Modular Oxygen Generator System for Glass Torch Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oxygen generators fail to provide the necessary pressure and volume of oxygen for larger glass torches used in working with large borosilicate glass pieces, leading to high costs and logistical issues for torch glass artists, and there is a lack of cost-efficient systems capable of producing a constant source of oxygen at sufficient flow and pressure.

Innovation Solution

A modular oxygen generating system comprising an oxygen storage tank, a compressor, and multiple oxygen generators, controlled by a controller device that manages power distribution to ensure a sustained flow of oxygen at the required pressure, allowing for expansion and synchronization of oxygen production to meet the demands of glass torch applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If conventional oxygen generators are used, then oxygen supply is provided, but the pressure and volume are insufficient for larger glass torches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen pressureVSAvoidoxygen volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple oxygen generators (at least one first oxygen generator and one second oxygen generator) into a single integrated system. This merging allows the system to aggregate the oxygen output from multiple units, achieving both the required pressure (20-30 psi) and volume (15-25 liters per minute) that individual conventional generators cannot provide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stress or pressure

If K-tanks are used for oxygen supply, then high pressure and volume are achieved, but cost and logistical issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen pressureVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxygen generating system is designed to be self-sufficient by continuously producing oxygen through multiple oxygen generators rather than relying on external delivery of pre-filled K-tanks. The system automatically maintains oxygen supply at the required pressure and volume levels, eliminating the need for tank exchanges, deliveries, and regulatory equipment, thereby reducing both operational complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If multiple oxygen generators are used to increase oxygen output, then pressure and volume requirements are met, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen volumeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a controller that dynamically manages the operation of multiple oxygen generators based on real-time oxygen demand. The controller can adjust the number of active generators, their operating parameters, and coordination to match the actual oxygen requirements of the glass torch, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining the necessary oxygen volume and pressure output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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, constant supply of oxygen at the necessary pressure and flow rate for glass torches, reducing reliance on expensive K-tanks and addressing transport and storage hazards, while enabling efficient operation with standard residential power outlets.

Implementation Method 1

an air compressor configured to compress air received from the environment into compressed air at a pressure sufficient to drive operation of the oxygen generators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

groups of at least one oxygen generator, wherein each oxygen generator is configured to receive compressed air from the air compressor and produce oxygen-enriched gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure swing adsorption: Pressure Swing Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10073441B1Method and apparatus for managing oxygen generating system
Publication Date: 2018.09.11 HVLPO2 LLC
  • US10073441B1 patent drawing
  • US10073441B1 patent drawing
  • US10073441B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for managing an oxygen generating system including an oxygen storage tank, a compressor, and groups of at least one oxygen generator, wherein the oxygen generating system is configured for supplying a sustained flow of a gaseous mixture comprising mostly oxygen. The system includes at least one controller device. The at least one controller device is configured to control group circuits based at least upon a pressure. Each of the group circuits are for providing power to a particular group of the groups of at least one oxygen generator. The at least one controller device is also configured to control a circuit for providing power to the compressor.