Water Trap Automatic Emptying for Anesthesia Gas Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water traps in anesthesia systems require manual emptying, leading to potential gas measurement failures if replacement intervals are not observed, compromising the reliability of operation.
Innovation Solution
A water trap with a filling level detection system connected to a control and analyzing unit, which automatically empties the water tank using a liquid pump or solenoid valve, ensuring continuous gas measurement by integrating a nonreturn valve, solenoid valve, and flow sensor, and optionally using RFID tags for level detection and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual emptying of the water tank is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of operation deteriorates due to potential measurement failures when replacement intervals are not observed
Solution Approach 1:
The water trap system performs self-service through automatic detection and emptying mechanisms. The filling level detection system continuously monitors the water tank level and automatically triggers the emptying device when the threshold is reached, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent operation without operator error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through the filling level detection system that provides real-time information about water tank status to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its operation, triggering the emptying device only when necessary, thereby maintaining high reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If automatic emptying device is implemented, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic emptying device enables the water trap to serve itself by automatically detecting water levels and initiating emptying operations without external intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous reliable operation while the system manages its own maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical emptying operations with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and controlled mechanisms. This substitution eliminates human error in timing and execution while providing precise control over the emptying process.
3Productivity
If manual monitoring of water tank level is used, then the operation is simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to downtime for manual emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic emptying device ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the water trap in operational status without interruption. The system automatically empties the water tank when the filling level detection system signals the threshold is reached, preventing measurement failures and eliminating downtime associated with manual emptying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-maintenance through automatic detection and emptying, eliminating the need for operator intervention and associated downtime. This self-service capability ensures continuous productivity while the system manages its own operational requirements.
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 automatic emptying mechanism enhances the reliability of the water trap operation by preventing gas measurement failures through automated water tank emptying, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-permeable membrane (6) which is arranged in the rinsing gas flow line above the liquid level and leads upward via the gas-permeable membrane to the gas measuring device
Implementation Method 2
Either a nonreturn valve with a downstream liquid pump for providing a downstream suction in the water transport line or a solenoid valve with downstream vacuum in the water transport line is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing gas system and water trap (1) is improved in respect to the reliability of operation and has an emptying device. The water trap (1) has a gas inlet (4), which meets a first water separating membrane (5) via a connection line. The connection line leads into a water tank (20) located deeper in the incoming flow direction from the first water separating membrane (5) and into a gas measuring device (2) with vacuum on the discharge side from the first water separating membrane (5) from the water trap (1). The water tank (20) has a rinsing gas flow line, which is arranged above the liquid level, leads upward via a gas-permeable membrane (6) and is likewise connected to the applied vacuum of the gas measuring device (2). The water tank (20) has a water transport line for emptying the water tank (20), which water transport line extends into the liquid and is provided with a downstream vacuum via a nonreturn valve (7) and a downstream liquid pump (17) or via a solenoid valve (21). The water trap (1) is equipped with a filling level detection system (8, 9, 22; 8, 9, 13; 8, 10), which is connected to a control and analyzing unit (3). The control and analyzing unit (3) is connected to the liquid pump (17) or to the solenoid valve (21), so that the water tank (20) can be emptied as a function of the signal of the filling level detection system (8, 9, 22; 8, 9, 13; 8, 10).