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Publication Number
US-10905357-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a respiratory flow sensor (11) comprising a flow tube (12) which has a flow channel (13) and tube connections for tubes at the free ends (15, 17) of the flow tube, a cover flap (32) which is arranged in the flow channel (13) and divides the flow channel (13) into a first flow channel section (18) and a second flow channel section (19), and comprising connections (22, 23) which open into the flow channel (13) on both sides of the cover flap (32) and which are used to decrease the pressure difference generated by the cover flap (32). A drainage device (41) which comprises drain grooves (42, 43) is provided in the flow channel (13), and the cover flap (32) has a hinge region which is formed by a first slot and a second H-shaped slot.
Core Innovation
The disclosed respiratory differential-pressure flow sensor includes a flow tube with a flow channel divided by a cover flap into a first flow channel section and a second flow channel section. The sensor includes first and second connections connected to the flow pipe, with the first connection leading into the first flow channel section and the second connection leading into the second flow channel section, and the connections are configured to reduce a pressure differential created by the cover flap.
A water drainage device includes at least one drainage groove provided in the flow channel. The drainage grooves collect and drain moisture while being arranged so that moisture or liquid accumulation is limited without impacting flap movement, thereby limiting a moisture level that would otherwise prevent measurement distortion. The drainage grooves can be arranged circumferentially spaced in an inner-circumference region.
Additional embodiments describe shaping of the flow channel near the water drainage device, including curved channel sections and an increase in channel cross-section toward a pipe end, such as a trumpet-shaped or conical cross-section. A mechanical arrangement limits cover flap deflection using opposing stop sections and an associated trough-shaped liquid accommodation, and the cover-flap hinge region is formed by a first slot and an H-shaped second slot with lateral slots, including radiused and/or inclined slot ends to reduce rupture or breakage under torsional stresses.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims. Across these claims, there are three main inventive areas: a cover flap that divides the flow channel with first and second connections configured to reduce a pressure differential, a water drainage device having drainage grooves, and a cover-flap hinge region having specific slot geometry, including an H-shaped second slot and lateral slots.
Cover flap dividing a flow channel into first and second sections
A cover flap arranged in the flow channel divides the flow channel into a first flow channel section and a second flow channel section.
Connections configured to reduce a pressure differential created by the cover flap
First and second connections connected to the flow pipe, with the first connection leading into the first flow channel section and the second connection leading into the second flow channel section, wherein the first and second connections are configured to reduce a pressure differential created by the cover flap during operation.
Water drainage device with drainage grooves in the flow channel
A water drainage device in the flow channel including at least one drainage groove.
Hinge region with a first slot, an H-shaped second slot, and a lateral slot
A cover flap including a hinge region that includes a first slot and at least one second slot having an H-shape, and at least one lateral slot adjacent to the at least one second slot.
Overall, the claim coverage addresses a respiratory flow sensor where a cover flap divides the flow channel and where pressure differential is reduced by first and second connections, while moisture is handled by a water drainage device with drainage grooves. A further independent claim additionally limits attention to the structural hinge region of the cover flap, specifically an H-shaped second slot with a first slot and lateral slot arrangement.
Stated Advantages
Reduces a pressure differential created by the cover flap during operation.
Collects and drains moisture in the flow channel.
Limits moisture level to prevent measurement distortion.
Maintains drainage without impacting flap movement.
Improves durability by preventing or reducing rupture or breakage of the hinge region under torsional stresses.
Documented Applications
Respiratory flow sensing using a respiratory flow sensor with a cover flap and differential-pressure flow sensing based on a flow channel divided into first and second sections.
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