Variable Camshaft Geometry for BVM Air Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag valve mask (BVM) resuscitation devices face challenges in controlling maximal air volume during extended periods, leading to complications such as hyperventilation, hypoxia, and aspirational pneumonia, due to the need for rapid and consistent adjustment of breath cycles without delays that could harm the patient.
Innovation Solution
A variable camshaft mechanism is integrated into BVM devices, allowing for adjustable air volume control through single or dual-plane configurations, utilizing a drive plate, scroll plate, and lever systems to ensure consistent and controlled air delivery, compatible with both manual and motorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical resuscitator assist device is used to provide consistent breath cycles, then air volume control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camshaft is designed with variable geometry where the cam profile can be dynamically adjusted to change the breath cycle characteristics. The camshaft includes a body with a cam surface that can be repositioned or replaced to vary the air volume delivered during each breath cycle, allowing the device to adapt to different patient needs without requiring complex electronic controls
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the camshaft geometry parameters (cam profile shape, position, or size) to adjust the breath delivery characteristics. By providing multiple camshafts with different geometries or a mechanism to reposition the cam surface, the device can modify air volume and breath rate parameters while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
2Ease of operation
If rapid adjustment of breath cycles is enabled to prevent complications, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camshaft positioning mechanism allows rapid dynamic adjustment of the camshaft position or selection between pre-configured camshafts, enabling quick changes in breath cycle characteristics. This mechanical adjustment system provides fast response time for adapting to changing patient conditions without requiring complex electronic control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention may employ multiple discrete camshafts with different geometries that can be quickly swapped or selected, dividing the adjustment function into separate, pre-configured options. This segmentation allows operators to rapidly change breath delivery parameters by selecting appropriate camshafts rather than adjusting a single complex mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A one or more plane, variable camshaft is described. The single plane camshaft includes a circular drive plate with two radial drive slots on opposing sides of the center, four arms movably coupled at respective endpoints and arranged in a polar configuration, and a scroll plate to allow adjustable operation of the camshaft. Multiple plane camshafts may include a number of half drive plates arranged around a drive block and secured to a base washer through a scroll block. The variable camshaft may be incorporated into portable, motorized or manual, bag valve mask based resuscitation devices or similar ones.