Venturi Nozzle Ventilator Attachment for Seamless Fluid Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilators are invasive, inefficient, and pose infection risks due to continuous oxygen supply requirements, lack of portability, and disruptions during transport ventilation, which can lead to lung collapse and increased healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical ventilator using a venturi nozzle with a pressure force multiplier and diaphragm or flap valve system that regulates airflow based on patient breathing, allowing for oxygen-enriched air delivery without continuous oxygen flow and electronic control, and an attachment device for smooth fluid source switching during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous oxygen supply is used in current ventilators, then the ventilator can function properly, but oxygen is wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using patient's natural breathing cycles to trigger intermittent oxygen delivery. The venturi nozzle is activated only during inhalation phases when the patient needs oxygen, rather than continuous supply. This is achieved through pressure-sensitive mechanisms that detect breathing patterns and activate oxygen flow accordingly, eliminating oxygen waste while ensuring proper ventilator function during needed periods.
2Reliability
If current ventilators are used for transport ventilation, then patients can receive oxygen, but disruptions during transfer can cause lung collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple fluid sources and attachment devices before transport begins. The device includes multiple inlet ports that can be pre-connected to different oxygen sources, and a quick-connection mechanism that allows seamless switching between sources during transfer without interrupting oxygen flow to the patient's lungs.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device serves as an intermediary between different fluid sources and the patient's respiratory system. It includes a common outlet that maintains continuous fluid flow while allowing switching between multiple inlet sources, preventing lung collapse during transport transfers by ensuring uninterrupted oxygen delivery.
3Ease of operation
If current ventilators require electricity and electronics, then precise control is achieved, but portability to remote locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a ventilator that uses the patient's own breathing movements to control oxygen delivery. The system is self-regulating through pressure-sensitive valves and diaphragms that automatically respond to inhalation and exhalation patterns without requiring external electronic control or power sources, enabling deployment in remote locations while maintaining adequate control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to replace electronic control systems. Pressure-sensitive diaphragms, springs, and fluid pressure mechanisms physically respond to breathing patterns and automatically regulate oxygen flow, eliminating the need for electricity and electronics while providing sufficient control for respiratory support in remote settings.
4Reliability
If intubation and full ventilation are used for severe respiratory cases, then life is saved, but the procedure is invasive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing respiratory support that is sufficient for moderate cases without requiring full intubation. The device delivers oxygen-enriched air through less invasive means (such as masks or nasal cannulas) for patients who do not require complete mechanical ventilation, reducing invasiveness and cost while still saving lives in appropriate cases.
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 reduces the risk of infection, conserves oxygen, enhances portability, and maintains continuous airflow during transport, minimizing lung collapse risks and lowering healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanical ventilator using a venturi nozzle with a pressure force multiplier that regulates airflow based on patient breathing
Implementation Method 2
diaphragm or flap valve system that regulates airflow based on patient breathing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus such as a fluid mixer, suitable for use with a respirator, including a venturi nozzle for flow of a pressure-controlled fluid; an ambient fluid aperture in fluid communication with the venturi nozzle; a fluid port; a pressure force multiplier in fluid communication with the fluid port; and a valve moveable relative to the venturi nozzle between a start flow position and a stop flow position; where the pressure force multiplier is configured such that fluid forced into the fluid port actuates the valve relative to the venturi nozzle; and where the pressure force multiplier is configured such that fluid withdrawn from the fluid port actuates the valve relative to the venturi nozzle. An attachment device, connector, and method of using an apparatus suitable for a ventilator is also disclosed.