Portable Oxygen Concentrator Adsorbent Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional oxygen concentrators for patients with respiratory insufficiency are bulky and heavy, making ambulatory activities difficult due to their size and weight, and the need for mobility is not adequately addressed by existing portable solutions.
Innovation Solution
A portable oxygen concentrator system that includes canisters with gas separation adsorbent and electrodes, where electrical current is used to ionize air, removing nitrogen and water/bacteria, enabling the production of oxygen enriched gas, and includes a method for regenerating the adsorbent by venting nitrogen and using ionized gas to purge impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional oxygen concentrators are used to provide supplemental oxygen, then oxygen can be supplied to patients, but the devices are bulky and heavy making ambulatory activities difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen concentrator is divided into multiple canisters that can be independently removed and replaced. Each canister contains gas separation adsorbent and electrodes, allowing the system to segment the heavy functional components from the lightweight housing, enabling patients to carry only the necessary components during ambulatory activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid to vapor phase by heating it to high temperatures (above 100°C, preferably above 200°C), causing water to evaporate and be removed from the adsorbent. This parameter change enables effective water removal without requiring bulky liquid handling systems
2Quantity of substance
If gas separation adsorbent is used to separate nitrogen from air, then oxygen enriched gas is produced, but water and bacteria accumulate on the adsorbent reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy to change the temperature parameter of the adsorbent and accumulated moisture, heating it to temperatures above 100°C to evaporate water and release trapped bacteria from the adsorbent structure, thereby restoring adsorbent performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical excitation to generate plasma or highly reactive oxygen species that oxidize and destroy bacteria and organic contaminants on the adsorbent surface, effectively sterilizing and purifying the adsorbent material without requiring chemical additives
3Reliability
If electrical current is applied to electrodes to ionize air and remove impurities, then adsorbent is regenerated, but energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cycling between adsorption mode (electrodes inactive) and regeneration mode (electrodes active), where electrical energy is applied only during regeneration phases to ionize air and remove impurities, then the system returns to energy-efficient adsorption operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the oxygen-enriched gas produced during normal operation to assist in the regeneration process, where the generated gas flows through the adsorbent to help remove impurities, reducing the amount of external energy required for regeneration
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 lightweight, portable means to produce oxygen enriched gas, enhancing patient mobility and extending the life of the gas separation adsorbent by removing impurities, thus improving the practicality and efficiency of oxygen delivery.
Implementation Method 1
gas separation adsorbent separates at least some nitrogen from air in the canister to produce oxygen enriched gas
Implementation Method 2
The power supply is configured to electrically excite at least one of the electrodes such that current flows between the electrodes and ionizes air between the two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve the useful lifetime of gas separation adsorbents.