Three-Way PEEP Valve Adaptor for Endotracheal Oxygen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems that integrate Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) valves and enhanced oxygen sources with endotracheal tubes during medical treatment, enhancing patient care and ventilation support.
Innovation Solution
A three-way adaptor system that connects endotracheal tubes to PEEP valves and enhanced oxygen sources, utilizing friction fits and couplers to facilitate seamless integration and fluid pathways, with optional ribbed oxygen ports for enhanced oxygen delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a three-way adaptor system is integrated with endotracheal tubes, PEEP valves, and oxygen sources, then the integration of multiple components is improved and fluid pathways are established, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (endotracheal tube, PEEP valve, and oxygen source) into a single integrated adaptor system. The adaptor serves as a common interface that merges these components, allowing them to function together as one unified assembly rather than separate devices, thereby improving integration capability while managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal interface that can connect to different components (endotracheal tube, PEEP valve, oxygen source) through standardized coupling mechanisms. This universal design allows a single adaptor to perform multiple connection functions, improving versatility while reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If friction fit couplers are used to connect components, then ease of operation and assembly is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing for easy insertion and removal through friction fit while maintaining secure connection during operation. The tapered internal/external surfaces enable the connection to transition from loose (for easy assembly) to tight (for reliable operation), providing both ease of operation and connection stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction fit connection relies on changing the pressure parameter during assembly and operation. During assembly, lower pressure allows easy insertion, while during operation, increased pressure maintains reliable connection. This parameter change enables the same connection mechanism to provide both ease of operation and connection reliability.
3Reliability
If a sterile package is used to contain the apparatus, then sterility and patient safety are improved, but ease of operation and setup is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is pre-assembled and pre-sterilized within the package before use. This preliminary action ensures sterility is maintained throughout storage and handling, while also pre-configuring the components in the correct assembly order, which simplifies the setup process during actual use by eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile package acts as an intermediary barrier between the apparatus and the non-sterile environment. It maintains sterility during storage and handling while providing a controlled opening mechanism for use, thereby ensuring patient safety while managing the complexity of sterile procedures through a simple packaging interface.
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
Facilitates efficient integration of PEEP valves and oxygen sources with endotracheal tubes, improving patient ventilation and oxygen supply, while ensuring sterility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface may operably connect to a connector of an endotracheal tube using a friction fit between the first coupler and the connector. The outer surface may operably connect to a connecting portion of a PEEP valve using a friction fit between the second coupler and the connecting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with an endotracheal tube including a body defining a cavity therein. The body has a first opening and a spaced apart second opening therein with a fluid path in the cavity between the first and second openings. The first opening has a first coupler that is adapted to operably connect to an endotracheal tube. The second opening has a second coupler that is adapted to operably connect to a PEEP valve. The apparatus may include a third opening in the body. The third opening has a third coupler that is adapted to operably connect to an enhanced oxygen source. The third opening in the body is operably located between the first opening and the second opening.