Stackable Switching-Valve Assembly for Mobile Respiratory Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching-valve assemblies for respiratory gas sources are inefficient due to poor utilization of cylinder arrays, leading to increased dead space and unwieldiness, and are limited to stationary use, making them unsuitable for mobile applications with multiple gas sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular, stackable switching-valve assembly design that allows for the connection of an arbitrary number of gas sources, featuring complementary stack exterior surface sections and a continuous gas supply line region, enabling flexible configuration and seamless stacking for efficient gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If cylinder arrays are used to supply respiratory gas, then the supply duration is extended, but the utilization efficiency decreases and dead space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the gas supply function into multiple independent switching-valve assemblies, each handling a single gas source. This allows individual cylinders to be used without requiring complex manifold connections, eliminating dead space while maintaining extended supply duration through sequential switching between multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables efficient utilization by allowing complete emptying of individual gas cylinders through the switching mechanism. Each cylinder can be fully depleted before replacement, maximizing utilization efficiency while the modular design prevents dead space accumulation associated with manifold connections in traditional cylinder arrays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cylinder arrays with manifolds are used, then multiple gas sources can be connected, but the device becomes unwieldy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multiple gas source connection function into separate, identical modular units. Each switching-valve assembly handles one gas source independently, eliminating the need for complex manifold networks. The modular design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to connect multiple gas sources through simple stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
Each switching-valve assembly is designed as a universal module that can handle any gas source. The identical design of all modules allows them to perform the same function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to specialized manifold connections while maintaining versatility for multiple gas sources.
3Device complexity
If fixed configuration switching-valve assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but it is limited to stationary use and cannot be easily modified
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the switching-valve assembly into independent, identical modules that can be stacked vertically. This modular configuration maintains structural simplicity of individual units while enabling mobile use and easy modification through additive stacking. The compact vertical arrangement is suitable for mobile applications unlike traditional horizontal manifold configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. Identical modular units can be added or removed from the stack according to specific requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different mobile applications while maintaining the simplicity of individual module design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular stackable design is implemented, then adaptability and mobile use are enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the overall assembly into identical modular units, each containing the same components and structures. This standardization simplifies manufacturing of individual modules while the modular nature enables flexible configuration through stacking. The repetition of identical units reduces manufacturing complexity compared to designing unique configurations for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed as a universal unit that can function independently or be combined with other identical modules. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using the same design blueprint for all modules, reducing the complexity that would arise from customizing each unit for specific configurations. The modular approach enables flexible assembly from standardized components.
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 modular design ensures reliable emptiability of individual gas sources, maintains uninterrupted gas supply, and allows for mobile use with multiple gas sources, reducing dead space and enhancing usability by facilitating easy configuration and modification.
Implementation Method 1
the gas pressure of the other gas source which is then becoming greater relative to the gas pressure of the first gas source effects a displacement of the valve arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A switching-valve assembly having a housing, first and second source ports, an outlet port, a first gas-supply line connecting the first source port to the outlet port, a second gas-supply line connecting the second source port to the outlet port, a valve arrangement in the housing adjustable between a first operating state, in which it opens the first gas-supply line to allow respiratory gas to flow through and blocks the second gas-supply line, and a second operating state, in which it blocks the first gas-supply line and opens the second gas-supply line to allow respiratory gas to flow through, the switching-valve assembly in the form of a modular switching-valve assembly being stackable, by the housing having a first outer-surface portion for stacking and a second outer-surface portion for stacking, which is designed to as to be complementary to the first outer-surface portion for stacking, wherein a source port is designed as a sequence port such that, when the first and the second outer-surface portions for stacking are in stacked engagement with one another, proceeding from the outlet and the sequence port, gas-supply line portions extending into the housing are each connected to a continuous gas-supply line region.