Valve Module and Dual-Compartment Filter for Sealed Low-Resistance Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing assistance apparatuses face challenges such as the risk of seal compromise during component replacement, incorrect positioning of gas lines, gas entrainment issues, and pressure drops due to flow resistance from direction changes and material friction.
Innovation Solution
A valve module and filter design featuring a filter body with main and sub-compartments, a filter medium, and a sealable engagement system that allows for easy replacement and positioning, along with a swivel connector for gas inlet flexibility, to minimize pressure drop and gas entrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If valves or components are replaced in breathing assistance apparatuses, then maintenance and repair are performed, but seals may be compromised rendering the apparatus susceptible to ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The breathing assistance apparatus is divided into modular components (valve module, filter module, housing) that can be independently replaced. The valve module is designed as a separate replaceable unit, allowing maintenance without compromising the seal integrity of the main housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve module is extracted as a separate serviceable component from the main apparatus housing. This allows the valve to be replaced independently through a dedicated access point without disassembling or compromising the main housing seals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filters with direction changes and restrictions are used, then gas filtration is achieved, but pressure drops occur due to flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter module employs curved and rounded internal passages instead of sharp angles or abrupt direction changes. This reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure drop while maintaining effective gas filtration through the filter medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter module design optimizes flow parameters by increasing passage cross-sectional areas at transitions and minimizing restriction points. The filter medium itself is selected with appropriate flow characteristics to balance filtration efficiency with pressure drop minimization.
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 design facilitates easy replacement of components, ensures correct apparatus positioning, reduces pressure drop, and minimizes gas entrainment, enhancing safety and efficiency in gas delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and that is arranged to filter gases in, or exiting, the main compartment and the sub-compartment
Implementation Method 2
The filter may be a filter module that is removably and sealably engageable with a housing of an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas, the filter comprising: a filter body, wherein the filter body has a main compartment and a sub-compartment at least partly within the main compartment, wherein the main compartment is in fluid communication with a main compartment gases inlet and the sub-compartment is in fluid communication with a sub-compartment gases inlet; and a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and that is arranged to filter gases in, or exiting, the main compartment and the sub-compartment.