Oxygen Concentrator Bolus Control for Respiratory Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable oxygen concentrators face inefficiencies in pulsed oxygen delivery, leading to waste of oxygen due to retrograde flow, anatomic deadspace, and physiologic deadspace, limiting their effectiveness and mobility for users with respiratory disorders.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of improved control over electro-mechanical valves in oxygen concentrators to optimize oxygen release based on user measurements and settings, using a 'delivery envelope' to minimize waste and maximize therapeutic effect, with features like adjustable bolus parameters and sensor-driven control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If oxygen is delivered as a bolus timed to coincide with user inspiration in pulsed delivery mode, then oxygen efficiency is improved and weight is reduced, but oxygen waste occurs due to retrograde flow, anatomic deadspace, and physiologic deadspace
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts bolus delivery parameters (volume, timing, duration) based on real-time detection of user inspiration events and individual respiratory characteristics. The delivery envelope is dynamically calculated and adjusted to match the user's instantaneous inspiratory flow profile, transforming a static delivery approach into an adaptive dynamic system that optimizes oxygen delivery while minimizing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting user inspiration events and using this information to trigger and modulate bolus delivery. The delivery parameters are continuously refined based on feedback from flow sensors and user respiratory responses, creating a closed-loop control system that minimizes oxygen waste while ensuring adequate delivery.
2Loss of substance
If the delivery envelope is constrained to eliminate retrograde flow waste and anatomic deadspace waste, then oxygen utilization is improved, but device complexity increases due to advanced control algorithms and sensor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to establish the delivery envelope based on user-specific respiratory characteristics before actual oxygen delivery begins. By pre-calculating the optimal delivery parameters and constraints tailored to each user's anatomy and breathing pattern, the system simplifies real-time control while maintaining high oxygen utilization efficiency.
3Reliability
If bolus parameters are optimized for adult users, then therapeutic effect is maximized for adults, but the device cannot effectively serve neonates and infants with different respiratory characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by implementing a scalable delivery envelope calculation methodology that adapts to users across the entire spectrum from neonates to adults. By using fundamental respiratory parameters (tidal volume, inspiratory time, flow rates) that scale with user size and physiology, the same control algorithm serves diverse user populations effectively, eliminating the need for separate optimization for different age groups.
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 reduces oxygen waste, enhances the therapeutic effect of pulsed oxygen delivery, and extends the device's usability across a broader range of users, from adults to neonates, by optimizing oxygen release during inspiration and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
gas separation adsorbent that separates at least some nitrogen from air
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen concentrator (100) apparatus and a method thereof implement operations control to efficiently release oxygen enriched gas to reduce potential waste. The control methodology may include generating a profile such as a minimum inhalation flow profile of the user. The profile may be based on a size parameter of the user. The method may determine one or more control parameters characterizing a bolus of oxygen enriched gas based on the generated flow profile. The control methodology may then generate a bolus release control signal, such as for a supply valve, according to the determined one or more control parameters. The oxygen concentrator may then, with the control signal, release and deliver a bolus of oxygen enriched gas for a user such as for reducing waste.