PPV CPAP Respiratory Device Flow Resistor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for neonatal resuscitation and respiratory support struggle to provide seamless transitions between positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) without equipment change, and lack the ability to adjust expiratory time constants and imposed work of breathing to optimize respiratory support.

Innovation Solution

A device and system that includes a fresh gas flow inlet, patient interface, CPAP generator, secondary flow channel, and flow resistor to adjust expiratory time constants and imposed work of breathing, allowing for easy switching between PPV and CPAP modes with adjustable resistance to breathing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a T-piece system is used to provide both PPV and CPAP, then the system can support both breathing modes, but the imposed work of breathing increases and the system lacks adjustability for optimizing respiratory mechanics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to provide both PPV and CPAPVSAvoidimposed work of breathing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adjustable resistance elements that allow modification of flow resistance parameters in the expiratory path. By changing resistance values, the system can optimize expiratory time constants and minimize imposed work of breathing while maintaining the ability to provide both PPV and CPAP support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable components including variable resistance elements and controllable flow channels. This allows real-time adaptation of respiratory mechanics parameters to match patient needs, transitioning between different breathing support conditions without switching equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the resistance to breathing is reduced to minimize work of breathing, then patient comfort improves, but the ability to adjust expiratory time constants is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework of breathingVSAvoidadjustability of expiratory time constants
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple adjustable resistance elements positioned at different locations in the expiratory path. By independently varying resistance parameters, the system can simultaneously optimize both work of breathing and expiratory time constants for different clinical scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The expiratory path is divided into multiple flow channels with independently controllable resistance elements. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of different portions of the expiratory flow, enabling independent optimization of time constants and work of breathing parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If equipment is switched between PPV and specialized CPAP systems, then optimized respiratory support is achieved, but operational complexity increases and time is lost during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory support optimizationVSAvoidease of switching between modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a unified respiratory support device that integrates both PPV and CPAP capabilities within a single system. The device maintains a consistent interface and control mechanism for both modes, eliminating the need for equipment switching while providing mode-specific optimization through internal adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic mode-switching capability that allows seamless transition between PPV and CPAP without physical equipment changes. Control parameters and flow characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on the selected mode, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving mode-specific optimization

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

Enables optimization of respiratory support by allowing adjustments to expiratory time constants and imposed work of breathing, improving care for infants by reducing equipment changes and optimizing respiratory mechanics.

Implementation Method 1

a flow resistor arranged between the outlet and the first end of the secondary flow channel to provide a resistance to a flow in a direction towards the outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP4351686B1Device and system for PPV and CPAP treatment
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 NEORES
  • EP4351686B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4351686B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4351686B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

24 ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a device for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment comprising a fresh gas flow inlet, arranged to receive a fresh gas flow from a 5 fresh gas flow tube connectable thereto; a patient interface end, which is connectable with a patient interface; an outlet comprising an open end; a CPAP generator comprising first, second, and third connection portions, wherein the first connection portion is connected with the fresh gas flow inlet, the second connection portion is connected with the patient interface end, 10 and the third connection portion is connected with the outlet, wherein the CPAP generator is arranged to provide a primary fresh gas flow when receiving the fresh gas flow from the fresh gas flow inlet, and a generated CPAP level is adjustable by varying the fresh gas flow. The device further comprises a secondary flow channel comprising first and second ends, the 15 first end being connected with at least one of the second connection portion, the third connection portion, and the patient interface end, wherein the secondary flow channel is configured to provide a secondary fresh gas flow to be added, at least in the PPV mode, to the primary fresh gas flow; and a flow resistor arranged between the outlet and the first end of the secondary 20 flow channel to provide a resistance to a flow in a direction towards the outlet. Figure elected for publication purposes: Fig. 1