Gas Generator Segmented Heater for Controlled Oxygen Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical oxygen generators (COGs) are not suited for generating low volumes of oxygen over a long period on-demand, as they tend to initiate a self-sustaining reaction once started, making it difficult to control or stop the oxygen generation process.
Innovation Solution
A gas generator design featuring a compartment with an active material that generates a target gas, such as oxygen, upon thermal activation. The heater structure is arranged outside the compartment, heating the active material from multiple sides to ensure uniform heating, which reduces the risk of thermal runaway and allows for precise control of the gas generation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a secondary exothermic chemical reaction is used to sustain oxygen generation, then the oxygen generation capacity can be completely consumed and sustained, but the reaction cannot be stopped after initiation and tends to become self-sustaining
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure is segmented into multiple independent heating zones arranged around the active material, allowing selective and independent control of each zone. This enables precise control over the heating process and oxygen generation rate, preventing uncontrolled self-sustaining reactions while maintaining sustained operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of the active material and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the power supply to the heater structure based on this feedback, enabling closed-loop control that prevents thermal runaway while sustaining oxygen generation over extended periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heater structure is fully immersed in the active material, then heating efficiency is maximized, but temperature distribution becomes non-uniform leading to thermal runaways
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure is positioned in specific locations around the active material rather than being uniformly distributed throughout. The multiple heating zones are strategically placed to create optimal temperature distribution patterns, ensuring each region of the active material receives appropriate heat while maintaining overall thermal stability and preventing localized hot spots.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional COGs are used, then high oxygen generation capacity is achieved, but they cannot generate low volumes of oxygen over long periods on-demand
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure and control system enable dynamic adjustment of the oxygen generation rate. By varying the power supply to different heating zones, the system can adapt to different oxygen demand levels, generating low volumes over extended periods or higher volumes when needed, providing versatile on-demand oxygen supply capability.
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 gas generator achieves controlled and precise generation of small volumes of target gases over an extended period, such as five years, without the risk of self-sustaining reactions, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The heater structure is arranged to heat the active material from at least two sides
Implementation Method 2
a target gas is generated in response to thermal activation of the active material
Data Source
AI summary
A gas generator comprises a compartment confined by a casing configured to hold an active material generating a target gas in response to thermal activation, and a heater structure configured and arranged to heat the active material for generating the target gas. The heater structure is arranged outside the compartment and heats the active material from at least two sides.