Collapsible Bladder Oxygen Delivery Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) devices are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and lack positive air pressure in their bladders, which slows oxygen delivery to users. Additionally, most devices only supply a single oxygen source without the ability to switch between multiple sources during exercise.
Innovation Solution
The proposed EWOT apparatus features two inflatable bladders with different oxygen levels, supported by a frame with a weighted member to maintain positive pressure. This system allows for selective delivery of high and low oxygen concentrations to the user during exercise, with a control switch that can be manually or automatically operated to switch between oxygen sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a large rectangular plastic bag is used to store oxygen at ambient pressure, then the device can hold air for extended periods, but the device occupies significant floor and wall space and is difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the collapsible bladder inside a compact cylindrical housing. When the bladder is deflated or contains minimal air, it collapses into a compact form that fits within the housing, reducing the device's footprint from a large rectangular configuration to a space-efficient cylindrical shape that can be easily stored and transported.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a collapsible bladder that dynamically changes volume based on air content. As air is consumed during therapy, the bladder automatically collapses and reduces in size, allowing the device to transition from a large expanded state during use to a compact collapsed state for storage, eliminating the need for large fixed space.
2Device complexity
If ambient pressure oxygen storage is used, then the device structure is simple, but oxygen delivery speed to users is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a pressurized bladder system where compressed air is stored at elevated pressure. This pneumatic storage enables rapid oxygen delivery during exercise by maintaining pressure that forces air through the delivery system quickly, while the bladder's collapsible nature allows for compact storage when not in use.
3Device complexity
If a single air source is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot switch between multiple oxygen sources during exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a dual-bladder system where each bladder can store different types or concentrations of oxygen. The system includes switching mechanisms that allow users to select between different oxygen sources based on their specific needs, such as switching between high-concentration oxygen for intense exercise and lower-concentration oxygen for recovery periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a steady and plentiful supply of oxygenated air to users, enhancing exercise duration, recovery, and overall health benefits. It also allows for simulated high-altitude training by switching between oxygen levels, improving endurance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a weighted member attached to and positioned proximate an upper portion of the first bladder, the weighted member having sufficient weight to apply a downward force on the first bladder when filled with air, such that a constant, predetermined positive pressure is applied to the air stored within the first bladder
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) apparatus for rejuvenating oxygen- depleted cell tissue and simulating high altitude oxygen conditions. The EWOT apparatus includes a first cylindrical bladder for providing oxygen -enriched air and a second bladder for providing lower-purity hypoxic air. The first bladder is retained within an open, lightweight rectangular-shaped frame having vertical frame members. An air supply source provides the oxygen-enriched and hypoxic air to the first and second bladders, respectively. A control switch, which can be manually and/or programmed to automatically operate, selectively delivers the oxygen-enriched and/or hypoxic air to a breathing mask worn by a user while exercising on exercise equipment. The first bladder includes a plurality of weights which provide a positive pressure to the air therein. The cylindrical first bladder is attached to the vertical frame members with slidable rings and expands and collapses in a vertical direction when being filled or during use, respectively.