Portable Oxygen Concentrator Upstream Filter Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen concentrators are not designed to operate safely in prehospital emergency medical settings contaminated with nuclear, biological, or chemical substances, as they lack protection against such contaminants, leading to potential device contamination and inability to reuse.
Innovation Solution
A portable oxygen supply device equipped with a filter unit, such as an NBC filter, upstream of the air inlet, which includes a detection mechanism to ensure the use of appropriate filters, protecting both the device and patient from contamination, and featuring a PSA or VPSA system with adsorber columns and sensors for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only HEPA filters are used to protect against coarse impurities, then the pump is protected from mechanical damage, but the device cannot protect against nuclear, biological, or chemical contaminants and cannot be reused after prehospital use
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into multiple independent filter units that can be selectively attached. Each filter unit (NBC filter, particle filter, combination filter) is a separate component that can be independently selected and replaced, allowing the device to handle different contamination scenarios without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter attachment system is designed to accept multiple types of filter units (NBC filters for nuclear/biological/chemical protection, particle filters for coarse impurities, combination filters). This universal interface allows a single device to perform multiple functions across different environmental conditions, from clean hospital settings to contaminated prehospital scenes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for use in safe areas with HEPA filters only, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot operate safely in prehospital emergency settings contaminated with nuclear, biological, or chemical substances
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable configuration. The filter unit can be selectively attached and detached based on the operational environment, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its protection level. The detection mechanism further enhances this by automatically detecting filter presence and type, enabling real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit acts as an intermediary component between the external environment and the device interior. This intermediate element can be exchanged based on environmental conditions, protecting the main device structure from direct exposure to contaminants while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
3Reliability
If no filter is placed upstream of the air inlet, then the device structure remains simple, but contaminants are passed directly to the patient and the device cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is positioned upstream of the air inlet, performing preliminary filtration of contaminants before air enters the device. This preliminary action removes harmful substances (nuclear, biological, chemical contaminants and particles) from the air stream, protecting both the patient from contaminated oxygen and the device from contamination that would prevent reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed as a consumable, disposable component that can be replaced after use. This allows the main device to be reused while the filter, which is exposed to contaminants, is discarded. The filter acts as a sacrificial element that protects the valuable device infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If a detection mechanism is added to detect filter unit presence and type, then automatic control and user information are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism provides feedback to both the control unit and the user about filter presence and type. This feedback enables automatic control adjustments (such as preventing operation without proper filters or adjusting parameters based on filter type) and informs users through the user interface, ensuring safe operation while maintaining relatively simple detection technology.
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 device provides a safe and continuous supply of oxygen by filtering out contaminants, allowing reuse and protecting both the device and patients from nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, even in hazardous environments, with automatic control adjustments and user information on filter status.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit, the filter unit is either fastened directly to the intake nozzle or fastened to the intake nozzle with an adapter upstream of the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
The nitrogen contained in the air is absorbed by an adsorber, the so-called molecular sieve, and separated from the remaining air
Implementation Method 3
The purified air is then compressed
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the disclosure is a portable oxygen supply device including an oxygen concentrator, at least one air inlet through which ambient air is transported into the oxygen supply device, one oxygen outlet through which enriched oxygen is transported from the oxygen supply device, one exhaust air outlet through which exhaust air is transported from the oxygen supply device, a gas line system which is fluidically connected to the at least one air inlet, the outlet and the oxygen concentrator, a power source, at least one pump and a housing, wherein all components of the oxygen supply device are arranged in or on the housing and wherein the air inlet has an intake nozzle through which the ambient air is sucked into the oxygen supply device. The oxygen supply device has a filter unit.