Nitric Oxide Generator Using Pulsed Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nitric oxide using electric discharges face challenges such as high electrode wear, unpredictable nitric oxide generation, high levels of nitrogen dioxide formation, and inefficiencies due to the need for additional gas dilution, which complicates the delivery of accurate and controlled nitric oxide concentrations to biological systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves controlling electric discharges across two electrodes in a reactor chamber by adjusting pulse frequency and duration, using a magnetic field to enhance nitric oxide production, and incorporating a programmable filter system to monitor and maintain purity, allowing for precise nitric oxide generation over a wide range of concentrations without excessive dilution or electrode wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric discharges are used to generate nitric oxide from room air, then nitric oxide can be produced locally without large storage cylinders, but it is difficult to accurately and controllably produce the required amounts of nitric oxide with the required purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed electric discharges instead of continuous discharge to generate nitric oxide. By controlling the pulse frequency and duration, the system can precisely regulate the amount of nitric oxide produced while maintaining high purity levels. The periodic nature of the discharge allows for better control over the chemical reactions occurring in the plasma, enabling accurate delivery of required nitric oxide concentrations to biological systems.
2Productivity
If high voltage electric arc discharges are used to produce nitric oxide, then nitric oxide generation is achieved, but electrode wear occurs due to vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed electric discharges with controlled duty cycles rather than continuous high voltage arc discharges. This periodic action reduces the average power delivered to the electrodes, significantly decreasing electrode vaporization and wear while still maintaining effective nitric oxide generation during the pulse periods. The intermittent nature of the discharge allows electrodes to cool between pulses, preventing excessive material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable pulse parameters including frequency, duration, and voltage amplitude. By optimizing these dynamic parameters, the system achieves maximum nitric oxide production efficiency while minimizing electrode stress and wear. The ability to adjust pulse characteristics in real-time allows for adaptive control that protects electrodes from excessive wear while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If continuous electric discharge is used to generate nitric oxide, then steady production is achieved, but nitrogen dioxide formation increases which is harmful to biological systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pulsed electric discharges with optimized pulse widths and frequencies that favor nitric oxide formation over nitrogen dioxide. The short pulse durations and controlled repetition rates prevent the accumulation of nitrogen dioxide while maintaining steady overall nitric oxide production. The periodic nature of the discharge allows for better control of reaction conditions, suppressing the formation of harmful nitrogen dioxide byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key discharge parameters including voltage amplitude, pulse duration, and frequency to optimize the ratio of nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide production. By operating in specific parameter ranges, the system achieves high nitric oxide yields while minimizing nitrogen dioxide formation. The ability to adjust these parameters allows dynamic optimization of product selectivity, maintaining harmful factor levels below thresholds that would affect biological systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional diluent gas is used to control nitric oxide concentration, then accurate delivery is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves accurate nitric oxide concentration control directly through the pulsed discharge parameters themselves, eliminating or reducing the need for additional diluent gas systems. By controlling pulse frequency and duration, the system inherently regulates nitric oxide output concentration without requiring complex external dilution mechanisms. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while significantly simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the nitric oxide generation system to self-regulate concentration output through feedback control of the pulsed discharge parameters. The system automatically adjusts pulse characteristics to maintain desired nitric oxide concentrations without requiring external diluent gas addition or complex mixing systems. This self-service capability reduces device complexity while maintaining accurate concentration delivery for therapeutic applications.
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
This approach enables efficient, accurate, and controlled production of nitric oxide with reduced electrode wear and lower power consumption, minimizing nitrogen dioxide generation, and ensures reliable delivery with real-time monitoring and alert systems for filter replacement, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of nitric oxide therapy.
Implementation Method 1
controlling electric discharges between two electrodes in an oxygen nitrogen gas mixture
Implementation Method 2
using a controlled electric discharge to ionize the gas at a locally higher temperature to form a plasma
Implementation Method 3
using a magnetic field to enhance nitric oxide production
Data Source
AI summary
A nitric oxide generator generates nitric oxide from a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen such as air treated by a pulsating electrical discharge. The desired concentration of nitric oxide is obtained by controlling at least one of a frequency of the pulsating electrical discharge and duration of each electrical discharge pulse.