Ventilator Flow Indicator for Connection and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems lack effective means for users to quickly and accurately monitor the ventilation process, including errors such as incorrect connections, leaks, or insufficient gas delivery, which can endanger patients.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system with an inspiratory indicator that displays both the magnitude and direction of gas flow, using a control unit to determine net inspiratory volume flow and control the indicator elements, eliminating the need for a central display unit and reducing reliance on acoustic or haptic alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central display unit is used to show ventilation parameters, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into distributed indicator elements placed directly on the ventilator housing near relevant components. Instead of one centralized display, multiple segmented indicators show flow direction and magnitude at locations where users can quickly identify issues without navigating to a central unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicator elements as intermediaries between the ventilation system and the user. These indicators directly communicate system status through intuitive visual cues (arrows for direction, brightness for magnitude) without requiring users to interpret data from a complex central display interface.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic or haptic alarms are used to signal errors, then user attention is captured, but misinterpretation risk increases and response accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators with different brightness levels and patterns to convey specific system states. The control unit adjusts indicator characteristics to clearly distinguish between normal operation, warnings, and critical errors, providing unambiguous information that reduces misinterpretation compared to generic acoustic alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements direct visual feedback through indicator elements that immediately reflect system status changes. The control unit continuously monitors ventilation parameters and updates the indicators in real-time, providing continuous feedback that helps users quickly understand system state and respond appropriately.
3Reliability
If detailed ventilation monitoring is provided, then system control is improved, but user response time increases due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places specific indicator elements at strategic locations on the ventilator housing where they can be quickly seen during routine operations. The indicators provide locally relevant information about flow direction and magnitude without requiring users to process comprehensive data from a central display, enabling rapid assessment of critical parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation system for the artificial ventilation of a patient (Pt). An inspiratory fluid delivery unit (30) connects a ventilator (1) to a patient-side coupling unit (9). A control unit (4) determines a measure of the net inspiratory volume flow generated by the ventilator (1) and flowing through the inspiratory fluid delivery unit (30). Depending on the net inspiratory volume flow, the control unit (4) activates an inspiratory display element (40) on the inspiratory fluid delivery unit (30). The activated inspiratory display element (40) visually displays two indicators: one for the determined net inspiratory volume flow and one for the flow direction through the inspiratory fluid delivery unit (30).