Respiratory Conduit Sensor Modules With Shared Power and Data Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy systems face challenges in accurately measuring gas characteristics near the patient due to the need for additional wires for data transmission, which increases cost and complexity, and the presence of sensors can be costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor module positioned between the gas conduit and patient interface that uses existing wires for both power and data transmission, allowing for convenient attachment and detachment, and includes sensors to measure gas characteristics, which can be reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the patient to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but additional wires are required for data transmission which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single wire infrastructure. The sensor module receives both electrical power and digital data signals through the same wire that connects the patient interface to the flow generator, eliminating the need for separate data transmission wires and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wire connecting the patient interface to the flow generator is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the sensor module, transmits sensor data back to the flow generator, and maintains mechanical connection between components. This multi-functional design reduces the number of required connections and simplifies the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If sensors are permanently integrated into the respiratory therapy system, then measurement reliability is improved, but system cost and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to or removed from the patient interface or gas conduit. This segmentation allows the sensor to be reliably positioned close to the patient for accurate measurements while maintaining the convenience of a non-permanent installation that can be easily adjusted or removed if needed
3Measurement precision
If additional wires are added for sensor data transmission, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and data communication into a single wire infrastructure, reducing the total number of wires required in the system. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material requirements, assembly complexity, and overall system component count while maintaining full sensor functionality
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 accurate control of respiratory therapy components by measuring gas characteristics close to the patient, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining convenience and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Data signals from the sensors can be transmitted to, for example, a controller upstream from the sensor module by superimposing the data signals over a power signal that passes through the wire to provide power to the sensor module.
Data Source
AI summary
Various characteristics of a gas flow can be sensed at the end of a respiratory conduit near the patient interface using a sensing module. The sensing module can be removable from the patient end of the respiratory conduit for ease of use and ease of cleaning. The sensor module can transmit sensor data over the same wires used to heat the respiratory conduit.