Hybrid Oxygen Concentrator Coupling for Mobility and Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional oxygen concentrators for patients with respiratory insufficiency are bulky, heavy, and impractical for mobility, especially for those requiring supplemental oxygen for conditions like COPD, as they often require stationary use and have limited battery life in portable models.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid oxygen concentrator system that combines a portable oxygen concentrator with a home oxygen concentrator, allowing them to share power and control signals, thereby extending battery life and reducing the need for separate programming and costly controllers, while providing a continuous supply of oxygen enriched gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stationary oxygen concentrators are used, then oxygen supply reliability is improved, but mobility and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate oxygen concentrator devices: a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and a home oxygen concentrator (HOC). Each device can operate independently to provide oxygen therapy, allowing patients to maintain mobility with the POC while ensuring reliable oxygen supply through the HOC when at home.
Solution Approach 2:
The POC is designed to nest within or couple to the HOC when not in portable use. The POC can be placed inside the HOC or connected via a coupling mechanism, creating a compact integrated system that provides continuous oxygen supply while maintaining portability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If portable oxygen concentrators are used, then mobility is improved, but battery life and duration of action deteriorate due to limited power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous oxygen supply by having both POC and HOC operational simultaneously when coupled. The HOC provides uninterrupted oxygen generation while the POC operates in portable mode, eliminating battery life limitations during home use and ensuring continuous therapy without interruption.
3Reliability
If multiple separate oxygen concentrators are used, then oxygen supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The POC and HOC are designed with compatible controllers that can communicate and synchronize when coupled. The system merges the operational parameters and control logic of both devices, allowing them to function as a coordinated unit rather than completely separate systems, reducing management complexity for patients and caregivers.
Solution Approach 2:
Both concentrators use universal control parameters and communication protocols that allow them to interchangeably provide oxygen therapy. The system can operate in multiple modes (POC only, HOC only, or both coupled), providing universal functionality that simplifies management by allowing flexible configuration based on patient needs.
4Ease of operation
If portable oxygen concentrators are used, then mobility is improved, but oxygen delivery consistency deteriorates due to limited capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The HOC is used to pre-generate and store oxygen in the POC's internal reservoir when both devices are coupled. This preliminary oxygen storage ensures that the POC has sufficient oxygen capacity to maintain consistent delivery rates during portable use, eliminating concerns about limited capacity affecting delivery consistency.
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 hybrid system enhances mobility by prolonging battery and canister life, ensuring consistent oxygen delivery, and reduces the complexity of managing multiple devices, improving patient convenience and reducing medical risks associated with mismatched oxygen flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
gas separation adsorbent disposed in at least two canisters, wherein the gas separation adsorbent separates at least some nitrogen from air in the canister to produce oxygen enriched gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system that includes a home oxygen concentrator system couplable to a portable oxygen concentrator system.