Supplemental Gas Source Detection via Valve Pulsing in Respiratory Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory therapy apparatuses reliant on high-pressure gas sources may lack efficient detection mechanisms for supplemental gas sources, leading to potential faults or errors in closed-loop control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a controller that pulses a valve to detect a supplemental gas source by comparing oxygen concentration readings from a sensor against predetermined thresholds, triggering alarms for faults or successful connections, and operating a blower to purge gases, utilizing sensors and valves to ensure reliable gas source detection and system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a respiratory apparatus uses closed-loop control with high-pressure gas sources, then control precision over gas characteristics is improved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to service
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection of supplemental gas sources by automatically pulsing the valve and monitoring gas composition changes. The controller autonomously determines connection status without requiring external service intervention, reducing the burden on operators while maintaining closed-loop control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gas composition sensors to provide continuous feedback to the controller, which adjusts valve operation based on detected oxygen concentrations. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of gas characteristics while the self-detection capability simplifies overall system operation by automatically monitoring gas source connections
2Reliability
If the system automatically detects supplemental gas sources by pulsing valves and monitoring gas composition, then detection reliability is improved, but the detection process takes additional time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing of the supplemental gas valve at predetermined intervals to detect gas sources. This periodic action allows the system to reliably determine connection status by comparing gas composition readings taken at specific time points, balancing detection reliability with acceptable detection time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of supplemental gas sources by pulsing the valve and measuring gas composition before initiating full closed-loop control. This preliminary action ensures reliable detection of gas source connections while minimizing the time required for subsequent therapy delivery
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors gas composition to detect supplemental sources, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas composition sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, taking measurements at predetermined intervals during valve pulsing cycles. This periodic monitoring maintains sufficient detection accuracy for identifying supplemental gas sources while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs gas composition measurements at specific critical moments (during and after valve pulsing) rather than maintaining constant monitoring. This partial monitoring approach provides adequate detection capability for safety-critical functions while minimizing overall energy consumption of the sensing system
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
Ensures reliable detection and connection of supplemental gas sources, preventing faults and maintaining closed-loop control accuracy by detecting and purging gases, thereby enhancing system reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a gases composition sensor to sense a gas species concentration in a flow of gases
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1F
AI summary
An apparatus for delivery of a flow of gases to a user, such as a respiratory therapy apparatus, is provided. The apparatus may have first and second inlets for receiving supplementary gases flows, a blower to generate the gases flow to the user, and a controller. A valve and a sensor may be provided in the second inlet. The controller may be configured to detect the disconnection of a gases source from the second inlet, and to respond by operating the valve and/or triggering an alarm. The controller may be configured to determine whether a gases flow is being provided at one or both of the inlets, and to accordingly control an operational mode of the apparatus.