Switching Valve Assembly for Dual-Mode Oxygen Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oxygen delivery systems in intubation procedures require multiple oxygen sources, diverting clinician attention and increasing patient risk due to the need to switch devices during critical moments, especially when patients transition from spontaneous to non-spontaneous breathing.

Innovation Solution

An oxygen delivery device with a switching valve that allows simultaneous or sequential delivery of free-flowing oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients and self-inflating resuscitation for non-spontaneously breathing patients, integrating an oxygen inlet, reservoir, and self-inflating bag with a three-way valve or clamp to manage oxygen flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oxygen sources are used to provide free-flowing oxygen and self-inflating resuscitation bag, then oxygen delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and clinician workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen delivery capabilityVSAvoidnumber of oxygen sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a free-flowing oxygen delivery system and a self-inflating resuscitation bag into a single integrated device. The shared oxygen source, valve assembly, and reservoir allow the system to function as both a passive oxygen delivery device for spontaneously breathing patients and an active resuscitation device when needed, eliminating the need for separate oxygen sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: it can deliver free-flowing oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients through the oxygen outlet tube, and simultaneously serve as a self-inflating resuscitation bag when the patient becomes non-spontaneously breathing. The valve assembly enables seamless switching between these modes without requiring additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If clinician switches between oxygen devices, then appropriate oxygen delivery is maintained, but patient safety deteriorates due to diverted attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen delivery appropriatenessVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating both oxygen delivery modes into one device with a shared oxygen source, the system eliminates the need for the clinician to physically switch between separate devices. The valve assembly, controlled by a single actuator, allows mode switching at the patient's bedside without diverting the clinician's attention from the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate oxygen sources are used for free-flowing oxygen and self-inflating bag, then oxygen supply reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to device switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen supply reliabilityVSAvoiddevice switching ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple oxygen delivery functions into a single integrated device with a shared oxygen source and reservoir. The valve assembly with a simple actuator enables effortless switching between free-flowing oxygen and self-inflating bag modes directly at the patient's bedside, eliminating the need to travel to separate oxygen sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If oxygen source is beyond arm's reach, then space utilization is improved, but response time deteriorates when switching devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen source placementVSAvoiddevice switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating both oxygen delivery modes into one device that can be positioned at the patient's bedside, the system eliminates the need for the oxygen source to be located remotely. The valve assembly allows mode switching directly at the patient's side, ensuring immediate response without requiring the clinician to reach for or move to a separate oxygen source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables seamless transition between oxygen delivery modes without clinician diversion, ensuring continuous patient care and reducing the risk of complications by maintaining oxygen supply continuity.

Implementation Method 1

a self-inflating bag (which does not provide free-flowing oxygen and should not be used to provide oxygen to a spontaneously breathing patient) readily available for immediate use when the patient ceases spontaneously breathing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250325776A1Valve assembly for oxygen delivery device and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 FF02 SWITCH LLC

AI summary

An oxygen delivery device includes an oxygen inlet, a switching valve, an oxygen reservoir, a self-inflating bag, an oxygen outlet tube, and an oxygen outlet from the self-inflating bag. When the switching valve is in a first position, oxygen is diverted to the oxygen outlet tube where it is provided to a spontaneously breathing patient. When the switching valve is in a second position, oxygen flows into the reservoir bag and the self-inflating bag, where a clinician may pump the bag to assist the breathing of non-spontaneously breathing patient. In some versions, a clamp may be used in place of the switching valve.