Modular Oxygen Supply With Master-Slave Demand Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen supply devices face challenges in being both portable and capable of providing a sufficient amount of oxygen, with oxygen concentrators being too large and chemical generators delivering oxygen uncontrollably and at high temperatures, while existing systems lack coordinated control for demand-based oxygen supply.
Innovation Solution
A modular oxygen supply system comprising interconnected oxygen concentrators and chemical generators, with a master-slave control system to regulate oxygen output, allowing for a combination of devices to meet varying oxygen demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an oxygen concentrator using pressure swing adsorption is used, then a sufficient amount of oxygen can be generated, but the device becomes too large and heavy to be portable
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the oxygen supply function into multiple independent oxygen supply devices (portable units) that can work individually or in combination. Each portable device contains its own oxygen concentrator and control unit, allowing them to function independently while enabling modular expansion through master-slave connections to achieve higher oxygen output when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple portable oxygen supply devices are combined through a master-slave control system to function as a unified oxygen supply system. The control units communicate via cable or wirelessly, with the master device coordinating the operation of slave devices to collectively provide sufficient oxygen quantity while maintaining portability of individual units.
2Productivity
If a chemical oxygen generator is used, then a high amount of oxygen can be delivered quickly, but the oxygen delivery cannot be regulated and the device heats up to 400-600°C
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the oxygen delivery and regulates the chemical oxygen generator's operation to maintain the desired oxygen flow rate. The control unit adjusts the ignition and reaction process based on feedback from oxygen concentration sensors, ensuring regulated oxygen delivery while managing the exothermic reaction to prevent uncontrolled temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the chemical oxygen generator by controlling the ignition timing, reaction rate, and oxygen release speed through the control unit. This allows regulation of oxygen delivery rate and temperature management, transforming the inherently unregulated chemical reaction into a controllable oxygen source.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple oxygen supply devices are used to increase oxygen capacity, then sufficient oxygen can be provided, but the system becomes complex without coordinated control
Solution Approach 1:
Each oxygen supply device is designed with universal communication capabilities and standardized control interfaces, allowing any device to function as either master or slave. The control units use common communication protocols (cable or wireless) and standardized connection methods, enabling flexible system configuration without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple slave devices and the patient interface. It centralizes the control logic, managing oxygen flow distribution, monitoring system status, and regulating overall oxygen delivery, thereby simplifying the coordination of multiple devices through a single intelligent controller.
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
Enables a portable, high-performance oxygen supply that adapts to demand by coordinating multiple oxygen sources, ensuring a controlled and sufficient oxygen delivery for emergency care.
Implementation Method 1
The generated oxygen is compressed and fed into the compressed gas cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The nitrogen contained in the air is adsorbed by an adsorber, the so-called molecular sieve, and separated from the remaining air
Implementation Method 3
The reaction is highly exothermic, generating temperatures of over 400°C or even up to 600°C within the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular oxygen supply system for supplying a patient. The oxygen supply system comprises at least two oxygen supply devices, each of which comprises at least one oxygen concentrator or at least one chemical oxygen generator. Each oxygen supply device has at least one control unit that controls and regulates the operation of the oxygen supply device. Thus, according to the invention, two or more oxygen supply devices are combined, which are not located in one device and are connected via a master-slave control.