Portable Oxygen Concentrator with Boost Flow for High Altitude

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a portable oxygen concentrator designed for recreational use that is not subject to FDA regulations, capable of providing supplemental oxygen for activities such as high-altitude sports and quick recovery during sporting events, with a simpler design than medical POCs.

Innovation Solution

A portable oxygen concentrator system consisting of a backpack-mounted unit with a mask and a button to activate a boost oxygen flow, using pressure swing adsorption technology to deliver an oxygen purity of less than 86%, offering a base pulse flow of 1-3 liters per minute with an optional boost feature to increase flow temporarily.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a portable oxygen concentrator is designed for recreational use with simpler specifications, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the oxygen purity and regulatory compliance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoxygen purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the oxygen purity parameter from the standard medical grade (93-96%) to a lower recreational grade (86-90%), which allows the device to operate outside FDA regulations. This parameter change enables simpler device design and lower cost while maintaining adequate oxygen delivery for recreational purposes at high altitudes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable molecular sieve cartridges that can be easily replaced rather than maintaining complex purification systems. This approach reduces device complexity and cost while providing sufficient oxygen purity for recreational use, accepting that the lower purity oxygen is adequate for non-medical applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If a portable oxygen concentrator uses pressure swing adsorption technology, then the device becomes more efficient at oxygen concentration, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen concentration efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanical pressure swing adsorption system that uses periodic pressure changes to cycle nitrogen and oxygen through molecular sieves. This mechanical approach achieves efficient oxygen concentration without requiring complex electronics, sensors, or computer control, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a portable oxygen concentrator provides continuous flow oxygen, then the oxygen delivery reliability is improved, but the energy consumption and device weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen delivery reliabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic pulse dosing where oxygen is delivered in intermittent pulses synchronized with the user's breathing rather than continuously. This periodic delivery maintains adequate oxygen supply for recreational use at high altitudes while significantly reducing energy consumption and allowing for a lighter, more portable device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a portable oxygen concentrator is designed for high altitude use, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a flow boost feature that dynamically increases oxygen delivery from the base pulse flow (1-3 LPM) to a boosted pulse flow (5-10 LPM) when needed at high altitudes. This dynamic adjustment provides environmental adaptability for varying altitude conditions while maintaining relatively simple device architecture by using a single button control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 lightweight, portable supplemental oxygen for recreational activities without requiring a prescription, enhancing breathing at high altitudes and aiding recovery, while being simpler and less costly than medical-grade devices.

Implementation Method 1

using pressure swing adsorption technology to deliver an oxygen purity of less than 86%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure swing adsorption: Pressure Swing Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10617839B2Portable oxygen concentrator for recreation and high altitude sports

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 3B MEDICAL INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a portable oxygen concentrator system. The system includes a case containing a portable oxygen concentrator, a mask, and a button. The case is configured to be worn on a user's back. The mask is configured to deliver oxygen from the portable oxygen concentrator to the user. The button, when activated, is configured to cause the portable oxygen concentrator to deliver an increased flow of oxygen to the user for a period of time.