Hypoxic Chamber Oxygen Control With Sensor-Driven Gas Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hypoxic chamber systems are either inexpensive and portable but lack functionality, such as automated oxygen level control, or are expensive and non-portable, failing to provide both precise control and measurement of oxygen levels.
Innovation Solution
A portable hypoxic chamber system with a controller that uses oxygen sensors to automatically regulate oxygen levels through electronically actuated valves, allowing for precise control and measurement of oxygen concentrations within a predetermined range, and includes a user interface for setting and monitoring oxygen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual purging is used in hypoxic chambers, then the device can be simple and portable, but automated oxygen level control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an oxygen sensor to automatically monitor oxygen levels and trigger purging operations without manual intervention. The chamber self-regulates by detecting oxygen concentration and initiating the purging sequence when thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen sensor provides continuous feedback on oxygen levels to the control system. When the sensor detects oxygen levels above the predetermined threshold, it triggers the purging mechanism, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically maintains hypoxic conditions without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If inexpensive components are used in hypoxic chambers, then portability is improved, but measurement and control functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs cost-effective oxygen sensors and electronic components that provide sufficient measurement precision for hypoxic chamber applications. By using affordable sensors with appropriate accuracy specifications and designing a simple electronic control circuit, the system achieves reliable oxygen level monitoring and control without requiring expensive industrial-grade components.
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 system provides a cost-effective, portable solution for controlling and measuring oxygen levels in hypoxic environments, enabling precise simulation of in-vivo conditions for cell culture research, ensuring accurate and dynamic control of oxygen levels.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen sensor positioned in the receiving chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first regulator valve operatively connected to the first input and an oxygen source; a second regulator valve operatively connected to the second input and a non-oxygen source
Data Source
AI summary
A hypoxic chamber system comprises a hypoxic chamber having: a housing, an internal receiving chamber formed within the housing, a lid operably connectable to the housing to seal the receiving chamber in a closed position, a first input and a second input in communication with the receiving chamber, and an oxygen sensor positioned in the receiving chamber; a first regulator valve operatively connected to the first input and an oxygen source; a second regulator valve operatively connected to the second input and a non-oxygen source; and a controller electrically connected to the first regulator valve, the second regulator valve, and the oxygen sensor.