Respiration Flow-Metering Conduit with Laminar Flow Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiration arrangements face a conflict between cost and measurement accuracy, particularly in flow sensors used for monitoring ventilation, due to the risk of cross-contamination and the need for precise flow measurement.
Innovation Solution
A device for a respiration arrangement that includes a conduit with a flow constriction and a flow guiding element to control fluid flow, ensuring accurate measurement by guiding fluid towards the constriction and reducing turbulence, while also minimizing dead space and contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow sensor based on the Venturi principle is carefully designed with precise geometry to achieve high measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow constriction from a complex precisely-engineered Venturi shape to a simple cylindrical constriction with a specific diameter ratio (0.2-0.5). This parameter simplification maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity. The cylindrical shape with controlled diameter ratio achieves sufficient flow restriction without requiring complex geometry optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a flow guiding element with specific surface properties (smooth inner surface) only in the critical region where flow enters the constriction. This localized optimization ensures laminar flow conditions at the measurement point without requiring the entire conduit to have complex geometry, thus maintaining accuracy while simplifying overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a single-use unit is used to prevent cross-contamination between patients, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to the need for accurate flow measurement components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable flow metering device with simplified geometry (cylindrical constriction instead of complex Venturi) that reduces manufacturing costs. The simplified design maintains sufficient measurement accuracy for clinical use while enabling cost-effective single-use implementation, thus preventing cross-contamination without excessive cost penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the constriction geometry parameters to a simple cylindrical shape with diameter ratio 0.2-0.5, which can be manufactured cost-effectively for single-use units. This parameter simplification allows the device to be disposed of after one use without significant cost increase, maintaining both reliability through single-use and affordability.
3Measurement precision
If a flow constriction is introduced to measure pressure difference for flow measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but dead space in the conduit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the diameter ratio parameter to 0.2-0.5, which provides sufficient flow restriction for accurate pressure differential measurement while minimizing the volume of the constriction element. This parameter optimization ensures that the flow metering device achieves measurement precision without excessive dead space that could affect respiratory gas exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from a complex external flow sensor and integrates it directly into the conduit wall as a simple cylindrical constriction. This integration eliminates additional dead space that would be introduced by separate sensor components, maintaining minimal dead space while achieving measurement precision through the pressure differential across the constriction.
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 accurate flow measurement in both directions, reduces contamination risk, and minimizes dead space, thereby improving respiration support procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a flow constriction, arranged in the conduit which upon fluid flow through the conduit results in a pressure difference over the flow constriction
Implementation Method 2
configured to guide fluid flow to the flow constriction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for a respiration arrangement. The device comprises a conduit having a first opening connectable to an air/gas source such as a resuscitation bag, and a second opening connectable to a face mask, such that a fluid pathway along a longitudinal direction of the conduit is established from the first opening to the second opening. The device further comprises a flow constriction, arranged in the conduit which upon fluid flow through the conduit results in a pressure difference over the flow constriction, the flow constriction at least partly comprising a laminar flow section, wherein the device further comprises at least one pressure connecting port arranged in pressurized communication with fluid between the flow constriction and the first opening, and wherein the pressure connecting port is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the conduit.