Single IR Sensor Capnography Baseline Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capnography systems are complex and costly due to the need for two IR sensors, one for measuring CO2 levels and another for establishing a baseline, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A capnography device with a single CO2 sensor and a respiratory-tracking mechanism that detects baseline phases within respiratory cycles, allowing for the derivation of CO2 levels using processing circuitry to establish a baseline value from these measurements, thereby reducing the need for multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two IR sensors are used (one for CO2 measurement and one for baseline), then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the baseline measurement function from a separate physical sensor and integrates it into the same sensor that measures CO2 levels. By using a single IR sensor to perform both measurement tasks at different time points, the system eliminates the need for a second reference sensor while maintaining measurement precision through temporal separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between baseline measurement mode and CO2 measurement mode using the same sensor. The sensor periodically switches between measuring ambient baseline CO2 levels and measuring respiratory CO2 levels, allowing one sensor to fulfill the role previously requiring two sensors.
2Measurement precision
If two IR sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for a second reference sensor from the system configuration. By extracting the baseline measurement capability from a separate hardware component and implementing it through software control of a single sensor, the system reduces component count and manufacturing cost while preserving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single IR sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary CO2 measurement sensor and the baseline reference sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated reference sensor, reducing bill of materials cost and simplifying manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If two IR sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the baseline measurement function from a separate sensor component and consolidates it into the main CO2 sensor. This extraction eliminates the need for a second physical sensor, reducing the total quantity of sensors from two to one while maintaining the functional capability to establish baseline measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of the reference sensor and the measurement sensor into a single IR sensor. By combining baseline measurement and CO2 measurement capabilities in one component, the system reduces the number of parts without sacrificing measurement precision.
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
This approach simplifies the system, reduces costs, and provides quantifiable CO2 measurements by using a single IR sensor, eliminating the need for a second sensor and associated complexities.
Implementation Method 1
by radiating electromagnetic waves at a wavelengths of approximately 4.2 micro-meters (which is a wavelength with high absorptivity rate for CO2 molecules), one may obtain a measurement of the CO2 levels within the gas mixture by measuring the intensity of the radiation that passed through the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents methods, systems and devices for performing capnography (respiratory CO2) monitoring using a respiratory CO2 sensor and a breath tracking mechanism for tracking and/or detecting phases of the breath wherein the measurements of the CO2 sensor may provide baseline CO2 values, and modulate/quantify the respiratory CO2 levels according to the baseline values.