EWOT Apparatus with Weighted Inflatable Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) devices are cumbersome, difficult to transport, lack positive air pressure, and often leak, leading to inefficient oxygen delivery and contamination issues, with limited ability to switch between oxygen sources during exercise.
Innovation Solution
A portable EWOT apparatus featuring inflatable bladders with weighted members for positive pressure, a compact frame, and a programmable control switch that automatically adjusts oxygen flow based on biometric feedback, allowing seamless switching between high and low oxygen concentrations to simulate altitude training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If prior art EWOT devices use large rectangular plastic bags hung from walls or frames, then oxygen storage capacity is sufficient, but the devices occupy significant floor and wall space and are difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder is nested within a compact collapsible frame that can be folded into a small configuration for transport. When inflated, the bladder expands to provide sufficient oxygen storage capacity, effectively nesting a large volume container within a small transport package.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static large-frame design to a dynamic inflatable system. The bladder inflates to provide oxygen storage during use, then deflates for compact storage, allowing the same structure to adapt between large-volume and compact states.
2Device complexity
If prior art EWOT devices use simple plastic bladders without weighted members, then the devices are lightweight and simple, but they cannot maintain positive air pressure causing oxygen leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A weighted member is attached to the bladder to apply constant downward force, creating positive air pressure that counteracts atmospheric pressure and prevents oxygen leakage. The weight compensates for the simplicity of the bladder structure by providing the necessary pressure maintenance mechanically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure generated by the weighted member's force on the enclosed gas volume. The weight creates continuous positive pressure on the oxygen-containing bladder, ensuring reliable oxygen delivery without complex electronic pressure regulation systems.
3Ease of operation
If prior art EWOT devices use single air sources or simple mechanical switches, then the devices are simple to operate, but they lack the ability to automatically switch between oxygen sources based on user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from biometric sensors monitoring the user's physiological state and automatically adjusts oxygen delivery by switching between bladders. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to user needs while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control switch serves multiple functions: it monitors user physiology, determines oxygen needs, selects appropriate bladders, and executes switching between oxygen sources. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate devices into a single integrated control system.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior art EWOT devices use non-air-tight bladders without medical grade coatings, then the devices are inexpensive and simple to manufacture, but they leak air and allow contamination of stored oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder uses composite construction combining plastic material with an internal medical-grade coating layer. This composite structure maintains the simplicity and low cost of plastic manufacturing while adding the contamination prevention properties of medical-grade materials through a coating application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical-grade coating creates an inert barrier between the plastic bladder material and the stored oxygen, preventing chemical interactions and contamination. This inert environment protection is achieved through a thin coating layer that maintains oxygen purity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances oxygen delivery efficiency, reduces fatigue, and improves endurance by maintaining constant oxygen flow, while being more portable and reducing contamination risks, allowing for effective training in confined spaces.
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
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.