Self-Leak-Testing Module for Respiratory Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory measurement systems in critical care environments face challenges with high humidity leading to condensation, reduced accuracy, and potential cross-contamination due to leakage and complex assembly, which complicates zeroing and purging functions.
Innovation Solution
A self-leak-testing module with internal sensors and external pressure sources for measuring and purging gas leakage, using pattern recognition to identify leak sites and prevent cross-contamination, and a system for real-time monitoring and notification of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional respiratory measurement systems use multiple valves and interconnections for zeroing and purging functions, then the system can perform necessary maintenance operations, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pneumatic functions (zeroing, purging, pressure measurement) into a single integrated module with unified internal pathways. This eliminates the need for separate valves and interconnections, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions. The module uses a single pressure sensor and integrated chamber system to perform operations that previously required multiple discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can perform zeroing, purging, and pressure measurement through its unified design. The single module replaces multiple specialized components, making the system more versatile while reducing the overall number of parts. The module can handle different operational modes (zeroing, purging, measurement) through its multi-functional architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use multiple connections between components, then the system can achieve necessary functional connections, but the potential for leaks at interfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple connection points and pathways into a single integrated module with internal pathways, the patent eliminates numerous external interfaces where leaks could occur. The unified design reduces the number of connection points between components, directly addressing the leak risk associated with multiple interfaces while maintaining all necessary functional connections internally.
3Ease of operation
If pressure transmission tubing is used in high humidity environments, then the system can transmit pressure signals, but condensation occurs leading to reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensing function from the external pressure transmission tubing and places it inside the integrated module. By moving the pressure sensor into the module's internal environment, the system eliminates the external tubing that is susceptible to condensation in high humidity conditions. The module's internal pathways are protected from environmental moisture, maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module acts as an intermediary between the external breathing circuit and the measurement system. It provides a protected interface that isolates the sensitive pressure sensor from the humid external environment while still allowing pressure signal transmission. The module's internal design protects against condensation effects.
4Reliability
If gas leakage occurs in the module, then pressure drop creates suction that can draw in contamination, but implementing complex leak prevention systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines leak detection and prevention functions into the integrated module design. By incorporating pressure sensing and controlled purging capabilities within the same module, the system can detect and respond to leaks without requiring separate complex prevention systems. The unified design allows for efficient leak management while minimizing additional complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of cross-contamination, maintains measurement accuracy, and simplifies the assembly and maintenance of respiratory measurement systems by detecting and addressing leaks in real-time, ensuring reliable ventilator operation.
Implementation Method 1
differential pressure based flow sensors are often used in clinical environments. Differential pressure flow sensors incorporate some type of restriction (point orifice, variable flap, vena constriction, annular obstruction, target or linear flow restrictor) that generates a pressure difference across the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
a source for applying the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Gas-pressure-based testing, in some embodiments, features a self-leak-testing module (120) that includes an internal sensor and is configured for measuring, using the sensor, gas leakage (179, 180) from a set of walls that defines respective gas passageways that both exist within the module and are incident to the gas pressure measured. One or more walls of the set may extend outside the module. The module can be configured for deciding, based on a result of the measuring, whether a magnitude of the leakage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A source for applying the pressure may be internal (138) or external (104, 132, 135). Gas pressure based pattern recognition can be used to identify, optionally during treatment and in real time, one or more leak sites responsible for the leakage. The module is implementable as a ventilation monitoring module that measures differential flow of a breathing circuit, the testing serving to prevent cross-contamination of patients.