Sealed Volatile Anesthetic Inhaler for Dose and Vapor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices for volatile anesthetics suffer from vapor leakage into the environment and the inability to adjust the dose of anesthetic inhalation, posing risks of excessive inhalation and potential for devices like the Green Whistle device and the inability to adjust the dose of volatile anesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The inhalation device features a sealed evaporation chamber with air and inhalation valves to control vapor flow, an exhalation channel, and a filter to prevent leakage, allowing for controlled dosing and inhalation adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the volatile anesthetic is poured into the evaporation chamber through the inlet orifice, then the anesthetic vapor is formed for inhalation, but the vapor leaks into the environment and is inhaled by other people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful vapor leakage problem by introducing a sealed evaporation chamber with a lid that can be closed during storage and transport. The lid includes a specific opening mechanism that allows controlled access during use while preventing vapor escape when closed, thus separating the useful function (anesthetic supply) from the harmful effect (vapor leakage).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism between the evaporation chamber and the environment. The lid with its sealing structure acts as an intermediary element that controls the interaction between the volatile anesthetic vapor and the external environment, allowing vapor to be supplied to the patient while preventing uncontrolled leakage into the surrounding air.
2Productivity
If the volatile anesthetic is poured into the evaporation chamber, then the mixture of vapor and air is formed, but the dose cannot be adjusted and excessive inhalation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the evaporation chamber lid movable rather than fixed. The lid can be opened to allow anesthetic supply and closed to prevent vapor escape, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements. This movable structure enables controlled dosing by limiting the opening time and duration of vapor generation, thus preventing excessive inhalation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic opening and closing of the evaporation chamber lid. The lid is opened periodically to allow controlled anesthetic vapor generation and then closed to prevent continuous leakage. This periodic operation pattern enables adjustable dosing by controlling the frequency and duration of opening cycles, ensuring that the anesthetic is supplied in controlled amounts rather than continuously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the evaporation chamber has an open inlet orifice for pouring anesthetic, then the anesthetic can be easily supplied, but vapor leaks into the environment during preparation and after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evaporation chamber into distinct functional zones: an open inlet orifice area for easy anesthetic loading, a sealed main chamber for vapor generation, and a controlled outlet for patient inhalation. The lid divides the chamber into an upper sealed space and a lower opening area, allowing the chamber to maintain reliability during storage while preserving ease of manufacture during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by closing the lid before the anesthetic vapor generation phase begins. The lid is positioned to seal the chamber in advance, preventing vapor leakage during preparation and storage. The opening mechanism is designed to be activated only when needed for anesthetic supply, ensuring that the chamber maintains reliable containment throughout the majority of the operational cycle.
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 device effectively prevents volatile anesthetic vapor leakage and enables precise dose control, reducing the risk of excessive inhalation and expanding the use of inhalation systems for volatile anesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The filter is intended to absorb the methoxyflurane vapor from the gas exhaled by a human
Implementation Method 2
an evaporation chamber... in which the evaporation of the volatile anesthetic and the formation of a mixture of the volatile anesthetic vapor and air occur
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to medical devices, namely to devices for inhalation of volatile anesthetics. An inhalation device, a syringe filled with a volatile anesthetic, as well as an inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a syringe filled with a volatile anesthetic are provided. The technical contribution of the present disclosure resides in that that the inhalation device and the inhalation system prevent the volatile anesthetic vapor from entering the environment; enable the inhaler to adjust the doses of the volatile anesthetic fed to the inhalation device; expand the range of means for the inhalation with the volatile anesthetics, in particular, means for the inhalation with methoxyflurane.