Respiratory Gas Flow Simulator for Testing Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for simulating respiratory gas flows struggle with variability in results due to user inexperience and unfamiliarity with how different systems react to specific subjects, therapies, and conditions, leading to misinterpretation of gas composition data.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating a pressurized flow of gas with varying partial pressure over time, using a flow generator with valve assemblies and processors to control the flow rates of baseline and first gases according to a stored gas flow data set, ensuring accurate simulation of respiratory gas flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing systems are used to monitor respiratory gas flows, then gas composition data can be obtained, but results vary due to user inexperience and unfamiliarity with system responses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas composition data accuracyVSAvoidresult consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of respiratory gas flow conditions by generating synthetic gas flow data that mimics real respiratory patterns. This virtual model allows users to practice and become familiar with system responses without affecting actual patient care, thereby improving measurement precision and result reliability through repeated exposure to various respiratory scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-training capabilities where users can independently practice interpreting gas composition data through simulated respiratory scenarios. The automated generation of realistic gas flow patterns and corresponding monitoring data enables users to self-educate on system responses without requiring expert instruction, improving both accuracy and consistency over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If users become more familiar with system responses to improve interpretation accuracy, then more training time and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata interpretation accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By creating virtual copies of training scenarios, the system eliminates the need for extensive real-world training experiences. Users can rapidly iterate through numerous simulated cases in a compressed time frame, achieving the same level of familiarity that would otherwise require months of clinical exposure, thus reducing training time while maintaining interpretation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary training actions by pre-generating diverse respiratory scenarios and corresponding gas composition data before users need to interpret them. This advance preparation of training materials allows users to immediately begin practicing with realistic examples, eliminating the time needed to set up training environments or wait for real patient cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a flow generator is used to simulate respiratory gas flows, then accurate simulation can be achieved, but system complexity increases with multiple valve assemblies and control modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory gas flow simulation accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow generator is designed as a multi-functional device that can simulate various respiratory conditions, patient types, and therapy settings through a single integrated system. By combining multiple valve assemblies and control modules into one universal platform, the system achieves high simulation accuracy across diverse scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment for each condition, thus managing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical respiratory systems with an electronically controlled flow generator that uses software algorithms to simulate respiratory patterns. This substitution of electronic control for mechanical complexity allows precise regulation of gas flows through digital means, reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining or improving simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively simulates respiratory gas flows with varying partial pressures, allowing for precise testing and validation of respiratory monitoring systems, reducing user error and improving data interpretation.

Implementation Method 1

flow generator with valve assemblies and processors to control the flow rates of baseline and first gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

generating a pressurized flow of gas with varying partial pressure over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2744555B1Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a pressure support device
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2744555B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2744555B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2744555B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system is configured to generate a pressurized flow of gas comprised of a first gas having a partial pressure that varies in a predetermined manner. This may be used, for example, to simulate a previous and/or theoretical respiratory gas flow that was produced (or could have been produced) by a subject. The system is configured to deliver the pressurized flow of gas to a testing system configured to measure the partial pressure the first gas in flows of gas. This may provide an opportunity to determine the response of individual testing systems to various clinical circumstances.