Oxygen Assembly with Replaceable Adsorption Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen concentrators for therapeutic use have limitations such as a limited lifespan, high power requirements, and inefficiencies, necessitating the development of improved systems for generating concentrated oxygen.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an oxygen assembly with adsorption beds that can be removed and replaced, featuring nitrogen-adsorbent materials like zeolite, and incorporates design enhancements like helical inserts and variable flow paths to increase efficiency and output, while also integrating with ventilator systems for both ventilation and oxygen therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional oxygen concentrators are used to generate concentrated oxygen from ambient air, then portability and independence from external oxygen supply are improved, but lifespan is limited and power requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption bed is divided into multiple beds (first adsorption bed and second adsorption bed) that can operate in alternating cycles. This segmentation allows one bed to generate oxygen while another is regenerated, extending system lifespan and enabling continuous operation without frequent replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic cycling between adsorption and regeneration phases of the adsorption beds. The control system alternates between beds in a rhythmic pattern, allowing continuous oxygen generation while periodically regenerating the adsorbent materials, thereby extending operational lifespan
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional oxygen concentrators are used to generate concentrated oxygen from ambient air, then portability and independence from external oxygen supply are improved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic cycling between adsorption and regeneration phases, allowing the compressor to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control system alternates between adsorption beds, enabling the compressor to rest during regeneration phases, thereby reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
While one adsorption bed is being regenerated, the other bed continues to produce oxygen. This continuity ensures that oxygen generation never stops while the compressor can be cycled off during regeneration, maintaining independence from external supply while reducing power consumption
3Quantity of substance
If nitrogen-adsorbent materials like zeolite are used in adsorption beds, then oxygen concentration output is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the adsorption function across multiple beds with different materials (first adsorption bed with nitrogen-adsorbent material, second adsorption bed with different material). This segmentation allows each bed to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system design through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption beds serve multiple functions: oxygen generation during adsorption phase and nitrogen removal during regeneration phase. The same physical beds perform both concentration and purification functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system
4Productivity
If helical inserts and variable flow paths are incorporated to increase efficiency, then oxygen output is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Helical inserts are incorporated into the adsorption beds to create curved flow paths that increase the contact time between air and adsorbent material. These curved structures improve oxygen output by enhancing mass transfer efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical bed geometry that is straightforward to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
Variable flow paths are implemented within specific zones of the adsorption beds rather than throughout the entire system. This localized approach improves oxygen output in critical areas while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and modular
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 achieves increased oxygen output, consistent delivery, extended lifespan, and reduced power consumption, providing a more efficient and reliable means of generating concentrated oxygen for therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption bed configured to remove nitrogen from air flowing through the adsorption bed, thereby generating concentrated oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a desiccant material configured to capture and remove moisture from air entering the adsorption bed
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to systems and methods for generating concentrated oxygen for therapeutic purposes. For example, in some embodiments the systems described herein include an oxygen assembly that can provide pulses of oxygen and/or a continuous flow of oxygen to a patient. The oxygen assembly can include one or more media or adsorption beds configured to generate concentrated oxygen from ambient air, such as by removing nitrogen from ambient air flowing through the media bed. The one or more media beds can be removed from the system to facilitate replacement of the media bed by a user. The oxygen assemblies and media beds described herein can also include various additional features that are expected to improve the oxygen generation process and/or the operation of the oxygen generating systems.