Electrode-Based Nitric Oxide Generation with Byproduct Scavenging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating nitric oxide (NO) for inhalation therapy are costly, require bulky gas cylinders, and produce harmful byproducts like nitrogen dioxide and ozone, making them inaccessible in many settings and unsafe for patients.

Innovation Solution

A portable NO generator using electrodes and a scavenger system, controlled by sensors and a controller, to produce a desired concentration of NO safely and efficiently, integrated into respiratory systems like ventilators, with features to filter and scavenger harmful byproducts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressed gas cylinders are used to store and deliver nitric oxide, then a stable supply of NO is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and inaccessible in many settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable supply of nitric oxideVSAvoidbulkiness of gas cylinders

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical storage system (compressed gas cylinders) with an electrical-plasma based generation system. Electrodes generate nitric oxide in situ by creating plasma that reacts nitrogen and oxygen from ambient air, eliminating the need for bulky compressed gas storage while maintaining a stable supply of therapeutic NO concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses ambient air as the source material for nitric oxide generation, eliminating the need for external gas storage and delivery infrastructure. The device generates its own nitric oxide supply from readily available atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen, making it self-sufficient and portable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If electrical discharge methods are used to generate nitric oxide, then portability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but harmful byproducts like nitrogen dioxide and ozone are produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability of NO generatorVSAvoidharmful byproducts (nitrogen dioxide, ozone)

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges that electrical discharge produces harmful byproducts but converts this challenge into a manageable parameter through precise control of discharge conditions (voltage, current, pulse duration, electrode geometry) to minimize NO2 and ozone formation while maintaining therapeutic NO production. The system monitors and controls the plasma parameters to favor beneficial NO generation over harmful byproduct formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system carefully adjusts electrical discharge parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration, frequency, electrode spacing) to optimize the ratio of desired NO production versus harmful byproduct formation. By controlling these parameters, the system maintains therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxic side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If precise control of nitric oxide concentration is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the concentration of nitric oxide and harmful byproducts in the gas stream. This feedback information is used by the control system to dynamically adjust electrical discharge parameters, ensuring that therapeutic NO concentrations are maintained within safe limits while minimizing toxic byproducts, thereby ensuring patient safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides a cost-effective, portable, and safe method to generate NO for inhalation therapy, reducing the need for bulky cylinders and minimizing harmful byproducts, enhancing accessibility and patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

electrical plasma synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 2

electrical plasma synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

a scavenger arranged downstream of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

a filter arranged downstream of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

one or more sensors configured to measure at least one of a flowrate of gas, an oxygen concentration upstream of the electrodes, a nitric oxide concentration downstream of the scavenger, and a nitrogen dioxide concentration downstream of the scavenger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 6

a controller in communication with the electrodes and the one or more sensors and configured to supply an electrical signal to the electrodes that controls timing and sparking characteristics of the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal control:

Data Source

PatentUS12383692B2Systems and methods for synthesis of nitric oxide

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for producing nitric oxide (NO) to be used in medical applications are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for a NO generator that is capable of generating a desired concentration of NO to be provided to a respiratory system for inhalation by a patient.