Ventilator Exhaust Valve Dynamic Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilators face limitations in flexibility and non-invasive ventilation due to high expiratory resistance in dual-limb configurations and the need for bulky active exhaust valves in single-limb configurations, which hinder effective management of leaks and patient interface compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A ventilator system that can operate in either dual-limb or single-limb configurations without a special single-limb circuit, featuring a controller that adjusts flow restriction based on respiratory phases and uses passive or active exhaust valves to minimize resistance, allowing for flexible patient interface options and leak management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual-limb circuit is used, then leak management and precise pressure control are improved, but expiratory resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator circuit is segmented into distinct inspiratory and expiratory limbs with separate valves. The expiratory limb includes a dedicated exhaust valve that is separate from the inspiratory flow path, allowing independent control of expiratory flow while maintaining reliable leak management through the dual-limb configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary exhaust valve is introduced in the expiratory limb to mediate the expiratory flow. This valve acts as a dedicated pathway for exhaust gas, reducing the resistance that would otherwise be present in a single-limb configuration while still allowing the system to benefit from the leak management capabilities of a dual-limb circuit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-limb circuit is used, then expiratory resistance is reduced, but the system becomes more complex requiring bulky active exhaust valves
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both single-limb and dual-limb configurations. The same exhaust valve mechanism can function in a single-limb configuration to reduce expiratory resistance, or in a dual-limb configuration to manage leaks, eliminating the need for separate bulky active exhaust valves for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilator incorporates dynamic control of the exhaust valve through a controller that adjusts valve position based on respiratory phase detection. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize expiratory flow during single-limb operation while maintaining reliable leak management during dual-limb operation, reducing the need for bulky passive valves.
3Device complexity
If a passive exhaust port is used, then device complexity is reduced, but expiratory flow control and leak management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator incorporates a controller that receives feedback from respiratory phase detection and dynamically adjusts the exhaust valve position accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the simple exhaust port structure to achieve reliable leak management by actively controlling the exhaust valve based on real-time respiratory conditions, eliminating the need for complex passive valve mechanisms.
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 provides efficient ventilation with reduced expiratory resistance and improved leak tolerance, enabling effective non-invasive ventilation without the need for bulky active valves, enhancing patient care in various clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
The controller causes the exhaust valve to change a degree of flow restriction based on a respiratory phase of a patient
Implementation Method 2
It is known to provide pressure support to a patient through a single-limb breathing circuit and a patient interface. Such ventilation systems typically generate a flow of gas using, for example, a blower.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilator of the present invention includes a housing, a gas flow generator disposed in the housing, a gas outlet port provided on an exterior surface of the housing, and a first conduit coupling the gas flow generator to the gas outlet port. A gas inlet port is also provided on an exterior surface of the housing. A second conduit couples the gas inlet port to a first exhaust valve in the housing that regulates a flow of exhaust gas from the second conduit. A second exhaust valve in the housing is coupled to the first conduit and regulates a flow of exhaust gas from the first conduit. A controller coupled to second exhaust valve causes the second exhaust valve to change a degree of flow restriction based on a respiratory phase of a patient coupled to the ventilator when the ventilator is operating in a single-limb ventilation configuration.