Handheld Dual-Column APSA Oxygen Concentrator for Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable oxygen concentrators are bulky, heavy, and inefficient, requiring high power consumption and increased component count to achieve sufficient oxygen output, which limits their mobility and usability in emergency and remote settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable oxygen concentrator using an absolute pressure swing adsorption (APSA) system with dual columns and miniature pumps, achieving efficient oxygen production through smaller zeolite columns and reduced pressure swings, enabling a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pressure swing adsorption systems are used in portable oxygen concentrators, then oxygen output can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pressure swing range from conventional high-pressure swings to lower-pressure absolute pressure swing adsorption. This reduces the mechanical stress on components and allows for smaller, lighter construction while maintaining oxygen production efficiency. The APSA process operates at near-atmospheric pressures, eliminating the need for heavy high-pressure containment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical compression systems with membrane-based gas separation technology. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy-duty compressors and high-pressure mechanical components, significantly reducing device weight and complexity while maintaining effective oxygen concentration capabilities.
2Productivity
If conventional oxygen concentrator components are used, then sufficient oxygen production is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical compression systems with passive membrane-based separation processes. The membrane system utilizes natural gas diffusion and solubility differences rather than high-power compressors, dramatically reducing electrical power requirements while maintaining effective oxygen concentration at portable flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane-based system operates with minimal external energy input by utilizing the inherent selective permeability properties of the membrane material. The gas separation process is self-driven by partial pressure gradients without requiring additional compression energy, enabling low-power portable operation.
3Reliability
If high-pressure gas cylinders are used for oxygen supplementation, then oxygen delivery is reliable, but mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oxygen delivery system into a portable concentrator unit that generates oxygen on-demand from ambient air. This eliminates the need for pre-filled heavy gas cylinders, allowing users to carry a lightweight device that produces oxygen continuously without the mobility constraints of compressed gas storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static oxygen storage (fixed quantity in cylinders) to dynamic oxygen generation (continuous production from air). The portable concentrator dynamically adjusts oxygen production based on user needs, providing unlimited supply without the weight and replacement logistics of finite cylinder storage systems.
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 APSA system enhances oxygen recovery and reduces power requirements, allowing for a handheld device that provides continuous high-purity oxygen supply in diverse environments, including emergency and remote settings.
Implementation Method 1
a portable oxygen concentrator may comprise a first column and a second column and the first column and the second column include an adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
the first column and the second column may include an adsorbent
Implementation Method 3
raising pressure in the first column by connecting the first column to a positive pressure pump
Implementation Method 4
lowering the pressure in the first column by connecting the first column to a negative pressure pump
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld portable oxygen concentrator device is disclosed. The device may comprise a first column and a second column, a product buffer, a plurality of valves in fluidly coupling the first column, the second column, the one or more pumps, and the product buffer. The device may comprise a controller configured to cycle repeatedly through the following phases: (a) raising pressure in the first column by connecting the first column to a positive pressure pump and releasing concentrated oxygen in the first column to the product buffer, (b) equalizing the pressure in the first column and the second column by connecting the first column to the second column, (c) lowering the pressure in the first column by connecting the first column to a negative pressure pump, and (d) equalizing the pressure in the first column and the second column by connecting the first column to the second column.