Ventilator Gas Control Device Bypass for Exhalation Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilators can experience blockages or malfunctions in the expiratory branch, preventing patients from exhaling properly.
Innovation Solution
A gas control device with a first gas channel and a check valve, along with a second gas channel and a switching device, allows for the bypassing of the check valve when the expiratory branch is blocked, ensuring exhalation by redirecting the gas flow through a bypass channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is used in the first gas channel to prevent gas flow in the second direction, then gas flow control is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to blockages that prevent patient exhalation
Solution Approach 1:
A second gas channel is introduced as an intermediary bypass path that activates when the primary expiratory path is blocked. The switching device mediates between the blocked first gas channel and the alternative second gas channel, allowing the system to maintain functionality despite blockages in the primary path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static check valve configuration to a dynamic system with a switching device that can change the gas flow path based on detected blockages. The switching device dynamically redirects gas flow from the blocked first gas channel through the second gas channel when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass channel is added to the first gas channel, then alternative gas flow paths are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas control system is segmented into separate functional components: the first gas channel with check valve for normal operation, the second gas channel for bypass operation, and a switching device for controlling flow paths. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality.
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 gas control device enables patients to exhale even if the expiratory branch of the ventilator is blocked or malfunctioning, ensuring proper respiratory function.
Implementation Method 1
a first gas channel with a first valve, wherein the first gas channel and the valve are configured to allow a pressurized gas flow to pass in a first direction and to block a pressurized gas flow in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a second valve is configured to block and/or at least temporarily enable a gas flow from the first gas channel to the bypass channel, wherein a switching device is configured to control the second valve
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A gas control device (10) for a ventilator (1) comprises a first gas channel (11) with a first valve (19), wherein the first gas channel (11) and the first valve (19) are configured to allow a pressurized gas flow in a first direction and to block a pressurized gas flow in a second direction, wherein the gas flow in the first direction is inspirational breathing gas and the gas flow in the second direction is expirational breathing gas, wherein an opening (14) branches off from the first gas channel (11) and leads to a bypass channel (21) for the first valve (19), wherein a second valve (15, 16) is configured to block and/or at least temporarily allow a gas flow from the first gas channel (11) to the bypass channel (21), and wherein a switching device (13) is configured to control the second valve (15, 16).to block and/or at least temporarily allow a gas flow from the first gas channel (11) to the bypass channel (21), wherein a seal (15) is arranged resting on the opening (14) and comprises a weight (17) which is formed in an annular shape in the center of the seal (15), wherein the seal (15) is made of an elastomeric material and the weight (17) is made of a metal.