Nitric Oxide Generation System With Self-Calibrating Plasma Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for generating and delivering nitric oxide for medical applications, such as cardiac and respiratory treatments, face challenges including the need for large gas tanks, manual calibration difficulties, and the handling of toxic chemicals, as well as inefficiencies in nitric oxide production and delivery, particularly when treatment is paused.
Innovation Solution
A nitric oxide generation system comprising plasma chambers with electrodes that produce nitric oxide from a reactant gas, a controller regulating the nitric oxide generation based on flow rate and other parameters, and scavenger paths to remove NO2, allowing for continuous and controlled delivery of nitric oxide with reduced manual intervention and safer handling of chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tank-based systems are used to store and deliver nitric oxide, then high concentration NO delivery is achieved, but large gas tanks are required and NO converts to toxic NO2 when treatment is paused
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates nitric oxide on-demand by controlling plasma discharge parameters in a continuous flow system, eliminating the need for stored high-concentration NO tanks. The plasma generation parameters (power, frequency, gas flow rate) are dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal NO production while preventing NO2 formation through continuous movement of gas through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the nitric oxide generation process from static tank storage and relocates it to a dynamic plasma generation system integrated within the delivery flow path. This separates the storage function (ambient air or oxygen) from the active generation function (plasma discharge), allowing continuous fresh NO production without the harmful stagnation effects of tank-based systems.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration with high pressure gas canisters is performed, then sensor calibration is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by generating known concentrations of nitric oxide through the plasma generator itself, eliminating the need for external calibration gas canisters. The plasma system can produce reference gas mixtures with predictable concentrations based on controlled plasma parameters, allowing automated calibration without trained personnel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation system serves multiple functions: it generates therapeutic nitric oxide for patient treatment, produces calibration gases for sensor validation, and provides reference standards for system verification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment and reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If plasma is generated in the main flow of air to be delivered to patients, then nitric oxide is produced in-line, but the system complexity increases and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the plasma generation process into discrete, controllable modules with separate power supply, gas flow control, and plasma discharge zones. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while simplifying overall system control and maintenance.
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 enables efficient, continuous, and controlled generation and delivery of nitric oxide with reduced manual calibration time and safer handling, maintaining target NO concentrations and minimizing NO2 formation, supporting both automatic and manual ventilation modes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more plasma chambers each including one or more electrodes configured to generate a product gas containing nitric oxide using a flow of a reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for nitric oxide generation are provided. In an embodiment, an NO generation system comprises a controller and disposable cartridge that can provide nitric oxide to two different treatments simultaneously. The disposable cartridge has multiple purposes including preparing incoming gases for exposure to the NO generation process, scrubbing exhaust gases for unwanted materials, characterizing the patient inspiratory flow, and removing moisture from sample gases collected. Plasma generation can be done within the cartridge or within the controller. The system has the capability of calibrating NO and NO2 gas analysis sensors without the use of a calibration gas.