Vaporizer Interlock Paddle Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Anesthesia delivery systems face challenges in ensuring that only a single anesthetic or vaporizable substance is vaporized into the gas mixture when multiple vaporizers are present, as existing interlock systems may fail to prevent simultaneous use if vaporizers are not part of a continuous chain or are spaced too far apart.
Innovation Solution
A vaporizer mounting bar with an integrated interlock system and a paddle system that translates the extension of interlock pins from one vaporizer to others, ensuring that only one vaporizer can be opened at a time, regardless of their configuration or spacing, by using a network of flow paths, valves, and connection members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vaporizers are spaced far apart or not in a continuous chain, then the system has greater flexibility in configuration, but the interlock system fails to prevent simultaneous use
Solution Approach 1:
A paddle mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between vaporizers. When one vaporizer is opened, its interlock pin pushes the paddle, which then pushes the interlock pin of another vaporizer, preventing it from opening. This mediator allows the interlock system to work reliably even when vaporizers are spaced far apart or not in continuous physical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vaporizers are allowed in the system, then the system has greater versatility in anesthetic delivery, but the risk of simultaneous use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock pin and paddle mechanism implements preliminary anti-action by preventing the harmful state (simultaneous vaporizer use) before it can occur. When one vaporizer is opened, the interlock pin immediately engages the paddle, which then blocks the interlock pin of any other vaporizer, making it mechanically impossible to open multiple vaporizers simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If interlock pins are directly connected between adjacent vaporizers, then the interlock system is simple, but it fails when vaporizers are not adjacent
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits the interlock action across gaps between vaporizers. Instead of requiring direct contact between interlock pins, the paddle bridges the space, allowing the interlock mechanism to function reliably regardless of vaporizer spacing or configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more anesthetic vaporizers may be fluidly connected to the anesthetic delivery machine via a vaporizer mounting bar. The vaporizer mounting bar may include multiple vaporizer mounting positions. Each vaporizer includes interlock pins that extend when the vaporizer is opened and prevent the vaporizer from being opened when pushed in. When a first vaporizer is opened, its interlock pins may extend and cause the interlock pins of adjacent vaporizers, and vaporizers within a chain of interlock pin connections, to be pushed in, preventing the other vaporizers from being opened simultaneously with the first vaporizer. In various embodiments, a paddle system may translate the extension of an interlock pin from one vaporizer to the interlock pins of each of the other vaporizers in the direction of the extension, including the interlock pins of vaporizers in non-adjacent and non-chain positions.