Respiratory Flow Sensor Hinge and Drainage for Stable Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory flow sensors face issues with measurement accuracy due to moisture accumulation, which distorts measurements and causes structural failures in the hinge region, particularly in devices with smaller dimensions used for children, leading to high production costs and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of drainage grooves in the flow channel to manage moisture accumulation and a stop section to limit deflection, along with an H-shaped hinge design to prevent torsional stress and structural failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the respiratory flow sensor is arranged at an incline to drain liquid, then liquid drainage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when the patient moves and the sensor orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into a first flow channel section and a second flow channel section by the cover flap, with drainage grooves specifically arranged in the first section. This segmentation allows liquid to be drained from the measurement region while maintaining accurate measurements in the second section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flow channel are given different functions: the first flow channel section contains drainage grooves for liquid removal, while the second flow channel section maintains a smooth structure for accurate flow measurement. The cover flap is positioned to separate these functional zones.
2Ease of manufacture
If drainage pipes with valves are added to both sides of the flow resistance, then liquid drainage is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the main flow channel by creating separate drainage grooves that remove liquid before it reaches the measurement region. This eliminates the need for complex valve mechanisms while maintaining effective drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage grooves are designed as simple, inexpensive features integrated into the flow channel structure, suitable for disposable respiratory flow sensors. The grooves provide effective drainage without requiring expensive components like valves.
3Measurement precision
If the cover flap is made more rigid to prevent deflection, then measurement stability is improved, but torsional stress in the hinge region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap is designed with pre-curved geometry that anticipates the direction of flow-induced deflection. This preliminary shaping allows the flap to return to its optimal measurement position after each deflection cycle, reducing cumulative stress on the hinge region while maintaining measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover flap is designed to be flexible enough to deflect with flow variations but resilient enough to return to its neutral position. The hinge region is engineered with appropriate flexibility to accommodate repeated deflection cycles without failure.
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
Ensures consistent measurement accuracy by preventing moisture-induced distortions and structural integrity, reducing production costs and extending the sensor's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid, which is located in the respiratory flow sensor due to the force of gravity, can drain
Implementation Method 2
A respiratory flow sensor comprising a flow pipe, comprising a cover flap and comprising connections, is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,247A. The cover flap forms a flow resistance. High differential pressures appear in the respiratory flow sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a respiratory flow sensor comprising a flow pipe, which has a flow channel and, on the free ends thereof, hose connections for hoses, comprising a cover flap, which is arranged in the flow channel and divides the flow channel into a first flow channel portion and into a second flow channel portion, and comprising connections, which lead into the flow channel on both sides of the cover flap and serve for the reduction of the differential pressure created by the cover flap. Provision is made in the flow channel for a water drainage device, which comprises drainage grooves. The cover flap has a hinge region, which is formed by a first slot and a second slot, which is embodied in an H-shaped manner.