Refurbishable Exhalation Valve Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical ventilator exhalation valve sensor assemblies face challenges in controlling pressure and flow rate, monitoring exhalation gases, and preventing contamination from patient-exhaled materials, which can lead to clogging and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A refurbishable exhalation valve sensor assembly with a kit for maintenance, including a circular diaphragm, ring-shaped filter seal, and pressure sensor filter, along with a method for disassembly, disinfection, and reassembly to prevent contamination and extend the life of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exhalation valve sensor assembly is made disposable, then contamination prevention is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exhalation valve assembly is divided into disposable components (filter seal, diaphragm) and reusable components (sensor body, housing). The disposable parts are segmented as separate replaceable elements that can be independently removed and discarded after use, while the main sensor assembly is retained for refurbishment and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a refurbishment process where the reusable sensor assembly is recovered from the disposable unit, cleaned, disinfected, and prepared for reuse. The disposable components (filter seal and diaphragm) are discarded after a single use, while the valuable sensor electronics and housing are recovered and restored for subsequent use cycles.
2Loss of substance
If the exhalation valve assembly is made refurbishable, then waste is reduced, but complexity of maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into modular components with clear boundaries between disposable and reusable parts. The filter seal and diaphragm are designed as separate, easily removable components, while the sensor body remains as a distinct reusable unit. This segmentation simplifies the refurbishment process by defining exactly what needs to be removed and what can be retained.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable components (filter seal and diaphragm) are extracted from the reusable sensor assembly through simple removal actions. The filter seal is pulled from its groove and the diaphragm is detached from the valve mechanism, allowing the reusable portion to be isolated for refurbishment without complex disassembly procedures.
3Reliability
If filters and seals are made replaceable, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter seal and diaphragm are designed as inexpensive, single-use components that are discarded after one patient use. These disposable elements provide reliable contamination barriers without requiring complex maintenance or sterilization processes, as they are simply replaced with new sterile components for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the assembly have different quality requirements: the filter seal and diaphragm are designed as disposable with simple construction optimized for single use, while the sensor body maintains higher quality standards with reusable electronics and housing. This local differentiation of quality and durability requirements optimizes both contamination prevention and cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an exhalation valve sensor assembly. The disclosure describes a novel exhalation valve sensor assembly that is configured for refurbishing. Accordingly, the disclosure further describes systems and methods for maintaining an exhalation valve assembly and describes a kit for refurbishing an exhalation valve sensor assembly.