Pediatric Cuvette Insert for Low-Volume CO2 Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cuvettes for measuring CO2 in pediatric patients face challenges due to low tidal volume, requiring reduced internal volume without compromising connection to standard respiratory circuits, and existing solutions are costly or complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A unitary insert with extending members defining a void is used within a conventional cuvette, reducing internal volume while maintaining alignment with optical windows and ensuring easy assembly and secure fit, formed from a resilient material like HDPE via injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the internal volume of the cuvette is reduced to accommodate pediatric tidal volume, then measurement accuracy for pediatric patients is improved, but the cuvette cannot connect to standard respiratory circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The cuvette is divided into two functional sections: an outer housing with standard dimensions for circuit compatibility, and an inner insert with reduced volume for pediatric measurements. The insert contains a sampling channel that defines a reduced internal volume suitable for pediatric tidal volumes, while the outer housing maintains standard connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A smaller cuvette insert is placed inside a larger outer housing. The insert defines the active sampling volume for pediatric patients, while the outer housing provides standard connection interfaces and structural support, allowing the device to interface with standard respiratory circuits while maintaining reduced internal volume.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are used to reduce internal volume, then pediatric measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling channel and volume-reducing structure are integrated into a single insert component that is injection-molded as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate volume-reducing elements and simplifies assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reduced internal volume necessary for pediatric measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the reduced sampling volume, provides the sampling channel pathway, and includes alignment features for optical windows. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while achieving pediatric measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple components are used to reduce internal volume, then pediatric measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is manufactured using injection molding with specific material properties (resilient material like HDPE) and design parameters (wall thicknesses, geometric features) that enable cost-effective production. The single-piece construction and integration of multiple functions into one component reduce assembly steps and manufacturing cost while maintaining pediatric measurement capability.
4Ease of operation
If the insert is made resilient, then secure snap-fit assembly is achieved, but material selection becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with specific resilient properties (elasticity, flexibility) that enable snap-fit assembly into the outer housing. This resilience allows the insert to deform during assembly and then lock securely in place, providing easy assembly and secure fit. Common resilient materials like HDPE are selected to balance assembly ease with manufacturing feasibility.
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
Enables accurate CO2 sampling in pediatric patients with low tidal volume, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, and providing a secure, snap-fit assembly that maintains optical alignment and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 absorbs light at a specific wavelength in the infrared spectrum, and the level of absorption of infrared light detected enables the concentration of CO2 to be inferred
Data Source
AI summary
A gas sampling assembly comprising an insert and a cuvette, and an insert for use in a cuvette, suitable for sampling respiratory gases of paediatric patients, the insert comprising a unitary insert having a hub and at least two extending members extending outwardly from the hub, the at least two extending members defining a void therebetween and the insert being located, in use, at least partially within the sampling channel, and the gas sampling cell assembly being configured such that light passing through the optical window passes into the sampling channel and through the void between the two extending members.