Positive Displacement Ventilator for Emergency Breathing Assist
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical ventilators are complex, expensive, and not rugged enough for mass casualty or first responder use, lacking durability and ease of operation, and existing attempts to simplify them have not adequately addressed the need for accurate control of air flow and oxygen delivery in emergency settings.
Innovation Solution
A positive displacement ventilator using a motor-driven positive displacement pump to deliver a specific volume of air with precise control over flow rate and volume, eliminating the need for flow meters and solenoid valves, and incorporating a pressure sensor and control unit to adjust inspiratory pressure, tidal volume, and flow rate, allowing for adaptive ventilation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical ventilators use proportional solenoid valve gas delivery systems with multiple sensors and controls, then precise control of air flow and oxygen delivery is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex proportional solenoid valve system, flow meters, and multiple pressure sensors from the ventilator design. Instead, it uses a simple on/off solenoid valve combined with a flow generator that mechanically controls flow rate and volume through its drive mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous electronic flow control and multiple sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/proportional control system with a mechanical control system. The flow generator uses a drive mechanism with controllable speed and stroke to mechanically regulate flow rate and tidal volume, substituting electronic proportionate control with mechanical displacement control.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional ventilators use multiple pressure sensors, flow meters, and automatic valves, then accurate ventilation control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes flow meters and multiple pressure sensors from the system. Flow is controlled mechanically by the flow generator's drive mechanism, and pressure is controlled by a single pressure sensor working in conjunction with the mechanical drive system, significantly reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow generator's drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls flow rate through speed regulation, controls tidal volume through stroke regulation, and works with the pressure sensor to maintain pressure control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flow meters and multiple control valves.
3Measurement precision
If premium ventilators use proportional solenoid valves and onboard compressors, then precise gas delivery is achieved, but ease of operation and durability for field use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex proportional solenoid valve system with a mechanical flow generator controlled by a simple microprocessor. The drive mechanism provides direct mechanical control over flow rate and volume, which is inherently more durable and easier to operate in field conditions while maintaining precision through electronic control of the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow generator's drive mechanism serves multiple control functions simultaneously - regulating flow rate through speed control, controlling tidal volume through stroke control, and working with the pressure sensor for pressure management. This multi-functionality simplifies the user interface and operation while maintaining precise gas delivery.
4Measurement precision
If conventional ventilators use complex control systems with multiple sensors and valves, then ventilation parameter control is improved, but reliability and resistance to failure modes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple pressure sensors, flow meters, and automatic valves that create potential failure points. The simplified system uses a single pressure sensor combined with a mechanically-controlled flow generator, reducing the number of components that can fail while maintaining parameter control precision through the mechanical drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single pressure sensor with microprocessor control to implement feedback control. The microprocessor monitors pressure feedback and adjusts the drive mechanism accordingly to maintain precise control over flow rate, tidal volume, and pressure, achieving reliable parameter control with fewer components.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, rugged, and easy-to-manufacture ventilator that can be used in emergency and ICU settings, offering precise control over ventilation parameters, reducing complexity and failure modes, and enabling adaptive breathing assistance based on patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
a positive displacement pump having a drive motor and configured to output a predetermined volume of inspiratory gas for each rotation of an output shaft of the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor configured to measure inspiratory pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the innovation relate to a ventilator, comprising: a positive displacement pump having a drive motor and configured to output a predetermined volume of inspiratory gas for each rotation of an output shaft of the drive motor; at least one pressure sensor configured to measure inspiratory pressure; and a control unit having a controller comprising a memory and a processor, the control unit disposed in electrical communication with the drive motor and with the at least one pressure sensor. The controller is configured to: receive at least one of an operation signal and a pressure sensor signal, and transmit a drive motor control signal to the drive motor to adjust at least one of a rotational speed of the output shaft and a number of rotations of the output shaft based upon the at least one of the operation signal and the pressure sensor signal.