Variable Throat Jet Venturi for Low-Flow PEEP Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive open ventilation (NIOV) systems face challenges in generating positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) efficiently due to high gas flow requirements, leading to waste of energy and increased device size and complexity, with existing solutions adding bulk and dead space.
Innovation Solution
A variable throat jet venturi system with a deformable throat body and a housing that adjusts plenum pressure to control airflow, allowing efficient PEEP generation by varying the ratio of throat and jet nozzle cross-sectional areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high flow rate of gas is used to generate PEEP in NIOV, then positive end-expiratory pressure is achieved, but gas consumption and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical PEEP generation methods (which require high flow pneumatic valves) with an electrically operated valve system. The electric valve opens briefly at the start of exhalation to allow high flow gas into the PEEP reservoir, then closes to maintain PEEP with minimal ongoing gas consumption. This substitution of mechanical continuous flow with electrical control reduces energy waste while maintaining PEEP.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by filling the PEEP reservoir with high flow gas at the beginning of the exhalation phase before closing the valve. This preliminary filling action establishes the PEEP pressure that is then maintained without requiring continuous high flow gas, thereby reducing overall gas consumption and energy waste while achieving the required PEEP.
2Productivity
If pneumatic valves are used to reduce gas flow requirements, then PEEP generation efficiency improves, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical pneumatic valves with compact electrically operated valves and electronic control circuitry. The electric valve system achieves the same PEEP generation function with significantly reduced size and weight, improving productivity in PEEP generation while reducing device weight by eliminating large mechanical components.
3Stress or pressure
If pneumatic valves are added to the system, then PEEP control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical PEEP valve systems with simpler electrically operated valves controlled by electronic circuitry. The electronic control system provides precise PEEP management through electrical signals, reducing mechanical complexity while improving PEEP control accuracy and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically operated valve system serves multiple functions: it controls PEEP generation, regulates gas flow into the reservoir, and can be integrated with the device's existing control architecture. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated mechanical PEEP valve systems.
4Stress or pressure
If pneumatic valves are placed close to the patient's face, then PEEP delivery is improved, but dead space volume increases causing carbon dioxide rebreathing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PEEP generation function from the immediate patient interface by using a reservoir system. The electric valve fills the reservoir with pressurized gas during exhalation, and this stored pressurized gas is then delivered to the patient. This separation allows the valve to be positioned away from the patient's face, reducing dead space volume and preventing carbon dioxide rebreathing while maintaining effective PEEP delivery.
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 system achieves PEEP efficiently with reduced gas flow, minimizing device size and complexity while maintaining effective ventilation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a jet nozzle, a deformable throat body arranged to receive ventilation gas output by the jet nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a housing defining an entrainment opening which is open to ambient air
Implementation Method 3
a pilot pressure port for pressurizing a plenum between an outer wall of the deformable throat body and an inner wall of the housing
Implementation Method 4
a deformable throat body arranged to receive ventilation gas output by the jet nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A variable throat jet venturi for delivering ventilation gas to a patient includes a jet nozzle, a deformable throat body arranged to receive ventilation gas output by the jet nozzle and defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a housing containing the deformable throat body. The housing may define an entrainment opening which is open to ambient air and a pilot pressure port for pressurizing a plenum between an outer wall of the deformable throat body and an inner wall of the housing. A pilot pressure line may be fluidly coupled to the pilot pressure port. A controller may be programmed to energize the pilot pressure line to constrict the deformable throat body during an exhalation phase of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy.