Respiratory Interface Apparatus with Dual Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory pressure testing and therapy systems face challenges in effectively controlling exhaled CO2 and re-breathing during diagnostic testing and therapy, particularly in sleep disordered breathing conditions, where CO2 build-up affects measurements and patient comfort, especially during negative pressure scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory interface apparatus with a patient contacting mask, a common chamber, and separate control chambers with flow regulating mechanisms, coupled to a pressure source, allows controlled flow of exhaled gases during expiratory and inspiratory phases to prevent CO2 re-breathing and maintain patient comfort by venting excess gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mask and breathing circuit are sealed to prevent ambient contamination, then measurement accuracy is improved, but exhaled CO2 builds up in the circuit causing re-breathing and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A CO2 absorber is introduced as an intermediary substance between the patient and the breathing circuit. The absorber chemically binds with exhaled CO2, preventing its re-breathing while maintaining the sealed circuit configuration. This resolves the contradiction by adding a mediating element that eliminates the harmful effect without compromising the sealed system's measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If pressure source flow is reduced to improve patient comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but the system cannot adequately flush exhaled CO2 from the breathing circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 absorber serves as a stationary intermediary within the breathing circuit that continuously removes CO2 regardless of flow rate. This allows the pressure source to operate at lower, more comfortable flow rates while the absorber independently handles CO2 removal, decoupling the comfort parameter from the CO2 flushing capability.
3Reliability
If negative pressure is applied to aid exhalation or resist inhalation, then therapeutic effect is improved, but controlling exhaled CO2 becomes particularly challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 absorber provides a passive, flow-independent mechanism for CO2 removal that works effectively even under negative pressure conditions. This simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for complex active CO2 management mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable therapeutic negative pressure application.
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 manages exhaled CO2 flow, preventing its re-entry into the breathing circuit during inspiration and ensuring adequate gas supply, thereby improving measurement accuracy and patient comfort by maintaining optimal gas composition and pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow regulating mechanism provided between the first control chamber and the common chamber, a second flow regulating mechanism provided between the second control chamber and the common chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A respiratory interface apparatus (6) is provided that includes a patient contacting portion (21) structured to engage a face of the patient, a common chamber (30) fluidly coupled to the patient contacting portion (21), a first control chamber (26), a first flow regulating mechanism (32) provided between the first control chamber (26) and the common chamber (30), a second control chamber (28), and a second flow regulating mechanism (34) provided between the second control chamber (28) and the common chamber (30).