Ventilator Oxygen Blending Module for Controlled FiO2 Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilators, particularly those used for sleep apnea treatment and CPAP machines, lack the capability to provide controlled supplemental oxygen between 50% and 100% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), which is crucial during respiratory diseases like COVID-19, and the supply of oxygen blending modules (OBMs) is insufficient to meet demand.
Innovation Solution
A gas delivery apparatus and method that integrates with existing ventilators, using hospital wall oxygen and air supplies to mix and deliver controlled FiO2, utilizing rotameters, blenders, and high flow nasal therapy devices, with a reservoir to maintain atmospheric pressure and adjust oxygen fraction, compatible with various ventilator models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ventilators are adapted to provide controlled supplemental oxygen, then the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) can be controlled between 21% and 100%, but the device complexity increases due to integration of oxygen blending capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts existing single-function ventilators (designed for room air ventilation only) to perform oxygen blending functionality, enabling them to deliver controlled FiO2 levels. This universal adaptation allows one ventilator model to serve multiple functions - both room air ventilation and supplemental oxygen therapy - thereby improving adaptability without requiring completely new device designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as oxygen blending modules, flow meters, and mixing chambers that interface between the oxygen source and the ventilator system. These intermediaries enable FiO2 control without fundamentally redesigning the core ventilator mechanism, thus managing device complexity while achieving the desired adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If oxygen blending modules are integrated into ventilators, then controlled FiO2 can be delivered, but the supply chain limitations make it difficult to meet demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oxygen therapy system into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. By making the oxygen blending capability a separate, attachable module rather than an integrated core component, the system allows ventilators to be manufactured without OBMs and have the blending capability added separately where available, thereby easing manufacturing constraints and supply chain bottlenecks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified versions or alternative implementations of oxygen blending functionality that can be manufactured more easily. By developing adapter-based solutions and using readily available components rather than proprietary complex blending systems, the invention enables widespread deployment even when standard OBM supply is limited
3Productivity
If existing ventilators are retrofitted to deliver oxygenated air, then more ventilators can provide controlled FiO2, but additional parts and integration requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs retrofit solutions that leverage the existing ventilator's own components and control systems to manage the oxygen blending process. The ventilator uses its existing flow sensors, pressure regulators, and control algorithms to manage the blended gas delivery, thereby minimizing the need for additional complex control hardware and reducing integration complexity while maintaining high productivity
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
Enables clinicians to provide controlled FiO2 to any pressure-support ventilator, ensuring normal operation and flexibility in adapting existing ventilators to deliver oxygenated air, minimizing new parts and leveraging hospital resources.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir (22) configured to hold a volume of the mixed air and oxygen gas
Implementation Method 2
a connecting device (10) configured to deliver mixed air and oxygen gas to the atmospheric inlet (3)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A gas delivery apparatus configured for use with a mechanical ventilator (2) having an atmospheric inlet (3) for drawing in atmospheric gas includes a connecting device (10) configured to connect to an oxygen supply (12) and an air supply (14) and to deliver mixed air and oxygen gas to the atmospheric inlet of the mechanical ventilator. The connecting device further includes a user control (20) for adjusting a fraction of oxygen in the mixed air and oxygen gas. The connecting device comprises a reservoir (22) configured to hold a volume of the mixed air and oxygen gas.