Respiratory Coupler with Integrated Sensing and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) systems face inflexibility and difficulty in expanding additional functions due to integrated heating and temperature sensing within the breathing circuit, limiting adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coupler is introduced, comprising a first connecting portion connected to a gas-providing circuit and a second connecting portion connected to a gas-delivering circuit, with an accommodating portion equipped with sensing and heating apparatuses, allowing for adjustable working modes and notifications, enabling flexible operation and expanded functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heating and temperature sensing are integrated within the breathing circuit, then the HFOT system can provide respiratory support, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to expand with additional functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HFOT system into separate functional modules: a gas-providing circuit, a coupler with sensing apparatus, and a gas-delivering circuit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, adjusted, and replaced, thereby increasing system flexibility and adaptability while reducing the complexity of the overall integrated circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a universal interface that can connect different gas-providing circuits and gas-delivering circuits. It incorporates multiple functions including gas flow regulation, temperature sensing, and communication protocols, enabling it to serve as a multi-functional hub that facilitates system expansion without requiring complete redesign of the entire HFOT system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the breathing circuit is integrated with heating and temperature sensing, then gas can be processed and monitored, but additional functions cannot be easily added
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heating function from the gas-delivering circuit and placing temperature sensing in the coupler, the system allows independent manufacturing and assembly of each component. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process for individual parts while enabling easy integration of additional functions in the future.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the gas-providing circuit and the gas-delivering circuit. It incorporates sensing apparatus and communication interfaces that enable monitoring and control without requiring direct integration of all functions into a single circuit. This intermediary structure facilitates the addition of new functions by simply updating the coupler or associated modules.
3Measurement precision
If sensing apparatus is added to measure gas parameters, then patient monitoring is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing apparatus in the coupler is designed to measure multiple gas parameters simultaneously (flow rate, temperature, oxygen concentration) using integrated sensors. This multi-functional sensing capability enhances patient monitoring comprehensively while minimizing the number of separate components needed, thereby controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing apparatus provides real-time feedback on gas parameters to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment of oxygen flow and temperature. This feedback mechanism enhances measurement precision by continuously monitoring and adapting to patient needs, while the automated control reduces the complexity of manual monitoring and adjustment.
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 coupler enhances the HFOT system's flexibility and functionality by allowing adjustable flow rates, improved gas processing, and enhanced patient monitoring, ensuring effective respiratory support with customizable settings and notifications for optimal patient care.
Implementation Method 1
the gas-heating conduit is configured to heat the gas provided by the main board device
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensing apparatus is configured to measure a first parameter of the gas passing through the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler includes: a first connecting portion, an accommodating portion and a second connecting portion; the first connecting portion is operatively connected to a gas-providing circuit; the second connecting portion is operatively connected to a gas-delivering circuit, where the gas-providing circuit, the coupler and the gas-delivering circuit form a pathway for providing gas to a user at a patient side of the coupler; the accommodating portion is provided with at least one sensing apparatus or a heating apparatus, where the at least one sensing apparatus is configured to measure a first parameter of the gas, and the heating apparatus is configured to heat the gas passing through the coupler.