ICU Portable Nebulizer with Airflow Sensor for Respiratory Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nebulization devices used with ventilators lack the ability to actively synchronize with the respiratory frequency of the ventilator, leading to potential dangers due to unsynchronized nebulization and respiration, and require high operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A portable nebulization device with a nebulization control host and generator that includes a sensor to detect the ventilator's airflow, ensuring synchronized respiratory frequency matching, and a simple, convenient operation design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nebulization device uses a fixed spray frequency matching the ventilator's set respiratory frequency, then the device structure is simple, but the nebulization frequency cannot be actively synchronized with the actual respiratory frequency, leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor that detects the actual respiratory frequency in real-time and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the nebulization spray frequency to match the detected respiratory frequency, ensuring synchronized operation. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling active synchronization while maintaining reasonable device complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The nebulization device autonomously determines the respiratory frequency by using a sensor to detect airflow changes during respiration. The control unit automatically adjusts the spray frequency based on detected respiratory patterns without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable synchronization while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If the air cavity is integrated with the nebulization cavity, then the structure is compact, but the airflow detection interferes with the nebulization spray and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal structure into separate functional cavities: a nebulization cavity for medication delivery and an air cavity for airflow detection. The partition wall with communication holes physically separates these functions while allowing controlled interaction. This segmentation ensures that airflow detection does not interfere with nebulization spray and vice versa, resolving the contradiction between functional independence and structural compactness.
3Reliability
If the nebulization device requires manual operation to set and match respiratory frequency, then the device structure is simple, but the operational complexity is high and synchronization is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects respiratory frequency through built-in sensors and autonomously adjusts the nebulization spray frequency to match the detected respiratory patterns. The control unit processes sensor signals and regulates the nebulization generator without requiring manual input from the user. This eliminates the need for users to manually set and match frequencies, ensuring reliable synchronization while greatly simplifying operation.
4Weight of moving object
If the nebulization device is designed for portability, then the device weight and size are reduced, but the integration of sensor and control systems may increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor, control unit, and nebulization generator into a single portable device. The control unit receives signals from the sensor and directly controls the nebulization generator, merging detection and control functions within one compact system. This integration enables automatic respiratory frequency synchronization while maintaining portability, as the combined system eliminates the need for separate external control devices and reduces overall system complexity.
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 ensures synchronized respiratory and nebulization therapy, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while reducing user operational complexity and allowing for easy cleaning and portability.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor connected with the first circuit board is provided in the air cavity
Implementation Method 2
uses an atomizer to atomize the medicinal solution into tiny particles for inhalation by a user into the respiratory tract through breathing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ICU-special portable nebulization device enabling autonomous respiration according to airflow, which includes a nebulization control host, a nebulization generator provided on the nebulization control host, and a tee connecting pipe provided on the nebulization generator; the nebulization generator comprises a bottom housing, a medicinal solution tank provided on the bottom housing and spaced apart from a space of the bottom housing, a medicinal solution outlet provided on the bottom of the medicinal solution tank, an air guide port provided on the bottom housing at the same side as the medicinal solution outlet, a nozzle tube sheathed on the periphery of the medicinal solution outlet and the air guide port, a partition provided in the nozzle tube which separates the medicinal solution outlet and the air guide port.