Respiratory Tube Identification via Memory Element Reader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern respiratory systems face increased complexity and risk of incorrect connections due to diverse components and lack of automatic identification methods, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in configuring respiratory tubes and systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a memory element on the respiratory tube that stores identification data, readable by a unit on the respiratory apparatus, ensuring precise positioning and automatic identification, with additional data storage and transmission for respiratory parameters, patient data, and alarm systems to prevent incorrect usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connector design is used to prevent incorrect connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple standardized connector types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical identification system with an automated optical/electronic reading system. Instead of relying on mechanical connector design to prevent incorrect connections, the system uses a reader unit that automatically reads identification data from memory elements on respiratory tubes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical differentiation and reducing connector diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The respiratory tube system performs self-identification through memory elements that automatically provide tube type information to the respiratory apparatus. The system serves itself by automatically detecting and identifying the connected tube without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical differentiation, thereby simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual measurement and input of tube parameters is required, then measurement precision can be maintained, but operator convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube parameter accuracyVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing tube parameters (volumes, heating modes, and other characteristics) in memory elements attached to respiratory tubes before use. When the tube is connected to the respiratory apparatus, the reader unit automatically retrieves these pre-stored parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and input by the operator while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical measurement and data entry with an automated electronic reading system. The reader unit automatically reads identification data and tube parameters from memory elements, substituting the manual process with an automated optical/electronic system that maintains precision while significantly improving operator convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized connector types are used for different respiratory modes, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of incorrect connections increases due to lack of specific identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector versatilityVSAvoidconnection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical differentiation of connectors with an automated identification system. Instead of using different mechanical connector types for different respiratory modes, the system uses standardized connectors combined with memory elements that store mode-specific identification data. The reader unit automatically reads this data to ensure correct matching, eliminating the risk of incorrect connections while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the reader unit read identification data from memory elements and verify that the connected respiratory tube matches the intended respiratory mode. This feedback mechanism provides real-time verification of correct connection, preventing incorrect connections while allowing the use of standardized versatile connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1731188B1Method and device for the automatic identification of respiratory tubes

Publication Date: 2012.10.24 DRAGER MEDICAL AG & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the automatic identification of the type of a respiratory tube means, wherein a memory element (5), which is connected to the respiratory tube means (4) and on which data are stored which identify the respiratory tube means (4), is read out by a reader unit (6), which is a component of a respiratory apparatus (1), when the respiratory tube means (4) is brought into the vicinity of the respiratory apparatus (1), as well as a device for the performance of the method.