Medical Ventilator Power Management with Diode Bypass Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical ventilators experience power losses due to inefficient power systems, leading to reduced efficiency and shorter battery life, which can impact their ability to provide consistent breathing assistance to patients.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes multiple power sources, a power source switch matrix, diodes, and diode bypass switches to actively and passively control power distribution, reducing power losses by preventing current from one power source from being applied to another and bypassing diodes when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diodes are used to prevent current from one power source being applied to another power source, then power source protection is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diode from the current pathway when it is not needed for protection. The system dynamically removes the diode from the circuit during normal operation to eliminate power loss, and only introduces it when protection is required, thus separating the protection function from the continuous power pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the diode bypass switch based on operational conditions. The system transitions between different circuit configurations - with diode in pathway during power source transitions or faults, and without diode during normal operation - optimizing both protection and efficiency at different times.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple power sources are used to extend operation duration, then battery life is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diode bypass switch as an intermediary component that mediates between the need for multiple power sources and the desire to minimize power loss. The switch acts as a controllable gate that can include or exclude the diode from the circuit based on whether power source isolation is needed, enabling efficient use of multiple power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the circuit configuration parameter by switching the diode bypass switch between on and off states. This parameter change allows the system to transition between high-protection mode (diode in circuit) and high-efficiency mode (diode bypassed), optimizing the balance between power source protection and power loss prevention.
3Loss of energy
If diode bypass switch is added to reduce power loss, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diode bypass switch serves multiple functions: it reduces power loss during normal operation, enables efficient power source transitions, and works with the existing diode protection mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing benefits across multiple operational scenarios rather than solving a single problem.
4Productivity
If active switching between power sources is implemented, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring power source status and automatically adjusting the bypass switch state and power source selection. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent power management that optimizes efficiency without requiring complex manual control, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time conditions.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of medical devices by minimizing power losses, extending battery life, and ensuring reliable operation of ventilators by optimizing power distribution and usage.
Implementation Method 1
The diode may be electrically coupled to a first power source to prevent current from one or more of the other power sources from being applied to the first power source
Implementation Method 2
A power management system is disclosed that includes a power source switch matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a motor for use in a ventilation system may include a motor, a voltage adjustment system, a user interface, and a motor controller. The voltage adjustment system may be configured to adjust a voltage applied to the motor. The user interface may be configured to receive patient settings input from a user and communicate target ventilation parameters to the motor controller. The motor controller may include a calculation engine configured to calculate motor performance parameters for achieving the target ventilation parameters, and based at least on the calculated motor performance parameters, perform a voltage adjustment analysis for controlling the voltage adjustment system. The motor controller may further include a voltage adjuster controller configured to activate the voltage adjustment system based on a first result of the voltage adjustment analysis and to not activate the voltage adjustment system based on a second result of the voltage adjustment analysis.