Oxygen Concentrator Adaptive Breathing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients requiring supplemental oxygen for conditions like COPD face challenges with traditional oxygen concentrators due to their bulkiness and weight, making mobility difficult, and existing portable oxygen concentrators often require manual adjustment of oxygen flow rates based on breathing patterns, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for an oxygen concentrator that measures the time between breaths to determine an average breathing rate and adjusts the inspiration breath pressure threshold accordingly, switching between active and sedentary modes based on breathing patterns to optimize oxygen delivery, using a pressure sensor and processor to automate these adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional oxygen concentrators are used to provide supplemental oxygen, then oxygen delivery is reliable, but the devices are bulky and heavy making mobility difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen concentrator is divided into separate functional modules: a compact oxygen generation unit, a separate oxygen storage tank, and a delivery system. This segmentation allows the concentrator to be smaller and lighter while maintaining reliable oxygen delivery through the modular architecture where the concentrator generates oxygen that is stored in a tank for later use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and storing oxygen in advance during periods when the user is stationary or inactive. The concentrator operates to fill the oxygen tank before mobility events, so that when the user needs to move or exercise, pre-stored oxygen is available without requiring the concentrator to be carried during physical activity.
2Weight of moving object
If portable oxygen concentrators are used to improve mobility, then the devices are smaller and lighter, but manual adjustment of oxygen flow rates is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the user's breathing rate and activity level, providing feedback to a microprocessor that automatically adjusts the oxygen flow rate. The microprocessor receives real-time data from the breathing rate sensor and activity sensor, processes this information, and dynamically modifies the oxygen delivery rate to match the user's physiological needs, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen concentrator performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters and the user's physiological state. The microprocessor self-regulates the oxygen flow rate based on sensor inputs, and the system self-adjusts without requiring user intervention or external control, making the device autonomous and easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If fixed oxygen flow rates are prescribed for patients, then oxygen delivery is simple to manage, but the system cannot adapt to changing breathing patterns or activity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed flow rate design to a dynamic, adjustable flow rate system. The microprocessor continuously modifies the oxygen delivery rate in real-time based on changing conditions. The system can adapt to different activity levels, breathing patterns, and physiological states, making the oxygen delivery flexible and responsive rather than rigid and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the operational parameters of oxygen delivery based on sensor inputs. The microprocessor modifies the flow rate parameter, pulse duration, and delivery timing in response to changing breathing rates and activity levels. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to various physiological conditions while maintaining ease of use through automated control.
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 more efficient and adaptive delivery of oxygen enriched gas, improving mobility and reducing the need for manual adjustments, by automatically adjusting oxygen flow based on the user's breathing rate, thereby enhancing the usability and effectiveness of portable oxygen concentrators.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the time between at least three successive breaths, wherein a breath is determined to begin when a drop in pressure is measured using a pressure sensor coupled to an outlet of a conduit coupling the user to an oxygen enriched gas source
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system and method of delivering oxygen enriched gas to a user. In some embodiments, oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve the efficiency of oxygen enriched gas delivery during operation of the oxygen concentrator system.