Respiratory Bypass Adaptor for Ventilator Compatibility Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Respiratory assistance systems face challenges with inspiratory conduits that are incompatible with standard ventilator connectors, preventing temporary bypass of humidification devices for testing or other purposes, and lack effective mechanisms to prevent liquid overflow in humidification chambers.

Innovation Solution

Inspiratory conduits with specialized connectors and bypass adaptors allow temporary connection to ventilators without humidification devices, while humidification chambers feature floats and valves to prevent liquid overflow, and port caps ensure proper orientation and secure closure during shipping and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inspiratory conduits use specialized connectors for humidification devices, then connector compatibility with ventilators is improved, but the ability to temporarily bypass humidification devices for testing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidtemporary bypass capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A bypass adaptor serves as an intermediary component that enables temporary disconnection of the inspiratory conduit from the humidification device while maintaining sealed connections to both the ventilator and the conduit. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by allowing the specialized connector to remain compatible with the humidification device during normal operation while providing a mechanism to bypass it when needed for testing or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If humidification chambers lack liquid overflow prevention mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber structureVSAvoidliquid overflow prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The humidification chamber employs passive self-regulating mechanisms including a float that rises with liquid level to automatically block the liquid conduit when the maximum level is reached, and a vent that allows air escape during filling but closes to prevent overflow. These self-service features provide reliable overflow prevention without requiring external monitoring systems or complex active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If port caps are not designed with orientation control features, then ease of manufacture is improved, but usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap productionVSAvoidproper orientation during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The port cap incorporates asymmetric orientation features including a protrusion on the cap that must align with a corresponding recess in the humidification chamber, and a lattice structure that provides visual and tactile guidance for correct insertion orientation. These asymmetric features ensure proper orientation during assembly while being simple to manufacture using standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 temporary bypass of humidification devices for testing, maintains connector compatibility, and prevents liquid overflow, enhancing usability and reliability of respiratory assistance systems.

Implementation Method 1

The chamber may include a float to prevent overfilling of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The humidification device may include a humidification chamber containing liquid and a heater adjacent the humidification chamber to heat the liquid to produce vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The chamber may include a vent that allows air to escape from the chamber during filling of the chamber but that prevents overflow of liquid from the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250303100A1Adaptors and usability features for respiratory assistance systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

AI summary

A bypass adaptor for a respiratory assistance system including an inlet connector configured to connect to a gases source outlet and defining a first gases passageway with a first axis and an outlet connector configured to connect to an inspiratory conduit connector and defining a second gases passageway with a second axis, the second gases passageway being fluidly connected to the first gases passageway, the inspiratory conduit connector being incompatible with direct connection to the gases source outlet, wherein the first axis is separated from the second axis by an angle that allows the inspiratory conduit connector to be connected via the bypass adaptor to the gases source outlet in a space smaller than the length of the inspiratory conduit connector. Also provided are a port cap assembly and a humidifying apparatus including the port cap assembly, wherein the port cap assembly provides for improved assembly and/or usability.