Portable Oxygen Concentrator Compressor Assembly for Compact Gas-Tight Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable oxygen concentrators face challenges in achieving a compact, lightweight, and efficient design without sacrificing performance, as well as requiring improved battery retention, airflow management, and efficient gas separation systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating improved compressor control features, high-density gas tight interconnects, integrated sensor blocks, space-efficient adsorber designs, and optimized airflow systems, along with a flexible battery retention system and efficient compressor assembly, to create a compact and reliable portable oxygen concentrator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the size and weight of portable oxygen concentrator components are reduced, then portability and user convenience are improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable oxygen concentrator is divided into modular components including a compressor assembly, adsorber beds, battery pack, and control module. Each module can be independently manufactured and tested, then assembled into the complete system. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each component while maintaining overall system compactness and reducing total weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates nested structural elements where smaller components are integrated within larger assemblies. For example, the battery pack and control electronics are housed within the main body structure, and the adsorber beds are positioned within the compressed air pathway. This nesting reduces overall device volume and weight while maintaining functional integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the portable oxygen concentrator is reduced, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single components to reduce overall device complexity. The control module integrates power management, flow rate control, and user interface functions. The compressor assembly combines air intake, compression, and delivery functions. This functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the device despite its compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed with multi-functionality to reduce the total number of parts. The housing structure serves both as mechanical support and as part of the air pathway. The battery pack provides both power storage and structural support for the device. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining compact volume.
3Productivity
If high-density gas tight interconnects are used, then gas separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas tight seals and interconnects are pre-assembled and tested as complete sub-semblies before final device assembly. The adsorber beds are pre-loaded with adsorbent material and pre-sealed to ensure gas tightness. This preliminary action ensures high gas separation efficiency while simplifying the final assembly process, as pre-tested components reduce on-site manufacturing complexity.
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 solution results in a portable oxygen concentrator that is extremely compact, lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective, with improved battery stability and efficient gas separation, enhancing user convenience and therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
space efficient adsorber designs
Implementation Method 2
improved compressor control features
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor assembly for a portable oxygen concentrator includes a first compressor chamber having a first connector, a second compressor chamber having a second connector, and a tube having a first end having a first connection interface configured to connect to the first connector and a second end having a second connection interface configured to connect to the second connector. The first connection interface is shaped to maintain the connection between the first connector and the first connection interface in a fixed orientation and the second connection interface is shaped to maintain the connection between the second connector and the second connection interface in a fixed orientation. One or more of the first connector, the second connector, and the tube are compliant.