Claims:CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A ventilation apparatus for a ventilator, the ventilation apparatus comprising:
- a gas inlet manifold, wherein the gas inlet manifold comprises a plurality of first inlets, two first outlets, and a plurality of first conduits extending between the plurality of first inlets and the two first outlets;
- a gas blender implemented as a concentric pipe arrangement having an external pipe assembly, an internal pipe assembly arranged within the external pipe assembly, and an external chamber plate, wherein
- a first end of the external pipe assembly is covered and has two inlets that are fluidically coupled to the two first outlets and has at least a first opening, a curved surface of the external pipe assembly having two second openings,
- a first end of the internal pipe assembly is covered and has at least an inlet which extends out of the first opening, a curved surface of the internal pipe assembly having two outlets that extend out of the two second openings,
- a second end of the internal pipe assembly is uncovered, and
- a second end of the external pipe assembly is covered by the external chamber plate;
- a linear actuation arrangement arranged within the internal pipe assembly; and
- a gas outlet manifold having two second inlets, a second outlet and a plurality of second conduits extending between the two second inlets and the second outlet, wherein the two second inlets are fluidically coupled to the two outlets of the internal pipe assembly;
wherein when the ventilator is in use, at least oxygen and air are received via the plurality of first inlets and are transported via the plurality of first conduits to the gas blender, the oxygen and the air are mixed in an annular region between the external pipe assembly and the internal pipe assembly, and a mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered via the second end of the internal pipe assembly to one of the two second inlets when the linear actuation arrangement is energized, while atmospheric air is delivered via the inlet of the internal pipe assembly to other of the two second inlets when the linear actuation arrangement is de-energized.
2. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas inlet manifold is implemented as a single block of a material, wherein the single block has internal tunnelling that forms the plurality of first conduits.
3. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas blender comprises a blending element, the blending element being implemented as a plurality of baffles extending in the annular region between the external pipe assembly and the internal pipe assembly.
4. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the linear actuation arrangement comprises:
- a first piston and a second piston concentrically arranged on a first end and a second end, respectively, of a shaft;
- a solenoid concentrically arranged on a portion of the shaft between the first piston and the second piston; and
- a spring attached to the second piston;
wherein when the linear actuation arrangement is energized by a power source, the second piston is pulled against an action of the spring to restrict delivery of the atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold while the first piston is arranged to allow delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold, and when the linear actuation arrangement is de-energized, the second piston is pushed away by the action of the spring to allow delivery of the atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold while the first piston is arranged to restrict delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold.
5. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1-4, further comprising a plurality of pressure control elements and a plurality of flow control elements to regulate pressure and flow, respectively, of the oxygen and the air, wherein the plurality of pressure control elements and the plurality of flow control elements are arranged within and/or attached to the gas inlet manifold.
6. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1-5, further comprising an attachment module for fluidically coupling the two first outlets of the gas inlet manifold with the two inlets of the first end of the external pipe assembly, wherein the attachment module comprises a plurality of flow sensing elements arranged therein, to measure flow rates of the oxygen and the air.
7. A ventilation apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1-6, further comprising at least one oxygen sensor arranged within the gas outlet manifold, wherein the at least one oxygen sensor measures a concentration of the oxygen in the mixture of the oxygen and the air that is delivered to the gas outlet manifold.
8. A ventilator comprising:
- a ventilation apparatus comprising a gas inlet manifold, a gas blender, a linear actuation arrangement, and a gas outlet manifold;
- a power source for driving at least the linear actuation arrangement;
- a patient breathing unit, wherein the patient breathing unit comprises
a fluid delivery element for delivering a mixture of oxygen and air to a patient; and
- a control unit comprising a processor and an input device for setting at least one operational parameter of the ventilator.
9. A ventilator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ventilator is suitable for use for at least one of: an invasive ventilation, a non-invasive ventilation, an oxygen therapy.
10. A method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus, the method comprising:
- employing at least one of: milling, casting, stereolithography, machining, extrusion, to manufacture at least a gas inlet manifold, a gas outlet manifold, and parts of an internal pipe assembly and an external pipe assembly of a gas blender;
- assembling the gas blender by arranging a linear actuation arrangement within the internal pipe assembly, arranging the internal pipe assembly within the external pipe assembly, and arranging an external chamber plate to cover a second end of the external pipe assembly; and
- attaching the gas blender with the gas inlet manifold and with the gas outlet manifold.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
VENTILATION APPARATUS, VENTILATOR, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING VENTILATION APPARATUS

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :NOCCARC ROBOTICS PRIVATE LIMITED
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :T-142, T-Block, Pimpri Industrial Area MIDC Bhosari, Pune, Maharashtra, 411026

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to ventilation apparatuses for ventilators. The present disclosure also relates to ventilators including such ventilation apparatuses. The present disclosure also relates to methods for manufacturing ventilation apparatuses.
BACKGROUND
Over the past few decades, the medical field has witnessed significant technological advancements in respiratory medical devices that are used for providing ventilatory support (namely, breathing support) to patients with breathing disorders, respiratory failures, and the like. Typically, such ventilatory support is provided via ventilation devices (such as mechanical ventilation devices) to the patients. The ventilation devices generally provide ventilation by moving breathable gas into and out of lungs of the patients, thereby delivering breaths to the patients.
However, existing ventilation devices and apparatuses used therein are associated with several limitations. Firstly, the existing ventilation devices are bulky and thus occupy large spaces for installation which may not always be available. As an example, pneumatic apparatuses used in such ventilation devices are generally quite bulky. Moreover, such ventilation devices have complex designs and have high power consumption. Secondly, the existing ventilation devices have high individual part counts. For example, the pneumatic apparatuses in existing ventilation devices have multiple actuation arrangements for allowing and restricting breathing gas flow to the patients. Manufacturing and assembly time for the existing ventilation devices are considerably high due to the high individual part counts, and thus such ventilation devices are expensive.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with existing ventilation devices and apparatuses used therein.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure seeks to provide a ventilation apparatus for a ventilator. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a ventilator. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ventilation apparatus for a ventilator, the ventilation apparatus comprising:
- a gas inlet manifold, wherein the gas inlet manifold comprises a plurality of first inlets, two first outlets, and a plurality of first conduits extending between the plurality of first inlets and the two first outlets;
- a gas blender implemented as a concentric pipe arrangement having an external pipe assembly, an internal pipe assembly arranged within the external pipe assembly, and an external chamber plate, wherein
- a first end of the external pipe assembly is covered and has two inlets that are fluidically coupled to the two first outlets and has at least a first opening, a curved surface of the external pipe assembly having two second openings,
- a first end of the internal pipe assembly is covered and has at least an inlet which extends out of the first opening, a curved surface of the internal pipe assembly having two outlets that extend out of the two second openings,
- a second end of the internal pipe assembly is uncovered, and
- a second end of the external pipe assembly is covered by the external chamber plate;
- a linear actuation arrangement arranged within the internal pipe assembly; and
- a gas outlet manifold having two second inlets, a second outlet and a plurality of second conduits extending between the two second inlets and the second outlet, wherein the two second inlets are fluidically coupled to the two outlets of the internal pipe assembly;
wherein when the ventilator is in use, at least oxygen and air are received via the plurality of first inlets and are transported via the plurality of first conduits to the gas blender, the oxygen and the air are mixed in an annular region between the external pipe assembly and the internal pipe assembly, and a mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered via the second end of the internal pipe assembly to one of the two second inlets when the linear actuation arrangement is energized, while atmospheric air is delivered via the inlet of the internal pipe assembly to other of the two second inlets when the linear actuation arrangement is de-energized.
Optionally, the gas inlet manifold is implemented as a single block of a material, wherein the single block has internal tunnelling that forms the plurality of first conduits.
Optionally, the gas blender comprises a blending element, the blending element being implemented as a plurality of baffles extending in the annular region between the external pipe assembly and the internal pipe assembly.
Optionally, the linear actuation arrangement comprises:
- a first piston and a second piston concentrically arranged on a first end and a second end, respectively, of a shaft;
- a solenoid concentrically arranged on a portion of the shaft between the first piston and the second piston; and
- a spring attached to the second piston;
wherein when the linear actuation arrangement is energized by a power source, the second piston is pulled against an action of the spring to restrict delivery of the atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold while the first piston is arranged to allow delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold, and when the linear actuation arrangement is de-energized, the second piston is pushed away by the action of the spring to allow delivery of the atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold while the first piston is arranged to restrict delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold.
Optionally, the ventilation apparatus further comprises a plurality of pressure control elements and a plurality of flow control elements to regulate pressure and flow, respectively, of the oxygen and the air, wherein the plurality of pressure control elements and the plurality of flow control elements are arranged within and/or attached to the gas inlet manifold.
Optionally, the ventilation apparatus further comprises an attachment module for fluidically coupling the two first outlets of the gas inlet manifold with the two inlets of the first end of the external pipe assembly, wherein the attachment module comprises a plurality of flow sensing elements arranged therein, to measure flow rates of the oxygen and the air.
Optionally, the ventilation apparatus further comprises at least one oxygen sensor arranged within the gas outlet manifold, wherein the at least one oxygen sensor measures a concentration of the oxygen in the mixture of the oxygen and the air that is delivered to the gas outlet manifold.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ventilator comprising:
- a ventilation apparatus comprising a gas inlet manifold, a gas blender, a linear actuation arrangement, and a gas outlet manifold;
- a power source for driving at least the linear actuation arrangement;
- a patient breathing unit, wherein the patient breathing unit comprises
a fluid delivery element for delivering a mixture of oxygen and air to a patient; and
- a control unit comprising a processor and an input device for setting at least one operational parameter of the ventilator.
Optionally, the ventilator is suitable for use for at least one of: an invasive ventilation, a non-invasive ventilation, an oxygen therapy.
In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus, the method comprising:
- employing at least one of: milling, casting, stereolithography, machining, extrusion, to manufacture at least a gas inlet manifold, a gas outlet manifold, and parts of an internal pipe assembly and an external pipe assembly of a gas blender;
- assembling the gas blender by arranging a linear actuation arrangement within the internal pipe assembly, arranging the internal pipe assembly within the external pipe assembly, and arranging an external chamber plate to cover a second end of the external pipe assembly; and
- attaching the gas blender with the gas inlet manifold and with the gas outlet manifold.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable in reliable and safe delivery of mixture of oxygen and air to a patient receiving ventilatory support via the ventilation apparatus.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of architecture of a ventilation apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified illustration of a gas inlet manifold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a gas inlet manifold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a gas blender, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner portion of a gas blender and an arrangement of a gas outlet manifold with respect to the gas blender, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 illustrates an internal perspective view of a portion of an internal pipe assembly of a gas blender and an arrangement of a linear actuation arrangement within the gas blender, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilation apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of architecture of a ventilator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 9 illustrates steps of a method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The present disclosure provides the aforementioned ventilation apparatus for a ventilator, the aforementioned ventilator, and the aforementioned method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus. Herein, the ventilation apparatus is compact and has a low individual part count. Beneficially, the ventilation apparatus is simple in construction, and the ventilators including such a ventilation apparatus requires minimal space for installation. Advantageously, the (single) linear actuation arrangement of the ventilation apparatus enables in providing safe and effective patient breathing by automatically switching between energized and de-energized modes. Furthermore, manufacturing and assembly time for the ventilation apparatus is considerably low, and thus the ventilation apparatus is less expensive. Moreover, the ventilation apparatus has a low power consumption. In this regard, the ventilator has a considerable back-up time when the ventilation apparatus is driven by a direct current (DC) power source. Moreover, the ventilation apparatus is reliable and safe for providing a ventilatory support (to a patient) as it has least likelihood of a leakage and thus a reduced risk of a fire hazard. The ventilator described herein is easy to use, move (if needed), and store. The method is easy to implement, facilitates in mass production of such ventilation apparatus, enables in easy assembly of components of the ventilation apparatus. Moreover, the method enables in manufacturing the ventilation apparatus at a low cost and in a reduced time.
Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of architecture of a ventilation apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ventilation apparatus 100 comprises a gas inlet manifold 102, a gas blender 104, a linear actuation arrangement 106, and a gas outlet manifold 108. The gas inlet manifold 102 is fluidically coupled to the gas blender 104. The gas blender 104 is fluidically coupled to the gas outlet manifold 108. Notably, the ventilation apparatus 100 is used in a ventilator (not shown).
Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a simplified illustration of the gas inlet manifold 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The simplified illustration represents external elements of the gas inlet manifold 102 as well as an internal view of the gas inlet manifold 102. The gas inlet manifold 102 comprises a plurality of first inlets (depicted as first inlets 202, 204, and 206), two first outlets 208 and 210, and a plurality of first conduits (depicted as first conduits 212, 214, and 216) extending between the plurality of first inlets 202, 204, and 206 and the two first outlets 208 and 210. When the ventilator is in use, at least oxygen and air are received via the plurality of first inlets 202, 204, and 206. Optionally, the oxygen is received via the first inlet 202 and/or the first inlet 204, whereas the air is received from the first inlet 206. Optionally, the oxygen is supplied to the gas inlet manifold 102 by one of: a high-pressure oxygen source 218, a low-pressure oxygen source 220. In this regard, the high-pressure oxygen source 218 supplies the (high-pressure) oxygen to the gas inlet manifold 102 via the first inlet 202, or the low-pressure oxygen source 220 supplies the (low-pressure) oxygen to the gas inlet manifold 102 via the first inlet 204. The high-pressure oxygen source 218 could be a high-pressure oxygen cylinder, a high pressure medical oxygen source, or similar, while the low-pressure oxygen source 220 could be an oxygen concentrator, a low-pressure oxygen cylinder, or similar. Optionally, the air is supplied to the gas inlet manifold 102 by a high-pressure air source 222. The high-pressure air source 222 supplies the (high-pressure) air to the gas inlet manifold 102 via the first inlet 206. The high-pressure air source 222 could be a high-pressure air cylinder, a high pressure medical air source, or similar.
The oxygen is transported via the first conduit 212 or via the first conduit 214 to the gas blender 104 (as shown in FIG. 1), whereas the air is transported via the first conduit 216 to the gas blender 104. Optionally, the oxygen and the air are delivered to the gas blender 104 through the two first outlets 208 and 210, respectively.
In an embodiment, the gas inlet manifold 102 comprises two first inlets 202 and 206. In another embodiment, the gas inlet manifold 102 comprises two first inlets 204 and 206. In yet another embodiment, the gas inlet manifold 102 comprises three first inlets 202, 204, and 206. In still another embodiment, the gas inlet manifold 102 comprises four or more first inlets. In such a case, there would be other first inlet(s) in addition to the three first inlets 202, 204, and 206. It will be appreciated that medications (such as nebulizing agents) in form of a gas, a mist or an aerosol could also be received via any of the plurality of first inlets 202, 204, and 206 or via any other first inlet(s) other than the first inlets 202, 204, and 206.
Optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 (as shown in FIG. 1) further comprises a plurality of pressure control elements (depicted as pressure control elements 224 and 226 having a dotted pattern) and a plurality of flow control elements (depicted as flow control elements 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240) to regulate pressure and flow, respectively, of the oxygen and the air, wherein the plurality of pressure control elements 224 and 226 and the plurality of flow control elements 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240 are arranged within and/or attached to the gas inlet manifold 102.
When a high-pressure gas source (such as the high-pressure oxygen source 218 and the high-pressure air source 222) are used, the pressure of the oxygen and the air is regulated (and specifically, is reduced) by the plurality of pressure control elements 224 and 226, respectively, to a predefined magnitude required for a patient (not shown) receiving a ventilatory support via the ventilator. Said pressure could be expressed in bar, standard atmosphere, Pascal, centimeters of water (cm of H2O), millimeters of mercury (mm of Hg), and the like. In an example, a given pressure control element may reduce a pressure of the oxygen from 8 bar to a range of 1.5-2 bar. Optionally, the plurality of pressure control elements comprise pressure regulators. The pressure regulators could be mechanical pressure regulators, electronic pressure regulators, and the like.
Furthermore, the flow of the oxygen and the air is controlled or maintained by the plurality of flow control elements 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240. Examples of the plurality of flow control elements may include, but are not limited to, non-return valves, flow control valves, flow regulators, flow conditioners. Optionally, the flow control elements 228, 230, and 232 are implemented as the non-return valves for maintaining a unidirectional flow of the oxygen and the air. This enables in preventing a back flow of the oxygen and the air. Optionally, the flow control elements 234 and 236 are implemented as the flow control valves (depicted using a diagonal stripe pattern) for regulating a non-uniform flow rate of the oxygen and the air, to obtain a uniform flow rate of the oxygen and the air. The flow rate could be expressed in volume per unit time, as cubic meters per second, liters per minute, or similar. Optionally, the flow control elements 238 and 240 are implemented as the flow conditioners (depicted as a horizontal stripes pattern) for improving a flow profile of the oxygen and the air. The flow conditioners change turbulent flow profiles of the oxygen and the air to laminar flow profiles of the oxygen and the air. Beneficially, this subsequently facilitates in measuring the flow rates of the oxygen and the air with a high accuracy. Optionally, a given flow conditioner is implemented as a stainless steel mesh. It will be appreciated that some of the aforesaid elements, for example, the non-return valves and the flow conditioners, are arranged within the gas inlet manifold 102, while the others of the aforesaid elements, for example, the pressure regulators, and the flow control valves, are attached to the gas inlet manifold 102. It will be appreciated that a given first conduit may extend between a given first inlet and a given first outlet in a discontinuous manner and/or in a continuous manner. When the given conduit extends in the discontinuous manner, a given pressure control element and/or a given flow control element are attached to the gas inlet manifold 102 in a manner that fluidic paths formed in said element(s) provides a fluidic path between discontinuous portions of the given first conduit, for the oxygen and/or the air.
Optionally, the gas inlet manifold 102 is implemented as a single block of a material, wherein the single block has internal tunneling that forms the plurality of first conduits 212, 214, and 216. The term "internal tunneling" refers to internal tunnels forming the plurality of first conduits 212, 214, and 216. It will be appreciated that the material is a corrosion-resistant material. Examples of the material of the single block include, but are not limited to, aluminium, stainless steel, a copper-nickel alloy, a titanium alloy. Optionally, the internal tunneling of the single block is formed by employing at least a drilling process, a milling process, a stereolithography process, a machining process. As an example, the single block has machine-milled internal tunneling. Beneficially, the single block is small in size. In an example, a length, a breadth, and a height of the single block may lie in a range of 90-100 millimeters, in a range of 60-65 millimeters, and in a range of 42-50 millimeters, respectively. It will be appreciated that when the gas inlet manifold 102 is implemented as the single block, the gas inlet manifold 102 would be compact and would have a low individual part count. Moreover, since the internal tunneling forms the plurality of first conduits 212, 214, and 216 (namely, a plurality of flow paths), a number leakage points in the gas inlet manifold 102 is minimum (because number of joints and fastening are minimal). Therefore, there is a less likelihood of a gas leakage, and a reduced risk of a fire hazard.
Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a perspective view of the gas inlet manifold 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The perspective view represents some elements of the gas inlet manifold 102 already shown in FIG. 2 with some additional (optional) elements disclosed hereinbelow. Optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 further comprises a first front plate 302 attached to the gas inlet manifold 102, and two first pneumatic connectors 304 and 306 attached to the first front plate 302, wherein the first two pneumatic connectors 304 and 306 enable in attaching the first inlet 202 (as shown in FIG. 2) and the first inlet 204 (as shown in FIG. 2) to the high-pressure oxygen source 218 and the low-pressure oxygen source 220, respectively. Additionally, optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 further comprises a second front plate (not shown) attached to the gas inlet manifold 102 and a second pneumatic connector 308 attached to the second front plate, wherein the second pneumatic connector 308 enables in attaching the first inlet 206 (as shown in FIG. 2) to the high-pressure air source 222. Optionally, a given front plate (such as the first front plate 302 and the second front plate) comprises through-holes (not shown) for attaching a given pneumatic connector to the given front plate, and for attaching the given front plate to the gas inlet manifold 102 by using a plurality of screws. Optionally, a given through-hole is a threaded through-hole. Optionally, the plurality of screws are socket head cap screws. Optionally, when attaching the given pneumatic connector to the given front plate, O-rings are employed to seal the given pneumatic connector with the given front plate. This beneficially reduces a likelihood of leakages. In an example, a diameter of a given O-ring may be 9 millimeters. The given pneumatic connector may be detachably attached to the given front plate.
Optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of pressure sensor ports 310 attached to the gas inlet manifold 102, wherein the plurality of pressure sensor ports 310 enable in attaching a plurality of pressure sensors (not shown) to the gas inlet manifold 102. The plurality of pressure sensors, in operation, measure a pressure of the oxygen and/or the air. Optionally, when attaching the plurality of pressure sensor ports 310 to the gas inlet manifold 102, O-rings are employed to seal the plurality of pressure sensor ports 310 with the gas inlet manifold 102. This beneficially reduces a likelihood of leakages. In an example, a diameter of a given O-ring may be 12 millimeters.
Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a perspective view of the gas blender 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The gas blender 104 is implemented as a concentric pipe arrangement having an external pipe assembly 402, an internal pipe assembly (not shown) arranged within the external pipe assembly 402, and an external chamber plate 404. The external pipe assembly 402 has a first end 406 and a second end 408. The first end 406 is covered and has two inlets 410 and 412 that are fluidically coupled to the two first outlets 208 and 210 (as shown in FIG. 2) of the gas inlet manifold 102. The first end 406 has at least a first opening 414. Said first opening 414 is formed in a central region of the first end 406. Optionally, the first end 406 has at least one third opening (not shown). Optionally, in this regard, the at least one third opening is a through-hole opening. A curved surface 416 of the external pipe assembly 402 has two second openings 418 and 420. The second end 408 is covered by the external chamber plate 404, by using a plurality of first screws 422. Optionally, the external pipe assembly 402 comprises two semi-cylindrical external portions that are sealed using a gasket material (not shown) and are fastened using a plurality of second screws 424. It will be appreciated that the two semi-cylindrical external portions are symmetrical and consistent in shape and size. The gasket material could be one of: silicone, fluoroelastomer (FKM), neoprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE). In an example, a length, a breadth, and a height of the gas blender 104 may lie in a range of 115-120 millimeters, in a range of 55-60 millimeters, and in a range of 60-65 millimeters, respectively. Alternatively, optionally, the external pipe assembly 402 comprises two semi-elliptical external portions.
Notably, the oxygen and the air enter in an annular region between the external pipe assembly 402 and the internal pipe assembly. In an embodiment, the oxygen (from the first outlet 208 of the gas inlet manifold 102) enters inside one of the two semi-cylindrical external portions via the inlet 410, while the air (from the first outlet 210 of the gas inlet manifold 102) enters inside other of the two semi-cylindrical external portions via the inlet 412. In another embodiment, the air enters inside one of the two semi-cylindrical external portions via the inlet 410, while the oxygen enters inside other of the two semi-cylindrical external portions via the inlet 412. Optionally, the external pipe assembly 402 is made from one of: a plastic material, a composite material, a metallic material, an alloy. Optionally, a given semi-cylindrical external portion of the external pipe assembly 402 is manufactured by at least an injection molding technique or a casting technique.
Referring collectively to FIGs. 3 and 4, there will now be described an additional component of the ventilation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 and an arrangement of said additional component with respect to components shown in FIG. 4. Optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 further comprises an attachment module 312 for fluidically coupling the two first outlets 208 and 210 (as shown in FIG. 2) of the gas inlet manifold 102 with the two inlets 410 and 412 of the first end 406 of the external pipe assembly 402, wherein the attachment module 312 comprises a plurality of flow sensing elements (not shown) arranged therein, to measure flow rates of the oxygen and the air. The plurality of flow sensing elements may be, for example, flow sensors. It will be appreciated that the flow sensors accurately measure the flow rates of the oxygen and the air, and to provide a required feedback to a control unit (not shown) of the ventilator. Furthermore, optionally, the attachment module 312 comprises a plate 314 having two openings (not shown) and two protruding ducts 316 and 318 which extend out of the two openings, wherein the plurality of flow sensing elements are arranged in the two protruding ducts 316 and 318. In an embodiment, the oxygen is transported via the protruding duct 316 to the gas blender 104, and a first flow sensing element measure the flow rate of the oxygen, whereas the air is transported via the protruding duct 318 to the gas blender 104, and a second flow sensing element measure the flow rate of the air. In another embodiment, the air is transported via the protruding duct 316 to the gas blender 104, and a first flow sensing element measure the flow rate of the air, whereas the oxygen is transported via the protruding duct 318 to the gas blender 104, and a second flow sensing element measure the flow rate of the oxygen. Optionally, the plate 314 of the attachment module 312 is attached to the gas inlet manifold 102 in a manner that the two openings of the plate 314 are sealed with the two first outlets 208 and 210 of the gas inlet manifold 102 by using O-rings, and the two protruding ducts 316 and 318 are fastened with the two inlets 410 and 412 of the first end 406 of the external pipe assembly 402 by using interference fits. The interference fits may be tapered interference fits. It will be appreciated that the O-rings and the interference fits enable in providing leakage-free pathways through the attachment module 312, for the oxygen and the air. Optionally, the two openings of the plate 314 comprise sintered filters (not shown) for filtering the oxygen and the air. The sintered filters could be stainless steel sintered filters having disc-shapes.
Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a perspective view of an inner portion of the gas blender 104 and an arrangement of the gas outlet manifold 108 with respect to the gas blender 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. There is shown a semi-cylindrical external portion 502 of the external pipe assembly 402, an internal pipe assembly 504, and the external chamber plate 404. The internal pipe assembly 504 has a first end 506 and a second end 508. The first end 506 of the internal pipe assembly 504 is covered and has at least an inlet 510 which extends out of the first opening 414 of the first end 406 of the external pipe assembly 402. A curved surface 512 of the internal pipe assembly 504 has two outlets 514 and 516 that extend out of the two second openings 418 and 420 (as shown in FIG. 4) of the external pipe assembly 402. The second end 508 of the internal pipe assembly 504 is uncovered. The second end 508 remains uncovered (namely, open) in order to receive a mixture of the oxygen and the air from the annular region between the internal pipe assembly 504 and the external pipe assembly 402.
In an embodiment, the internal pipe assembly 504 comprises two semi-cylindrical internal portions that are sealed using a gasket material (not shown) and are fastened using a plurality of third screws (shown, for example, as four screws on the curved surface 512 of the internal pipe assembly 504). It will be appreciated that the two semi-cylindrical internal portions are symmetrical and consistent in shape and size. Optionally, the internal pipe assembly 504 is made from one of: a composite material, a metallic material, an alloy. The internal pipe assembly 504 is made from any of the aforesaid material for providing effective cooling of the linear actuation arrangement 106. Optionally, a given semi-cylindrical external portion of the external pipe assembly 402 is manufactured by at least a casting technique and/or a machining technique. In another embodiment, the internal pipe assembly 504 comprises two semi-elliptical internal portions.
Optionally, the gas blender 104 comprises a blending element 518, the blending element 518 being implemented as a plurality of baffles 520 extending in the annular region between the external pipe assembly 402 and the internal pipe assembly 504. The technical benefit of using the plurality of baffles 520 is that the plurality of baffles 520 facilitate in producing a homogenous mixture of the oxygen and the air, by swirling the oxygen and the air in the annular region. Furthermore, the plurality of baffles 520 also act as fins for dissipating heat generated by the linear actuation arrangement 106 arranged within the internal pipe assembly 504, thereby enabling cooling of the linear actuation arrangement 106. It will be appreciated that optionally a number of baffles, dimensions of the baffles, and spacing between the baffles depends several factors, such as a cooling requirement of the linear actuation arrangement 106, a duration of operation of the ventilation apparatus 100, and the like. In an example, when the cooling requirement of the linear actuation arrangement 106 is high, a high number of number of baffles may be employed. Optionally, the plurality of baffles 520 are made from a corrosion-resistant material having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such material may include, but are not limited to, aluminium, copper, titanium. Optionally, a profile of the plurality of baffles 520 is one of: helical, planar, curved, freeform. Optionally, a number of the plurality of baffles lies in a range of 2-10. As an example, the number of baffles may be from 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 up to 4, 7, 9 or 10. In an example, the plurality of baffles comprise 6 baffles. Alternatively, a higher number of baffles may be employed.
In an embodiment, the plurality of baffles 520 are arranged on a cylindrical ring 522. Optionally, in this regard, the cylindrical ring 522 is arranged on the internal pipe assembly 504 in a manner that an inner surface of the cylindrical ring 522 contacts the curved surface 512 of the internal pipe assembly 504, while an outer surface of the cylindrical ring 522 has the plurality of baffles 520. Optionally, the plurality of baffles 520 are obliquely arranged across a width of the cylindrical ring 522. It will be appreciated that the cylindrical ring 522 is axially and radially locked on the curved surface 512 of the internal pipe assembly 504 in order to prevent any relative motion between the internal pipe assembly 504 and the cylindrical ring 522. In another embodiment, the plurality of baffles 520 are manufactured as internal protrusions on the external pipe assembly 402. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of baffles 520 are manufactured as external protrusions on the internal pipe assembly 504. Optionally, the first end 506 of the internal pipe assembly 504 also has two protruding elements (such as protruding elements 524 and 526) for allowing a clearance between the first end 506 of the internal pipe assembly 504 and the first end 406 of the external pipe assembly 402. Optionally, a given protruding element has a threaded cavity which is aligned with the at least one third opening when the internal pipe assembly 504 is arranged within the external pipe assembly 402. In this regard, a threaded fastener (for example, a threaded bolt) is inserted through the at least one third opening and is fastened to the threaded cavity of the given protruding element in order to firmly hold the internal pipe assembly 504 within the external pipe assembly 402. It will be appreciated that threads of the threaded fastener match with threads of the threaded cavity.
Notably, the gas outlet manifold 108 has two second inlets 528 and 530, a second outlet 532 and a plurality of second conduits 534 extending between the two second inlets 528 and 530 and the second outlet 532. The two second inlets 528 and 530 are fluidically coupled to the two outlets 514 and 516 of the internal pipe assembly 504, respectively. It will be appreciated that the two second inlets 528 and 530 are in snug fit with the two outlets 514 and 516 of the internal pipe assembly 504 to enable a fluidic coupling therebetween. The mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered via the second end 508 of the internal pipe assembly 504 to one of the two second inlets 528 and 530 of the gas outlet manifold 108, depending on a particular operational state of the linear actuation arrangement 106. Optionally, the second outlet 532 of the gas outlet manifold 108 is fluidically coupled to a patient breathing unit (not shown) for at least delivering the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the patient (not shown). Optionally, the ventilation apparatus 100 further comprises at least one oxygen sensor 536 arranged within the gas outlet manifold 108, wherein the at least one oxygen sensor 536 measures a concentration of the oxygen in the mixture of the oxygen and the air that is delivered to the gas outlet manifold 108. The at least one oxygen sensor 536 may be arranged (as shown in FIG. 5) in proximity of the second inlet 530 of the gas outlet manifold 108 and at an end of one of the plurality of second conduits 534. In such a case, the concentration of the oxygen in the mixture of the oxygen and the air is accurately measured since said measurement is done as soon as the mixture is received inside the gas outlet manifold 108 via the second inlet 530.
Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is an internal perspective view of a portion of the internal pipe assembly 504 of the gas blender 104 and an arrangement of the linear actuation arrangement 106 within the gas blender 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal perspective view represents an arrangement of the linear actuation arrangement 106 within a semi-cylindrical internal portion 602 of the internal pipe assembly 504. It will be appreciated that since the linear actuation arrangement 106 is arranged within the internal pipe assembly 504 of the gas blender 104, the ventilation apparatus 100 is compact. Optionally, the semi-cylindrical internal portion 602 has a plurality of internal projections (such as internal projections 604, 606, 608, and 610) that are formed on an inner surface of the semi-cylindrical internal portion 602. Similar internal projections are symmetrically formed an inner surface of the other semi-cylindrical internal portion (not shown) such that when the two semi-cylindrical internal portions are assembled to form of the internal pipe assembly 504, partitions are formed between the internal projections to requisitely accommodate components of the linear actuation arrangement 106.
Optionally, the linear actuation arrangement 106 comprises:
- a first piston 612 and a second piston 614 concentrically arranged on a first end and a second end, respectively, of a shaft 616;
- a solenoid 618 concentrically arranged on a portion of the shaft 616 between the first piston 612 and the second piston 614; and
- a spring 620 attached to the second piston 614;
wherein when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is energized by a power source (not shown), the second piston 614 is pulled against an action of the spring 620 to restrict delivery of atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold 108 while the first piston 612 is arranged to allow delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold 108, and when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is de-energized, the second piston 614 is pushed away by the action of the spring 620 to allow delivery of the atmospheric air to the gas outlet manifold 108 while the first piston 612 is arranged to restrict delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the gas outlet manifold 108.
In operation, when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is energized, it means that the solenoid 618 is energized, and when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is de-energized, it means that the solenoid 618 is de-energized. During a normal operation of the ventilation apparatus 100, the linear actuation arrangement 106 is energized, and the first piston 612 allows the delivery of the mixture of the oxygen and the air (to the second inlet 530 of the gas outlet manifold 108) via a passage created between the first piston 612 and the internal projection 610 of the internal pipe assembly 504. During an abnormal operation of the ventilation apparatus 100, the linear actuation arrangement 106 is de-energized, and the piston 614 allows delivery of the atmospheric air (to the second inlet 528 of the gas outlet manifold 108) via a passage created between the second piston 614 and the internal projection 604 of the internal pipe assembly 504. Notably, the atmospheric air is delivered into said passage via the inlet 510 of the first end 506 of the internal pipe assembly 504. It will be appreciated that the second outlet 532 of the gas outlet manifold 108 delivers the mixture of the oxygen and the air to the patient when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is energized, and delivers the atmospheric air to the patient when the linear actuation arrangement 106 is de-energized. The abnormal operation of the ventilation apparatus 100 may, for example, be due to a power failure in the ventilation apparatus 100, a situation where a pressure of the mixture of the oxygen and the air exceeds a predefined threshold pressure, and the like. Optionally, the gas blender 104 comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the mixture of the oxygen and the air within the gas blender 104. Generally, the predefined threshold pressures for an adult patient and a neonatal patient are 100 cm of H2O and 15 cm of H2O, respectively. Therefore, in this manner, the (single) linear actuation arrangement 106 enables in providing safe and effective patient breathing by automatically switching between energized and de-energized modes. Optionally, the shaft 616 is sealed with respect to the internal projections 606 and 608 using face seals (for example, depicted as a face seal 622). It will be appreciated that said sealing enables in minimizing leakages and does not cause any obstruction in a movement of the shaft 616 along its axis. Optionally, the spring 620 is a compression spring.
Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is a perspective view of the ventilation apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The perspective view represents the gas blender 104 attached with the gas inlet manifold 102 and with the gas outlet manifold 108. It will be appreciated that the ventilation apparatus 100 is compact, easy to use, economical, easy to assemble, and simple in construction. Moreover, the ventilation apparatus 100 is reliable and safe for providing a ventilatory support (to a patient) as it has least likelihood of a leakage and thus a reduced risk of a fire hazard.
Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is a block diagram of architecture of a ventilator 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ventilator 800 comprises a ventilation apparatus 802, a power source 804, a patient breathing unit 806, and a control unit 808. The ventilation apparatus 802 comprises a gas inlet manifold 810, the gas blender 812, the linear actuation arrangement 814, and the gas outlet manifold 816. It will be appreciated that the ventilation apparatus 802 of the ventilator 800 is same as the ventilation apparatus 100 described in the embodiments hereinabove. Therefore, the gas inlet manifold 810, the gas blender 812, the linear actuation arrangement 814, and the gas outlet manifold 816 are same as the gas inlet manifold 102, the gas blender 104, the linear actuation arrangement 106, and the gas outlet manifold 108, respectively, as described in the embodiments hereinabove. The power source 804 is used for driving at least the linear actuation arrangement 106 (and specifically, for driving the solenoid 618 of the linear actuation arrangement 106). The patient breathing unit 806 comprises a fluid delivery element 818 for delivering a mixture of oxygen and air to a patient (not shown). The control unit 808 comprises a processor 820 and an input device 822 for setting at least one operational parameter of the ventilator 800.
Optionally, the at least one operational parameter is at least one of: a patient category, a ventilator mode, an alarm setting, a required pressure of the mixture of the oxygen and the air, a required flow rate of the mixture of the oxygen and the air. Optionally, the control unit 808 further comprises an output device (not shown) for at least displaying patient data and indicating alarms in case the patient data is incorrect or out of permissible ranges. The patient data may comprise a patient name, a Unique Health Identification (UHID) number of a patient, a respiratory rate, a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), an inspiratory flow rate, an inspiratory time, an oxygen concentration (FiO2), a tidal volume (Vt), and the like. Optionally, the power source 804 is also used for driving the control unit 808. Optionally, the power source 804 is a direct current (DC) power source. Alternatively or additionally, optionally, the power source 804 is an alternating current (AC) power source.
Optionally, the fluid delivery element 818 is implemented as an inspiratory tubing and an oxygen mask. The oxygen mask could be a face mask, a nasal mask, an orinasal mask, a nasal cannula, and the like. Alternatively, optionally, the fluid delivery element 818 is implemented as an endotracheal tubing (ETT). Yet alternatively, optionally, the fluid delivery element 818 is implemented as a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Optionally, the patient breathing unit 806 further comprises an expiratory element (not shown) for enabling an exhaled gas to be released into atmosphere. An operation of the expiratory element depends on a breathing cycle of the patient. The breathing cycle consists of an inhalation process and an exhalation process. During the inhalation process, a valve (not shown) of the expiratory element is closed, and the mixture of the oxygen and the air (as received from the gas outlet manifold 108, 816) is inhaled by the patient as the ventilation apparatus 100, 802 is in use. During the exhalation process, the patient releases the exhaled gas, the exhaled gas enters the expiratory element, the valve of the expiratory element is opened, and the exhaled gas is released into the atmosphere.
Optionally, the processor 820 is coupled with and controls operation of at least one of: the plurality of pressure control elements 224 and 226, the plurality of flow control elements 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240 the plurality of flow sensing elements, the at least one oxygen sensor 536, of the ventilation apparatus 100, 800. Optionally, the ventilator 800 further comprises a humidifier (not shown) for artificially conditioning the mixture of the oxygen and the air by humidifying, warming, and optionally filtrating said mixture. It will be appreciated that the humidifier compensates for a natural conditioning of the mixture of the oxygen and the air performed by a human respiratory system, and thus helps in preventing a lung infection or a lung tissue damage in the patient.
Optionally, the ventilator 800 further comprises the high-pressure air source 222 and at least one of: the high-pressure oxygen source 218, the low-pressure oxygen source 220. Optionally, the ventilator 800 operates on one of: a pressure control mode, a volume control mode, a pressure regulated volume control mode. Optionally, a given control mode is one of: a Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (CMV) mode, an Assist Control (AC) mode, a Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) mode.
Optionally, the ventilator 800 is suitable for use for at least one of: an invasive ventilation, a non-invasive ventilation, an oxygen therapy. The "invasive ventilation" is a type of ventilation wherein the mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered to the patient via an invasive fluid delivery element (such as the ETT and the LMA) that is inserted into a windpipe through a mouth or a nose of the patient. The "non-invasive ventilation" is a type of ventilation wherein the mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered to the patient non-invasively. The "oxygen therapy" is a medical treatment wherein the mixture of the oxygen and the air is delivered to the patient having a low blood oxygen level, or a carbon monoxide toxicity, or a cyanide poisoning, or similar.
FIG. 9 illustrates steps of a method for manufacturing a ventilation apparatus (such as the ventilation apparatus 100, 802), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 902, at least one of: milling, casting, stereolithography, machining, extrusion, is employed to manufacture at least a gas inlet manifold (such as the gas inlet manifold 102, 810), a gas outlet manifold (such as the gas outlet manifold 108, 816), and parts of an internal pipe assembly (such as the internal pipe assembly 504) and an external pipe assembly (such as the external pipe assembly 402) of a gas blender (such as the gas blender 104, 812). At step 904, the gas blender is assembled by arranging a linear actuation arrangement (such as the linear actuation arrangement 106, 814) within the internal pipe assembly, arranging the internal pipe assembly within the external pipe assembly, and arranging an external chamber plate (such as external chamber plate 404) to cover a second end of the external pipe assembly. At step 906, the gas blender is attached with the gas inlet manifold and with the gas outlet manifold.
The steps 902, 904, and 906 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. It will be appreciated that the method is easy to implement, facilitates in mass production of the ventilation apparatuses, enables in easy assembly of components of the ventilation apparatus as the ventilation apparatus has a low part count. Moreover, the method enables in manufacturing the ventilation apparatus at a low cost and in a reduced time.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.