Pneumatic CPAP Device Using Patient CO2 for Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive ventilation devices for respiratory difficulties, particularly those caused by coronavirus infections like COVID-19, are complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for hospital use and requiring extensive training, whereas a simpler, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution is needed for treating patients in a hospital setting.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, entirely pneumatic continuous positive pressure (CPAP) ventilation device with a gas intake module, ventilation module, and flexible gas delivery line, operating without a micro-blower or electric power, featuring a gas reservoir, exhaust valve, and PEEP adjustment system, designed for easy manufacturing and use by healthcare personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a micro-blower and control means are used to power the ventilation device, then the device can operate autonomously for home use, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the micro-blower and electrical control components from the ventilation system, extracting the active pumping function and replacing it with a passive pneumatic system that uses patient exhaled CO2 to drive gas flow through the circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own exhaled breath (containing CO2) as the driving force for gas circulation, eliminating the need for external power sources or active pumping mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If a micro-blower and control system are integrated into the ventilation device, then the device can deliver precise ventilation control, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical micro-blower control system with a mechanical pneumatic system that uses pressure differentials and one-way valves to achieve ventilation control without electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The system replicates the function of an active pump using passive pneumatic principles and the patient's own respiratory mechanics, creating a simplified analog of the desired ventilation function
3Extent of automation
If electrical power and control means are required for operation, then the device can provide automated ventilation support, but extensive training is required for healthcare personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically regulates ventilation based on the patient's own respiratory efforts and exhaled CO2 levels, requiring minimal operator intervention or specialized training to operate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes electrical power requirements and complex control electronics, simplifying the device to basic pneumatic components that are inherently easier to operate and troubleshoot
4Reliability
If existing complex ventilation systems are used, then effective respiratory support can be provided, but the devices are too expensive and complex for hospital-wide deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ventilation system into simple, separable pneumatic components (one-way valves, flow meters, reservoirs) that can be manufactured independently and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from electrical control to pneumatic pressure-driven flow, using the patient's own respiratory mechanics as the control signal rather than electronic sensors and actuators
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 device provides effective respiratory support with adjustable positive expiratory pressure, reducing patient effort and improving oxygenation, suitable for hospital use without the need for extensive training, and can be manufactured in large numbers for rapid deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a gas reservoir (107) forming a reserve of oxygen available to the patient and supplied to the patient's airways with a view to ensuring good oxygenation of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust valve (205) configured to allow CO2-rich gas to escape to the atmosphere via an exhaust port (207) during each expiratory phase of the patient and to prevent gas escape to the atmosphere during each inspiratory phase of the patient
Implementation Method 3
The invention relates to a non-invasive, entirely pneumatic continuous positive pressure (CPAP) ventilation device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation device comprising a gas inlet module (100), a ventilation module (200), and a gas delivery line (300) fluidically connecting the gas inlet module (100) to the ventilation module (200). This device allows for the treatment of patients suffering from respiratory difficulties or failure, particularly those infected with a coronavirus affecting their lung capacity, such as COVID-19.