Nitric Oxide Generation via N2O4 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for producing and delivering nitric oxide (NO) face challenges such as the need for large tanks of NO gas at high concentration and pressure, and issues with accurate dosing due to conversion of NO to NO2, which requires purging of ventilation circuits, leading to inconsistent and potentially harmful NO delivery to patients.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates NO from donor molecules like N2O4, using a converter with multiple stages and sensors to control the conversion process, ensuring accurate and controlled delivery of NO to an inspiratory pathway, decoupling NO generation from delivery, and using dilution gases and antioxidants to maintain NO concentration and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tank-based systems are used to store and deliver NO gas, then a supply of NO is available, but the system requires large tanks at high concentration and pressure, and NO converts to NO2 when treatment is paused, requiring circuit purging
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a NO generation module that converts N2O4 to NO on-demand, a delivery module that controls flow to the patient, and a control module that coordinates operation. This segmentation eliminates the need for large storage tanks while maintaining continuous supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-generates and stores small amounts of NO in a reservoir before delivery, ensuring immediate availability without requiring large storage tanks. This preliminary action allows the system to respond quickly to treatment needs while avoiding the conversion problems associated with paused treatment.
2Reliability
If NO is delivered in the ventilation circuit, then treatment is provided, but NO converts to NO2 when treatment is paused, requiring purging of the ventilation circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors treatment status and system conditions, adjusting NO generation and delivery in real-time. When treatment is paused, the system immediately stops NO generation and initiates purging sequences, preventing NO2 accumulation and eliminating the need for extended purge times upon resumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs rapid purging of the ventilation circuit when treatment is paused, minimizing the time NO can convert to NO2. This rushed-through approach to purging reduces the loss of time while ensuring complete removal of converted gas before treatment resumes.
3Manufacturing precision
If multi-stage conversion is used to generate NO from N2O4, then accurate NO dosing is achieved, but the system requires multiple converters and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The first converter (N2O4 to NO2) and second converter (NO2 to NO) are integrated into a single system with shared control electronics and sensor infrastructure. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of multi-stage conversion through coordinated operation of both stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it controls both converter stages, monitors multiple sensors, manages reservoir filling, and coordinates delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining dosing accuracy.
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 precise and consistent delivery of NO, reducing the risk of rebound conditions and improving patient safety by maintaining accurate NO dosing and minimizing NO2 formation, thereby ensuring effective treatment with reduced clinical risks.
Implementation Method 1
the first stage of the converter includes a heater that is configured to heat the N2O4 to convert the N2O4 into NO2
Implementation Method 2
the second stage of the converter includes ascorbic acid that is configured to convert the NO2 into the NO-containing gas
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the one or more sensors includes a pressure sensor to measure a pressure related to gas released by the source material
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating NO and delivering NO in controlled amounts. A system for generating nitric oxide (NO) is provided, and in some embodiments can include a converter configured to convert a source material to a NO-containing gas, at least one controller configured to independently control a conversion of the source material to the NO-containing gas and a delivery of the NO-containing gas to an inspiratory pathway, and one or more sensors configured to communicate, to the at least one controller, information related to the conversion of the source material to the NO-containing gas.