Electronic and manual backup flow control systems

摘要

In various embodiments, an electronic flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. When the system is in a manual mode, backup manual flow selectors may be used to directly control the flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in a manual mode, the mechanical backup flow selectors may be in a deployed position. When the system is in an electronic mode, the mechanical backup flow selectors may be in a retracted position. Particular applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein.

主权项

1. A fluid flow control system, comprising:
an electronic flow control valve configured to receive a first fluid; a first flow selector configured to allow for a selection of a flow rate of the first fluid via the electronic flow control valve when the fluid flow control system is in an electronic mode; a mechanical flow control valve configured to receive the first fluid; a second, manual flow selector configured to control a flow rate of the first fluid via the mechanical flow control valve; and an activation mechanism configured to
enable the operation of the second, manual flow selector when the fluid flow control system is in a manual mode; wherein the activation mechanism comprises a deployment mechanism configured to: deploy the second, manual flow selector when the fluid flow control system is in the manual mode; and retract the manual flow selector when the fluid flow control system is in the electronic mode.