Venturi Flow-Generator for Electricity-Free CPAP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP flow generators require electricity, cannot mix pure oxygen with environmental air to achieve 100% FiO2, and have complex manufacturing and high maintenance costs, limiting their accessibility and use, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A flow generator that uses pressurized oxygen from an external source to create a venturi mixing jet, drawing in environmental air to generate a pressurized, homogeneous oxygen-rich airflow without electricity, and is designed to be portable and compatible with existing medical equipment, allowing for adjustable FiO2 levels up to 100%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrically powered blower or centrifugal fan is used to generate pressurized airflow, then the device can deliver continuous positive airway pressure, but the device requires an electricity source and has high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically powered blower or centrifugal fan with a jet-driven venturi mixing system. Pressurized oxygen from an external source flows through a nozzle to create a venturi effect, drawing in and mixing with environmental air to generate the required pressurized airflow without any electrical components. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electricity while maintaining CPAP delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles through the venturi mixing mechanism. The pressurized oxygen stream creates a pressure differential that draws environmental air into the mixing chamber, where the two gases mix to form the final pressurized airflow. This pneumatic system replaces electrical mechanical systems, achieving the same airflow generation function without motors or electricity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional connections such as T-connectors are added to the air inlet to deliver pure oxygen, then the device can mix oxygen with environmental air, but the device cannot provide up to 100% FiO2 and requires complex modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The flow generator is designed with a universal interface that directly accepts pressurized oxygen from standard medical oxygen sources. The device integrates the oxygen inlet, venturi mixing chamber, and environmental air intake into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for external T-connectors or modifications to existing equipment. This universal design enables both oxygen supplementation and 100% FiO2 delivery without requiring complex adapter connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the oxygen delivery system, venturi mixing mechanism, and CPAP flow generation into a single integrated device. The pressurized oxygen inlet is directly connected to the venturi nozzle, which is integrated with the mixing chamber that also receives environmental air. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connectors and modifications, simplifying the overall system while enabling flexible oxygen concentration control from supplemental oxygen to 100% FiO2
3Ease of operation
If known CPAP flow generators are used in remote areas, then treatment can be provided, but the complex manufacturing process and high maintenance costs limit accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The flow generator is designed as a segmented system with modular components: a body housing, a removable nozzle, an environmental air filter, and an oxygen inlet assembly. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced separately using simpler processes and assembled together. It also facilitates maintenance in remote areas, as components can be individually replaced without replacing the entire device, reducing maintenance costs and improving accessibility
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
Enables the generation of a pressurized oxygen-rich airflow without electricity, improving accessibility and reducing maintenance costs, while maintaining compatibility with existing medical devices, thus enhancing treatment options for respiratory conditions.
Implementation Method 1
uses pressurized oxygen from an external source to create a venturi mixing jet, drawing in environmental air to generate a pressurized, homogeneous oxygen-rich airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A flow generator for generating a mixed oxygen air flow, the flow generator including a body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and one or more inner surfaces that define a first inner chamber in fluid communication with the first inlet and the second inlet, a second inner chamber in fluid communication with the first inner chamber, and a third inner chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber and the outlet of the body. The flow generator includes a connector disposed in the first inlet and a nozzle disposed within at least a portion of the connector and extending into the first inner chamber. The flow generator further includes an adapter engaged to the nozzle to form a fluid tight path such that the adapter connects to an external oxygen source and transports oxygen into the nozzle.