized to minimize resistance. This dynamic flow management allows the filter to perform its protective function without significantly impeding the exhalation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration prevents moisture and microorganisms from reaching the valve section and sensors, ensuring their operability, allows for the reuse of components, and reduces exhalation resistance by positioning the particle filter for inspiratory use only, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the patient ventilation system.

Implementation Method 1

a HME filter (30), which is spaced apart from the valve section (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

an optional particle filter positioned to minimize moisture exposure and enhance filtration efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11458269B2Device for ventilating a patient and process for the operation of the device

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 DRAGERWERK AG

AI summary

A patient module (10) is intended for use when ventilating a patient with a pressure source (24) that can be fluidically coupled via the patient module (10) to a patient interface (26), which can be connected to the airways of a patient. The patient module (10) includes a housing (12) and a valve section (14) in the housing (12) as well as an HME filter (30) spaced apart from the valve section (14). The HME filter (30) is located upstream of the valve section (14) in relation to an expiratory volume flow, so that the HME filter (30) divides an interior of the housing (12) into a dry area and an area coming into contact with the moisture carried along by the exhaled breathing gas. The valve section (14) is located in the dry area. A process for operating the patient module (10) includes calibration steps.