Integrated Ventilator Valve Reservoir for Fast Pressure Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical ventilators are complex, expensive, prone to breakdown, and require constant supervision, with conventional valves causing sensitivity issues and high costs due to multi-part components and static friction.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost ventilator system incorporating a novel air or gas flow valve with an integral reservoir or accumulator, featuring a valve gate controlled by a linear drive mechanism, simplifying construction and improving response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional proportional solenoid valves or turbine-based designs are used, then flow and pressure regulation is achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and prone to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir and valve into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate components. The valve is constructed with a single moving part that integrates sealing, flow control, and pressure regulation functions, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex multi-part components from conventional valve designs and replaces them with a simplified single-part construction. This extraction of unnecessary complexity while retaining essential functions directly addresses the reliability-complexity contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If conventional proportional solenoid valves are used, then flow regulation is achieved, but static friction on guide posts impairs sensitivity and causes hysteresis effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical guide post system with magnetic actuation. The voice coil motor uses magnetic fields to actuate the valve without physical contact or guide posts, eliminating static friction and hysteresis effects while improving sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic fields (analogous to pneumatic/hydraulic principles in fluid systems) to actuate the valve, replacing mechanical contact-based actuation. This non-contact actuation method eliminates friction-related sensitivity issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If multi-part valve components are used, then flow control functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases to $1,500-$2,000 per valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece. This consolidation reduces part count, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving performance through optimized single-part design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from assembling multiple precision parts to manufacturing a single optimized component. This parameter change in the manufacturing process (from multi-part assembly to single-part fabrication) reduces cost while ensuring consistent quality and performance.
4Volume of moving object
If separate reservoir and valve components are used, then gas storage and flow control are achieved, but system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reservoir and valve into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for separate components and connecting hardware. This merging reduces overall system volume, weight, and cost while improving response time by eliminating transmission delays between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the valve mechanism within the reservoir structure, with the valve housing forming part of the reservoir assembly. This nested configuration maximizes space efficiency, reducing overall system size while maintaining both storage and flow control functions.
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 system provides a robust, cost-effective, compact, and reliable ventilator with improved patient support by reducing complexity, weight, and noise, while ensuring rapid pressure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is actuated by a voice coil motor which generates a magnetic field in response to an input signal
Implementation Method 2
A spring plunger provides a preload to the valve gate in the negative Z direction. The intent is to continually maintain a gas-tight seal between the valve gate and valve housing slide surface
Implementation Method 3
Gas flows through a flow rate sensor in line in the gas supply inlet measuring source flow, QSource(t) that is a function of time, t. This measurement is utilized by the gas source controller
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory ventilators system having an inlet configured to be connected to a pressurized air or gas source; an outlet configured to be connected to a patient interface; a valve in-line between the inlet and the outlet; and a control unit configured to control the valve for controlling flow of pressurized air or gas from the source to the patient, wherein the valve includes an air or gas reservoir or accumulator incorporated into the valve body.