Magnetic Coupling for Ventilator Drive Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ventilators in clinical settings face reduced motor service life due to contamination from patient gas, requiring frequent hygienic processing which is costly and reduces component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling between the motor and blower head prevents patient gas from reaching the motor, allowing the blower head to be designed for easy removal and processing, while the motor remains installed and non-contaminated, enabling the use of more durable materials and modular design for the blower head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor is directly connected to the blower head, then the structure is simple and compact, but the motor becomes contaminated with patient gas and its service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into separate modules: the motor assembly and the blower head assembly are detached from each other. The motor assembly contains the motor and drive shaft, while the blower head assembly contains the blower head and patient gas conduit. This segmentation allows the motor to be isolated from patient gas contamination while maintaining functional connection through the drive shaft coupling to the blower head.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor assembly and blower head assembly. The coupling includes a drive shaft coupling to the blower head drive shaft, allowing power transmission while maintaining physical separation. This intermediary structure enables the motor to drive the blower head without direct contact with patient gas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire assembly including motor and blower is removed for cleaning, then hygiene is maintained, but the motor must be designed for hygienic cleaning with robust bearings and appropriate electronic components, increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into separate modules: the motor assembly and the blower head assembly are detached from each other. The motor assembly contains the motor and drive shaft, while the blower head assembly contains the blower head and patient gas conduit. This segmentation allows the motor to be isolated from patient gas contamination while maintaining functional connection through the drive shaft coupling to the blower head.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is extracted from the blower head assembly, allowing the motor to be completely separated from the patient gas pathway. Only the blower head assembly that contacts patient gas needs to be removed for cleaning, while the motor remains in place and is not exposed to patient gas, eliminating the need for hygienic motor design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor and blower head are detachably coupled, then the blower head can be removed for cleaning and replacement, but the coupling mechanism adds complexity to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into separate modules: the motor assembly and the blower head assembly are detached from each other. The motor assembly contains the motor and drive shaft, while the blower head assembly contains the blower head and patient gas conduit. This segmentation allows the motor to be isolated from patient gas contamination while maintaining functional connection through the drive shaft coupling to the blower head.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal applicability to accommodate different blower head types and performance requirements. The detached blower head assembly can be replaced with different models having varying performance characteristics, allowing the same motor assembly to support multiple blower head configurations through the standardized coupling interface.
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
This design extends the service life of ventilator components, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for interchangeable blower heads with different performance characteristics, enhancing flexibility and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling is a magnetic coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilator with a blower head comprising at least one impeller and a housing with a blower nozzle, and a drive device, wherein the blower head together with the drive device is configured to deliver a patient gas. The ventilator is characterized in that the blower head and the drive device are detachably coupled to each other.