Ventilator Oxygen Sensor Port With Self-Sealing Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical ventilators require periodic removal of oxygen sensors for cleaning or replacement, which can disrupt their operation and necessitate taking the ventilator out of service, leading to potential leaks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A medical ventilator design that includes a manifold with a port and a valve system that automatically opens when the oxygen sensor is inserted and closes when removed, preventing leaks and allowing the ventilator to continue operating without the sensor, enabling easy replacement and maintenance without service interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the oxygen sensor is removed for cleaning or replacement, then the sensor can be maintained, but the ventilator must be taken out of service and leaks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the oxygen sensor into a removable module that can be independently accessed and maintained without affecting the main ventilator operation. The sensor is positioned in a port that allows removal while the rest of the system remains functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve automatically closes when the sensor is removed, providing self-sealing functionality without requiring manual intervention. This allows the sensor to be maintained while the system automatically prevents leaks, eliminating the need to take the ventilator out of service.
2Ease of repair
If the oxygen sensor is removed from the port, then the sensor can be replaced, but airflow leaks occur through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is positioned to automatically close and seal the opening as soon as the sensor begins to be removed, preventing airflow leaks before they can occur. This preliminary sealing action eliminates the harmful effect of leaks during sensor replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides automatic sealing functionality through spring biasing, closing the opening when the sensor is removed without requiring manual intervention. This self-sealing mechanism prevents leaks while allowing easy sensor replacement.
3Reliability
If the valve remains open when the oxygen sensor is removed, then airflow continues through the port, but leaks occur and ventilator operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve automatically transitions between open and closed states based on sensor presence. When the sensor is removed, the spring-biased valve self-closes to prevent leaks, and when the sensor is inserted, it self-opens to restore airflow, maintaining reliability without manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a static open position to a dynamic state that automatically closes when the sensor is removed. This dynamic response ensures airflow control adapts to the sensor's presence or absence, preventing leaks while maintaining operational reliability.
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
Ensures continuous operation of the ventilator by sealing the airflow path when the oxygen sensor is removed, preventing leaks and allowing for safe and efficient replacement or cleaning of the sensor without requiring the ventilator to be taken out of service, thus maintaining patient care.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is biased toward a closed position in which the valve closes the opening
Implementation Method 2
the oxygen sensor samples the air in the air flow path and detects the amount of oxygen in the air
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to oxygen sensors for medical ventilators. A medical ventilator includes a patient circuit delivering inspiratory airflow to a patient and returning expiratory airflow from the patient back to the ventilator. A manifold includes an air flow path into the patient circuit, and a port with an opening for an oxygen sensor. When mated to the port, the oxygen sensor samples the air in the air flow path and detects the amount of oxygen in the air. When the oxygen sensor is inserted into the port, a valve is biased open, to allow airflow through the opening into the oxygen sensor during ventilation. When the oxygen sensor is removed from the port, the valve biases into a closed position covering the opening, to prevent leaks. The ventilator can then continue to operate without the oxygen sensor in place.