Portable Nitric Oxide Reservoir Assembly for NO2 Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nitric oxide delivery systems are large, cumbersome, and inconvenient for ambulatory or home use, and they pose risks due to the formation of toxic nitrogen dioxide when oxygen is present, which can be harmful in high concentrations.

Innovation Solution

A compact nitric oxide delivery system using a reservoir assembly with a restrictor and a delivery conduit, incorporating a nitrogen dioxide source and a reducing agent to convert nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide, ensuring safe and controlled delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nitric oxide is stored in a bottled gaseous form diluted in nitrogen gas, then the NO can be supplied for therapeutic use, but trace amounts of oxygen in the tank can oxidize the NO to nitrogen dioxide which is highly toxic if inhaled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of nitric oxideVSAvoidoxidation to nitrogen dioxide

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses nitrogen gas as an inert atmosphere to displace oxygen from the storage tank, preventing oxidation of nitric oxide. The NO is stored diluted in nitrogen gas which does not react with NO, thereby maintaining purity and preventing formation of toxic nitrogen dioxide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

Nitrogen gas acts as an intermediary substance that protects nitric oxide from oxidation. By introducing nitrogen as a protective atmosphere, the system prevents direct contact between oxygen and nitric oxide, thus eliminating the harmful oxidation reaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a reservoir assembly with restrictor and reducing agent is used to convert nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide, then the system delivers ultra pure nitric oxide, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultra pure nitric oxide deliveryVSAvoidreservoir assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional components: a reservoir for storing nitrogen dioxide, a restrictor for controlling flow, and a reducing agent cartridge for converting NO2 to NO. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reducing agent (such as ascorbic acid or other reducing substances) is introduced as an intermediary chemical that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide. This chemical intermediary enables the transformation of the stored NO2 into the desired NO product, ensuring ultra pure delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing nitric oxide delivery systems are used, then therapeutic nitric oxide can be delivered, but the systems are large and cumbersome making them unsuitable for ambulatory or home use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic nitric oxide deliveryVSAvoidsystem weight and size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated reservoir assembly that includes the storage vessel, restrictor, and reducing agent cartridge. This merging of components into one compact unit reduces the overall system size and weight, making it portable and suitable for ambulatory use while maintaining reliable NO delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reducing agent cartridge is nested within or attached to the reservoir assembly, with the restrictor integrated into the reservoir structure. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency and minimizes the external dimensions of the device, enabling portable deployment for home and ambulatory settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 safe, portable, and efficient method to deliver nitric oxide, minimizing the risk of nitrogen dioxide exposure and reducing system size and weight, making it suitable for ambulatory and home use.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a nitrogen dioxide source and a reducing agent to convert nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS12605520B2Delivery of ultra pure nitric oxide (NO)

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 VERO BIOTECH INC

AI summary

A system for delivering a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide can include a reservoir including a restrictor with a length of at least 0.5 inches and at most 2 inches covered by a metal sheath, a gas supply, and a delivery conduit. A delivery conduit can include at least one cartridge and a patient interface. The at least one cartridge can include a surface-active material and a reducing agent.