Disposable Syringe with Integrated Electrodes for Ozone Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical ozone generators face challenges with sterility and degradation of reusable electrodes, and the need for precise ozone concentration control for therapeutic applications, particularly in intradiscal injections for spinal disc herniation treatment.

Innovation Solution

A syringe-based ozone production system with integrated electrodes and a gas chamber for corona discharge, allowing for precise control and measurement of ozone concentration, which can be used for therapeutic delivery, reducing the need for separate ozone generators and enhancing sterility through single-use or reprocessable designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional medical ozone generators use permanent and reusable electrodes and gas chambers, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but sterility is compromised and electrodes degrade over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesterilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by making the syringe, electrodes, and gas chamber single-use components. The syringe with integrated electrodes and gas chamber is discarded after one use, eliminating sterility issues associated with reusable components while maintaining device functionality. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing device complexity (multiple reusable components) to achieve reliable sterility through disposable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If conventional ozone generators continuously produce and store ozone in gas chambers, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of ozone concentration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveozone concentration measurementVSAvoidozone production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by producing the exact amount of ozone needed directly in the syringe before injection, rather than continuously producing and storing ozone. The syringe is filled with oxygen, ozone is generated in-situ through corona discharge, and the precise concentration is achieved immediately before use. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing continuous productivity to achieve precise measurement and control of ozone concentration at the point of delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If reusable gas chambers are used in conventional ozone generators, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sterility and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsterility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies disposable design to the gas chamber by integrating it with the syringe as a single-use component. The gas chamber is formed as part of the syringe barrel, eliminating the need for separate reusable chambers. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing ease of manufacture (simpler single-use construction) to achieve reliable sterility, as each syringe-gas chamber assembly is sterile-packaged and discarded after one use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 syringe system enables efficient and sterile production and delivery of ozone at therapeutic concentrations, improving treatment efficacy while minimizing manufacturing costs and reducing the risk of complications associated with reusable components.

Implementation Method 1

The method includes providing oxygen gas within a gas chamber of a syringe and effectuating a corona discharge from an electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP2207574B1Syringe, system and method for delivering oxygen-ozone
Publication Date: 2016.10.19 HOOPER DAVID M
  • EP2207574B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2207574B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP2207574B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.