Wireless Humidifier Sensor Eliminates Connection Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing systems in humidifier reservoirs face inaccuracies due to dirt accumulation and wear and tear in mechanical or electrical connections, leading to unreliable temperature readings when the reservoir is detached for cleaning and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A wireless radiation signal transmission system is implemented, where a sensor in the detachable chamber sends temperature or humidity data to a base unit receiver, allowing contactless power and accurate condition monitoring, enabling precise control of the humidification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical or electrical connection is used between the humidifier reservoir and base unit for temperature sensing, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature readings become inaccurate due to dirt accumulation and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical or electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. The temperature sensor in the detachable chamber communicates with the base unit via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency), eliminating physical connectors that accumulate dirt and wear. This substitution maintains measurement precision while improving connection reliability during repeated attachment and detachment cycles.
2Ease of operation
If the chamber is frequently detached for cleaning and refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to connection degradation
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical connection with wireless communication, the system allows frequent detachment and attachment of the chamber for cleaning and refilling without degrading the temperature sensing capability. The wireless link remains stable regardless of connection frequency, maintaining measurement precision while maximizing operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If a wireless radiation signal transmission system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module serves multiple functions: it transmits temperature data, humidity data, and power signals simultaneously through the same radiation channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical connections for each parameter, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated communication pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing radiation signal infrastructure (commonly available wireless communication protocols) to perform sensing and transmission without requiring specialized complex hardware. The chamber and base unit autonomously manage the wireless connection, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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 ensures accurate and reliable temperature and humidity sensing, reducing inaccuracies and maintaining system performance even when the chamber is detached, thus improving the reliability of humidification processes.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation signal transmitter carried by the chamber and operatively associated with the sensor. The transmitter is arranged to send wirelessly a radiation signal indicative of the sensed condition
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter is arranged to be contactlessly powered by the receiver when the chamber is attached to the base unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A respiration humidifier (10) having a base unit (12) and a chamber (14) constructed to hold liquid (15). A sensor (16a, 16b) is connected to the chamber and configured to sense a condition within the chamber. A radiation signal transmitter (18) is carried by the chamber and associated with the sensor. The transmitter wirelessly sends a radiation signal indicative of the sensed condition. The humidifier includes a radiation signal receiver (20) carried by the base unit for receiving the signal. The humidifier includes a control unit (22) that controls the condition based on the radiation signal received by the radiation signal receiver. Another aspect provides a breathing system (30) using the humidifier. The breathing system includes a gas flow generator (32) that generates a flow of gas to a user circuit coupled to the gas flow generator and adapted to communicate the flow of gas to a user.