Respiratory Assist Motor Double Cooling for Low-Flow Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory assistance devices face challenges in effectively cooling motors across wide ranges of flow rate and pressure regulation, leading to motor heating and reduced lifetime, particularly in low flow rate and high pressure operating ranges useful for neonatal and pediatric applications.
Innovation Solution
A motorized respiratory assistance device with a double-cooling system using a single cooling air flow that circulates both internally between the stator and rotor and externally around the motor casing, segregated from the main air flow to prevent contamination and optimize cooling, thereby extending motor lifespan and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling air flow is used for motor cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling effectiveness across wide ranges of flow rate and pressure regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct circuits: a first cooling circuit that draws cooling air from the patient gas flow path, and a second cooling circuit that draws cooling air from an independent source. Each circuit independently cools different aspects of the motor, ensuring reliable cooling across all operating ranges while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor cooling system serves multiple functions through its dual-circuit design: it cools the motor during high-flow operations using patient gas, and maintains cooling during low-flow operations using independent air intake. This multi-functionality ensures the motor remains reliably cooled across the entire operating range without requiring complex adaptive control systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If motor cooling is prioritized, then motor lifetime is extended, but patient gas temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented between two independent circuits: the first circuit uses patient gas for motor cooling, and the second circuit uses independent air intake for motor cooling. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize motor cooling when needed without compromising patient gas temperature control, as the second circuit can compensate for temperature changes in the patient gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cooling circuit acts as an intermediary backup system that draws cooling air from an independent source rather than directly from the patient gas path. This intermediary approach ensures motor cooling continuity while protecting patient gas temperature stability, as the second circuit can activate when the first circuit's temperature control becomes insufficient.
3Power
If high rotation speed is used for motor performance, then power output increases, but motor heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual cooling circuits operate continuously and independently to provide uninterrupted cooling to the motor during high-speed operation. The first cooling circuit provides primary cooling during normal operation, while the second cooling circuit provides continuous backup cooling, ensuring the motor can maintain high rotation speeds without dangerous temperature increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cooling circuit is designed as a pre-positioned backup system that can immediately activate to provide additional cooling capacity when the motor experiences excessive heating during high-power operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures the motor can sustain high rotation speeds without risk of overheating, as the second cooling circuit is ready to compensate for thermal loads.
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 double-cooling system effectively manages motor temperature across various operating conditions, preventing degradation and ensuring reliable long-term performance without compromising the quality of the patient gas, while minimizing device size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a double-cooling system using a single cooling air flow that circulates both internally between the stator and rotor
Implementation Method 2
externally around the motor casing
Implementation Method 3
a servocontrolled electric motor that makes it possible to regulate the pressure and the flow rate of the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A motorised respiratory assistance device with an integrated cooling system including an enclosure (1) forming a compartment (2) accommodating a motor unit (3) driving turbines (8a, 8b) generating a main respiratory assistance air flow (F1) and a secondary air flow (F2) for cooling the motor (5). The secondary air flow (F2) is conveyed by a secondary aeraulic path (E2, E4, E5, 22, E3, S2) that includes an inner portion (E2, E4, E5, 22) extending into the motor (5) between the stator (6a) and the rotor (6b) and an outer portion (E3, S2) that extends into an annular space (E3) provided around the motor unit (3). The cooling air flow (F2) flows in opposing directions in the inner (E4) and outer (E3) portions, and the main aeraulic path (E1, E6, S1) and the secondary aeraulic path (E2, E4, E5, 22, E3, S2) are separated from each other by a partition (18).