FLOW PATH FAULT DETECTION METHOD FOR A RESPIRATORY ASSISTANCE APPARATUS

摘要

A respiratory assistance apparatus is configured to provide a heated and humidified glow of gases and has a control system that is configured to detect a fault in the flow path. A flow path is provided for a gases stream through the apparatus from a gas inlet through a blower unit and humidification unit to a gases outlet. A flow rate sensor is provided in the flow path and is configured to sense the flow rate and generate an flow rate signal and/or a motor speed sensor is provided that is configured to sense the motor speed of the blower unit and generate an indicative motor speed signal.

主权项

1. A method for detecting a fault in the flow path of a respiratory assistance apparatus, the flow path comprising a motor-driven blower unit that is configured to generate a flow of gases and which is connected to a humidification unit that is configured to heat and humidify the flow of gases, comprising:
sensing the flow rate in the flow path at a first motor speed of the blower unit; detecting if the sensed flow rate exceeds a stored first threshold at the first motor speed; increasing the motor speed of the blower unit to a higher second motor speed if the first threshold is exceeded; re-sensing the flow rate in the flow path at the second motor speed; and generating a fault detection signal if the re-sensed flow rate at the second motor speed exceeds a stored second threshold.