Ventilator Interface for Removable Data Transmission Sticks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilators face challenges with outdated modems for remote data transmission, which are difficult to replace and require adaptation to different network standards, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of functionality, especially in critical care settings where timely updates are necessary.

Innovation Solution

A ventilator design featuring a standardized interface for data transfer sticks with a recessed receptacle that supports various data transmission sticks, ensuring easy accessibility, compatibility, and secure connection, eliminating the need for permanently installed modems and allowing for updates without disrupting operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a modem is permanently installed in the ventilator, then remote data transmission functionality is provided, but the modem becomes outdated and difficult to replace over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote data transmission functionalityVSAvoidmodem update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modem functionality is segmented from the main ventilator system and placed in a separate, removable module that can be independently updated or replaced without affecting the core ventilator functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modem component transitions from a static, permanently installed state to a dynamic, replaceable state, allowing the system to adapt to changing communication standards and technologies over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a modem is permanently installed in the ventilator, then remote control and monitoring capability is enabled, but replacing it with a newer version is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidmodem replacement effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modem is divided as a separate replaceable module, allowing technical personnel to quickly swap out outdated modems without performing complex repairs or reconfigurations on the main ventilator system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modem is treated as a consumable component that can be easily replaced with newer, more affordable modules rather than investing in expensive upgrades or repairs of the original installed modem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of energy

If modems are not updated regularly, then resource consumption is reduced, but the data transmission function becomes obsolete and unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables easy self-service replacement of modem modules by medical personnel, allowing them to swap out outdated modems with current versions to maintain functionality without requiring extensive technical resources or downtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the interface is not easily accessible from the outside, then internal components are protected, but data transfer stick insertion and removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from water and foreign bodiesVSAvoiddata transfer stick accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data transfer interface is nested within a recessed cavity in the housing, allowing the interface to be protected from external environmental factors while still being accessible through the opening for insertion and removal of data sticks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3919105B1Interface for ventilator
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 LOWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECH SA
  • EP3919105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical device with a breathing gas source (2) and control systems (3, 4, 5), a housing (1) with a receptacle (7) and an interface (6) located on the bottom (8) in a recess (9) for receiving different data transmission sticks (19) and data storage sticks (20).