Adaptive Oxygen Flow Control Using Wearable SpO2 and Activity Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oxygen therapy systems for patients with hypoxic lung diseases are cumbersome, inefficient, and fail to adjust oxygen flow rates in real-time with patient activity, leading to potential hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and other complications.

Innovation Solution

A wearable sensor device with integrated pulse oximeter and accelerometer, coupled to a smart flow regulator and controller, uses adaptive titration algorithms to dynamically adjust oxygen flow rates based on real-time physiological parameters and activity levels, ensuring accurate oxygen delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed oxygen flow rate is prescribed based on resting saturation, then oxygen delivery is simplified and equipment is easier to operate, but patient hypoxia occurs during activity and oxygen dosing becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen device operationVSAvoidoxygen dosing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic oxygen flow rate adjustment by continuously monitoring SpO2 and activity levels, then automatically modifying the oxygen delivery rate to match patient needs in real-time, transitioning from static fixed-rate delivery to dynamic adaptive delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs closed-loop feedback by continuously measuring oxygen saturation and activity level, comparing these against target ranges, and automatically adjusting flow rate accordingly, creating a self-regulating oxygen delivery system that maintains precision without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual flow rate adjustment is required for activity changes, then oxygen dosing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen dosing accuracyVSAvoidoxygen device operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The oxygen delivery system performs self-adjustment by automatically sensing patient activity level and oxygen saturation, then autonomously modifying the flow rate without requiring patient intervention, making the complex dosing adjustments transparent to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of flow rates with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and algorithms to dynamically regulate oxygen delivery, eliminating the need for patient interaction with mechanical controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If high oxygen flow rate is delivered to ensure adequate saturation during activity, then patient safety improves, but oxygen waste increases and loss of substance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidoxygen waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts oxygen flow rate to match actual patient demand, delivering high flow during activity when needed and reducing flow during rest, thereby maintaining safety while eliminating unnecessary oxygen consumption and waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the oxygen delivery parameter (flow rate) based on real-time physiological and activity data, optimizing the balance between adequate oxygenation for safety and minimizing oxygen waste by delivering precisely what is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed oxygen therapy is prescribed, then treatment protocol is simpler and easier to implement, but adaptability to different activity levels and physiological states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen therapy adaptabilityVSAvoidmonitoring and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universal adaptability by integrating multiple functions into a single device: continuous SpO2 monitoring, activity level detection, automated flow rate adjustment, and alarm functionality, allowing one device to handle all activity levels and physiological states without requiring multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260069805A1Method and system for automating oxygen monitoring and dosing in real time for patient on oxygen therapy

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 VANDERBILT UNIV

AI summary

This system and method for automating oxygen monitoring and dosing in real time for a patient on oxygen therapy is disclosed. The system includes a wearable sensor device configured to measure oxygen saturation levels of the patient; track physical activity of the patient; and transmit real-time oxygen saturation and activity data; and a smart flow regulator operably coupled to an oxygen source and configured to receive the transmitted data from the wearable sensor device; implement an adaptive control algorithm to determine an appropriate oxygen flow rate based on the received oxygen saturation and activity data; and automatically adjust a flow rate of oxygen delivered from the oxygen source to the patient in real time.