Dual-Mode Oxygen Concentrator with Segmented Portable and Stationary Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential oxygen generation systems must accommodate a wide range of oxygen production rates to meet diverse patient needs, while providers aim to minimize the number of system offerings and maximize turndown ratios, especially for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with varying oxygen requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode oxygen generation system comprising a portable unit and a stationary base unit that can couple together, allowing for independent operation at lower flow rates and combined operation at higher flow rates, with the portable unit designed for ambulatory use and the base unit for increased capacity when coupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single oxygen generation system is designed to meet a wide range of oxygen production rates, then the turndown ratio is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen generation system is divided into two separate units: a portable oxygen generator for ambulatory patients and a stationary base unit for non-ambulatory patients. Each unit is optimized for its specific function, with the portable unit having lower weight and volume constraints and the stationary unit providing higher capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable oxygen generator unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both ambulatory patients independently and to couple with the stationary base unit to serve non-ambulatory patients, thereby achieving versatility across different patient needs without requiring completely separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If the portable unit is designed to minimize weight and volume for ambulatory patients, then ease of operation is improved, but the oxygen production capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments oxygen production capacity between two units: the portable unit is minimized for patient carrying comfort, while the stationary base unit provides additional capacity that activates only when the portable unit couples to it, serving patients with higher oxygen needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its total oxygen production capacity based on operational mode: when the portable unit operates independently, it provides lower flow rates suitable for ambulatory patients; when coupled with the stationary base unit, the system provides higher flow rates for non-ambulatory patients with greater oxygen requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of generators are offered to meet patient needs, then adaptability is improved, but the number of system offerings increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of developing and maintaining multiple separate oxygen generator models, the invention creates a universal dual-mode system where the portable unit can operate independently or couple with the stationary base unit, allowing a single product line to serve both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic configuration rather than static size variations: the same portable oxygen generator unit can adapt its operational capacity by coupling with or without the stationary base unit, eliminating the need for multiple pre-configured system sizes.
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
This system effectively meets the variable oxygen needs of patients by providing a portable and scalable solution that can easily adjust to different flow rates, enhancing patient mobility and system efficiency while minimizing the number of system offerings.
Implementation Method 1
The portable air separation device may comprise a pressure swing adsorption system
Data Source
AI summary
Oxygen generation system having a portable oxygen generator unit including a portable air separation device for the generation of an oxygen-rich gas, a primary gas pump including means to supply air to the portable air separation device, a primary motor to drive the gas pump, a rechargeable power supply to drive the motor, connector means adapted to deliver power to the rechargeable power supply, flow coupling means to transfer the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and a first oxygen-rich gas product discharge port. The system also includes a stationary base unit adapted to couple with the portable oxygen generator unit, wherein the stationary base unit has a stationary power supply system including connector means adapted to recharge the rechargeable power supply in the portable oxygen generator unit, flow coupling means to receive the oxygen-rich gas from the portable oxygen generator unit, and an optional second oxygen-rich gas product discharge port.