Removable Humidifier with Semi-Permeable Membrane for Respiratory Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers for respiratory apparatus are prone to liquid water spillage, which can contaminate the gas conduit or electronics, and lack ease of construction, disposability, and hygiene features.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier apparatus with a removable and replaceable water supply distribution member and heater, utilizing a thin envelope with semi-permeable membrane and capillary action for efficient water vaporization, and a filter to prevent contamination, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a tub-of-water humidifier is used, then sufficient humidity can be provided to the patient, but liquid water spillage occurs when the humidifier is not maintained in a substantially vertical orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-walled collapsible water reservoir that can be compressed to dispense liquid water. The thin flexible walls allow the reservoir to collapse as water is dispensed, maintaining structural integrity while enabling controlled water release. This resolves the spillage issue by providing a contained, pressure-controlled delivery system rather than an open tub configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a one-way valve as an intermediary component between the water reservoir and the humidification system. This valve selectively permits water vapor and small amounts of liquid to pass while preventing backflow and uncontrolled spillage. The valve acts as a mediator that controls the interface between the water storage system and the gas flow path.
2Quantity of substance
If a semi-permeable membrane is used to isolate liquid water from gas flow, then water vapor can be entrained into the gas flow, but the water and gas flow chambers require generous volumes resulting in high thermal capacity and slow thermal response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water storage function from a large fixed chamber and places it in a portable, collapsible reservoir that can be positioned optimally within the humidifier housing. This allows the water supply to be separated from the main gas flow chamber, enabling compact design with rapid thermal response while maintaining adequate water vapor supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic, collapsible water reservoir that changes volume as water is dispensed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain efficient thermal contact between the heating element and the water supply throughout the dispensing cycle, ensuring rapid thermal response compared to static large-volume chambers.
3Quantity of substance
If a heater is situated within a water-containing envelope of semi-permeable membrane material, then water vapor can be generated, but the device construction becomes complex and less amenable to disposability and hygiene requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water reservoir, heating element, and dispensing mechanism into an integrated disposable humidifier unit. The collapsible reservoir is pre-assembled with the heating components in a compact configuration that simplifies construction and enables single-use disposal, eliminating complex assembly and cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the entire humidifier assembly including the water reservoir as a disposable unit. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures hygiene by replacing the entire water-containing system after each use. The simplified construction makes disposable manufacturing economically viable.
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 solution prevents water spillage, enhances ease of maintenance, and improves hygiene by allowing for the removal and replacement of components, ensuring efficient and effective humidification while maintaining patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A semi-permeable membrane may be used to isolate the liquid water from the gas flow. The semi-permeable membrane has the characteristic of allowing water vapour to pass through it but not liquid water.
Implementation Method 2
a heater apparatus that is in thermal contact with the water supply distribution member
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a thin envelope with semi-permeable membrane and capillary action for efficient water vaporization
Data Source
AI summary
Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapour to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.