Low-Temperature Nitric Oxide Generation With Adjustable Electrode Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NO-producing devices face limitations in generating consistent and variable NO concentrations due to fixed anode-cathode distances and electrical parameters, leading to potential toxicity and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable anode-cathode positioning, high velocity air impingement, and recirculating cooling fluid to produce varying NO concentrations, featuring a DC arc discharge and cooling mechanisms to stabilize plasma arc and enhance NO production consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed distance between anode and cathode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the NO concentration cannot be adjusted for different treatment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable anode-cathode spacing through mechanical positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the gap distance. This enables the device to adapt NO generation output for different treatment requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through straightforward adjustment mechanisms rather than complex variable geometry designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of electrode spacing to control NO concentration output. By varying the distance between anode and cathode, the device can generate different NO concentrations without requiring complex control systems or multiple device configurations, thus achieving adaptability through a single adjustable parameter.
2Reliability
If fixed electrical parameters are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but consistent NO concentration cannot be achieved across different treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable electrical parameters that can be dynamically modified during operation to maintain consistent NO concentration output. This allows the device to compensate for variations in electrode spacing and other factors, ensuring reliable performance without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust electrical parameters based on operating conditions. This feedback approach ensures consistent NO generation by automatically compensating for manufacturing variations and environmental factors, thereby achieving reliability without sacrificing ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high NO concentration is produced, then treatment efficacy is improved, but toxicity risks increase for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of NO concentration through adjustable electrode spacing and electrical parameters. This allows the device to deliver high concentrations when needed for effective treatment while reducing concentrations for applications where lower levels are safer, thereby adapting to different clinical requirements without inherent toxicity risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters to match specific treatment requirements. By adjusting electrode gap and electrical input, the device can optimize NO concentration for maximum efficacy in one application while safely reducing it for another, eliminating the need for multiple devices with fixed concentration levels.
4Reliability
If precise arc gap is maintained, then NO production is consistent, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and maintainable arc gap mechanisms that can compensate for manufacturing tolerances during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to achieve consistent NO production without requiring extremely precise manufacturing of the electrode gap, as the mechanism can adapt to slight variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates design features that pre-compensate for potential arc gap variations. By designing the adjustment mechanism to accommodate expected manufacturing tolerances, the system ensures consistent performance without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, effectively cushioning against potential precision deficiencies.
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 device achieves consistent and adjustable NO concentrations for targeted medical treatments, improving safety and manufacturability by reducing temperature and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
forming NO-containing plasma gas flow... by using a DC arc discharge to generate NO in an interelectrode area
Implementation Method 2
recirculating cooling fluid to produce varying NO concentrations, featuring a DC arc discharge and cooling mechanisms to stabilize plasma arc
Implementation Method 3
high velocity air impingement... featuring a DC arc discharge and cooling mechanisms to stabilize plasma arc
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for forming NO-containing gas flow to treat a biological object is disclosed. The device may include an anode, a cathode, an interelectrode area between the cathode and the anode, an NO-containing gas flow outlet channel leading from the interelectrode area to a nozzle for directing and releasing the NO-containing gas flow from the device and a mechanism to adjust a relative position between the anode and the cathode to produce varying concentrations of NO. In addition, the device may include one or more features for interconnecting the various components to ensure proper and consistent assembly of the device.