Chemically-Powered Fluid Flow Systems Using Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemically-powered fluid delivery systems, such as autoinjectors, require mechanical activation, which can be difficult for disabled individuals to handle and limits device construction, as they rely on mechanical means to initiate chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydrogen peroxide decomposition to power fluid delivery systems, where a catalyst chamber and hydrogen peroxide chamber are separated by a frangible barrier, generating oxygen gas and heat to drive a plunger and force fluid out through an orifice, allowing for electrically-activated or mechanically-activated systems that do not require manual dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical activation systems are used to initiate chemical reactions in fluid delivery devices, then the device can be activated by simple mechanical means, but disabled individuals having difficulty handling mechanical activation systems cannot easily use the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical activation systems with electrical or magnetic activation systems. Specifically, it uses an electrical heater to melt a frangible barrier separating the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide, or uses magnetic particles to trigger the reaction. This substitution allows activation through electrical switches or magnetic fields, which are accessible to disabled individuals who cannot perform manual mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from mechanical force to temperature or magnetic field. By using electrical heating to melt the frangible barrier (temperature parameter change) or magnetic particles to initiate reaction (magnetic field parameter change), the system becomes accessible to users with limited manual dexterity while maintaining reliable activation.
2Reliability
If mechanical activation structures are used to initiate chemical reactions, then the device can be activated reliably, but the construction of the fluid-delivery device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing complex mechanical activation structures with simpler electrical heating elements or magnetic particles, the patent achieves reliable activation while significantly increasing construction flexibility. The electrical heater can be integrated into various device configurations, and magnetic particles can be positioned flexibly within the fluid delivery system, enabling designs that would be difficult with traditional mechanical mechanisms.
3Productivity
If hydrogen peroxide decomposition is used to power fluid delivery, then high-viscosity fluids can be delivered efficiently, but the device requires careful control of the chemical reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a frangible barrier as an intermediary to control the reaction. This barrier separates the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide until activation, when electrical heating melts it to allow mixing. This intermediary mechanism provides simple, reliable control over the exothermic decomposition reaction, enabling efficient delivery of high-viscosity fluids without complex reaction control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Processes and devices for delivering a fluid by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide are disclosed. Advantageously, the reaction is very fast and exothermic resulting in a fast ejection and, optionally, heating a fluid as it is ejected from a container. Also disclosed is a fluid flow system powered by a gas-generating reaction that is activated by an electrothermal activation switch.