Multi-Mode Respiratory Therapy Connector with Nested Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems for respiratory therapy are bulky and difficult to secure on small patients, requiring separate equipment for different modes of therapy such as CPAP, high flow, and resuscitation, which complicates switching between modes and increases equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a patient interface device and connector system that allows for multiple modes of respiratory therapy using closable ports for different gas flow configurations, enabling the same system to be used for CPAP, high flow, and resuscitation therapy by varying the conduit diameters and port functions, allowing quick switching between modes without replacing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate ventilation systems are used for different respiratory therapies (CPAP, high flow, resuscitation), then each therapy can be delivered with optimized equipment, but the overall equipment complexity and quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface device is designed with multiple closable ports that can be configured to deliver different respiratory therapies including CPAP, high flow therapy, and resuscitation. The device universally handles multiple therapeutic modes through a single integrated platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each therapy type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient interface device is segmented into multiple functional ports (first port, second port, third port) that can be independently opened or closed. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of gas flow paths to match different therapy requirements, enabling one device to perform multiple specialized functions.
2Reliability
If bulky ventilation equipment is used for small patients, then adequate therapy delivery is possible, but the equipment becomes difficult to secure and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is designed with nested structures where smaller diameter conduits are positioned within or alongside larger diameter conduits. This nesting approach reduces the overall bulk and footprint of the equipment while maintaining the necessary flow capacities for different therapies, making it easier to secure on small patients.
3Device complexity
If the same system is used for multiple therapy modes, then equipment quantity is reduced, but the system must handle varying pressure and flow rate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic port configuration capabilities where closable ports can be opened or closed based on the required therapy mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the same physical system to adapt its flow characteristics and pressure delivery to match different therapeutic requirements, from low-flow CPAP to high-flow resuscitation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different ports and conduit pathways are designed with locally optimized characteristics - some pathways have larger diameters for high-flow therapy while others have smaller diameters suitable for CPAP. This local quality differentiation within the unified system enables appropriate flow and pressure delivery for each therapy mode without requiring completely separate equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering respiratory therapy to a patient includes a patient interface device for delivering pressurized gas to a patient, a connector system for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a conduit system fluidly connecting the connector system to the patient interface device. The connector system includes a plurality of closable ports that allow a plurality of different modes of respiratory therapy to be provided. The conduit system may include a first gas line, a second gas line and a third gas line. The second gas line and third gas line may be contained within the first gas line along at least part of their length.