Respiratory Device Sensor Integration via Merged Pressure Tapping Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of sensors within the air path of respiratory assistance devices is complex and requires multiple assembly steps, posing challenges for easy mounting and ensuring pneumatic sealing.

Innovation Solution

A respiratory assistance device with a casing formed of two parts, where the micro-blower is sandwiched between them, and flexible damping elements ensure fluid sealing, with pressure tapping tubes and sensors connected to an electronic card for pressure and flow measurement, using elastomeric materials for sealing and pressure sensors for accurate gas flow control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated within the air path using multiple separate parts, then pressure and flow measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure and flow measurement capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate sensor components (pressure sensor, flow sensor, and their respective connection elements) into a single integrated sensor assembly that can be mounted as one unit within the air path. This merging reduces the number of separate parts requiring integration while maintaining the dual measurement capability for both pressure and flow parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs both pressure measurement and flow measurement functions within a single integrated structure. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple measurement roles, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate parts are used for sensor integration, then measurement functionality is improved, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor measurement capabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor components into a pre-assembled integrated unit that requires fewer assembly steps during device manufacturing. The integrated sensor assembly can be installed as a single component rather than requiring separate assembly of multiple discrete sensor parts, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining full measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If complex sensor integration is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but pneumatic sealing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpneumatic sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sensor assembly design consolidates multiple connection points and sealing interfaces into a unified structure with fewer discrete sealing locations. This reduces the total number of potential leakage points compared to multiple separate sensor installations, thereby improving pneumatic sealing reliability while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy mounting and ensures pneumatic sealing of sensors within the air path, providing precise pressure and flow measurements for effective ventilation and patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

a first damping element made of flexible material is arranged on the first part of the housing. This first damping element includes a wall expansion shaped to conform to at least part of the external contours of the conduit element and the first, second, and third pressure tapping tubes so as to ensure fluidic sealing between them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

air intake by a micro-blower is achieved using one (or more) impeller mounted on a rotating shaft driven by an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller: Impeller

Data Source

PatentEP3482789B1Breathing apparatus with improved gas circuit
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 AIR LIQUIDE MEDICAL
  • EP3482789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a respiratory assistance device comprising a housing (1) containing a motorized micro-blower (4). The housing (1) is formed of at least a first and a second housing portion (1a, 1b) assembled together, the first housing portion (1a) comprising a first internal compartment (2) and a second internal compartment (3). The micro-blower (4) is arranged in the first internal compartment (2) by being sandwiched between the first and second housing portions (1a, 1b). The outlet (5) of the micro-blower (4) is in fluidic communication with the second internal compartment (3). The second internal compartment (3) comprises a gas outlet (6) in fluidic communication with a duct element (7) integral with the first housing portion (1a).The conduit element (7) includes a gas passage (11) and at least one first, second and third pressure tapping tube (8, 9, 10) integral with the conduit element (7) and in fluidic communication with the gas passage (11).