Modular Ventilator Porting System for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical ventilators are not compatible across different ventilation modes, such as volume control and pressure support, requiring significant disassembly or the use of different devices for configuration changes, which limits their versatility and portability.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight medical ventilator with a modular design that includes a porting system with interchangeable blocks for sensor configurations and a detachable battery pack, allowing quick switching between modes and configurations without disassembly, and utilizing a single-limb patient circuit for both invasive and non-invasive therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ventilators use fixed configurations for different ventilation modes, then each mode can be optimized for its specific therapy, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple devices or significant disassembly for mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into modular components including interchangeable patient circuits (single-limb and dual-limb), detachable battery packs, and configurable porting blocks that can be independently selected and attached. This segmentation allows the system to be reconfigured for different ventilation modes without requiring disassembly of the entire device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability across modes such as volume control and pressure support ventilation
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilator incorporates universal interfaces and standardized connection points that allow the same base unit to support multiple patient circuit types and ventilation modes. The single-limb circuit can be configured for both invasive and non-invasive use, and the dual-limb circuit can operate in both active and passive exhalation modes, enabling one device to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate ventilators
2Weight of moving object
If ventilators are designed for portability and lightweight construction, then patient mobility is enhanced, but the weight and size are reduced which may limit durability and component capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator system is segmented into a lightweight main unit and separate detachable battery packs. This allows the core ventilator to be minimized in weight and size while the battery capacity can be independently scaled. Users can attach additional battery packs only when portability is needed, maintaining reliability for extended use without permanently increasing the weight of the ventilator itself
Solution Approach 2:
The power configuration is made dynamic through detachable battery packs that can be added or removed based on operational needs. The system can transition between battery-powered portable mode and AC-powered stationary mode, allowing the ventilator to adapt its configuration to match the durability and power requirements of the specific use scenario
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-limb patient circuit is used for both invasive and non-invasive therapies, then device versatility is improved, but the system must accommodate different circuit configurations which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patient circuit system is segmented into distinct single-limb and dual-limb circuit assemblies that can be independently selected. Each circuit type includes appropriate exhalation devices and connection interfaces tailored to its specific application. This segmentation allows the ventilator to work with both circuit types through standardized interfaces, achieving versatility without creating a single complex hybrid system
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilator incorporates universal connection interfaces and control systems that can accommodate both single-limb and dual-limb patient circuits. The single-limb circuit can be configured for invasive use with tracheostomy tubes or non-invasive use with masks, and the dual-limb circuit can operate in active or passive exhalation modes. This universality allows one ventilator to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A ventilator (2) comprising : (a) a housing (4) having an interior (6) and an exterior (8); (b) an inlet port (42) extending from the exterior (8) to the interior (6) of the housing (4); (c) a flow generator (36) disposed within the ventilator (2); (c) an outlet port (44) for discharging the flow of gas from the housing (4); and (d) an inlet airflow assembly (200) comprising : (1) a cover member (202) comprising a first side (204), a second side (206) disposed opposite the first side (204), and an inlet aperture (208) delivering a gas to the inlet port (42) of the ventilator (2), (2) a number of filtering members (250,260) disposed between the first side (204) of the cover member (202) and the housing (4) of the ventilator (2), and (3) a fastening mechanism (270) fastening the cover member (202) to the housing (4) of the ventilator (2).