Portable Oxygen Concentrator Assembly for Low Noise and Compact Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable oxygen concentrators need to be compact, lightweight, reliable, and inexpensive while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness for therapeutic oxygen delivery, posing design challenges due to conflicting requirements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensor/accumulator assemblies, new muffler designs, and improved airflow and internal gas connectivity, including pressure-sensitive gas valves, porous housing, compliant connector elements, and an integrated cooling system, to create a compact, efficient, and cost-effective portable oxygen concentrator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable oxygen concentrator size and weight are reduced for ambulatory use, then portability is improved, but reliability and efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor assembly directly into the accumulator housing, with the sensor positioned to sample gas through the accumulator wall. This nesting approach eliminates separate sensor housings and connection tubing, reducing overall size and weight while maintaining functional reliability through direct gas sampling pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the accumulator serves as both gas storage and structural housing for the sensor assembly, the muffler integrates noise reduction with exhaust flow management, and the connector element combines gas sealing with vibration isolation. This merging reduces part count and weight while improving system reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If concentrator components are integrated to reduce size, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the concentrator into modular functional modules: accumulator with integrated sensor, muffler with exhaust valve, adsorber beds, and connector elements. Each module can be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled using simple connector elements with barb fittings and O-ring seals, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different manufacturing approaches to different components based on their specific requirements: the accumulator uses precision machining for gas-tight sealing, the muffler uses cast or molded porous materials for noise reduction, and connectors use simple barbed fittings for easy assembly. This localized manufacturing approach optimizes each component while simplifying overall production.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction features are added to the concentrator, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous materials in the muffler construction, where the porous structure naturally attenuates noise through tortuous flow paths and acoustic absorption while maintaining gas flow capability. This material-based approach to noise reduction avoids complex mechanical noise-damping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the noise-generating elements (exhaust valve and high-velocity gas flow) from the main patient-facing gas path by routing them through a separate muffler assembly with dedicated exhaust ports. This separation isolates noise sources from the patient interface while maintaining simple overall device architecture.
4Reliability
If vibration isolation is implemented between components, then reliability is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compliant connector elements as intermediaries between rigid gas components. These connectors incorporate vibration isolation through material compliance and geometric design (barb fittings with O-rings) while maintaining simple assembly procedures and gas-tight sealing, balancing reliability improvement with manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution results in a highly compact, reliable, and affordable portable oxygen concentrator that is easy to assemble, providing efficient oxygen delivery with reduced noise and vibration, while optimizing size and weight for ambulatory use.
Implementation Method 1
a housing made from a porous material holding the valve; wherein in the open position gas flow is substantially through an open portion of the valve, and in the closed position gas flow is directed substantially through the porous housing, muffling the sound produced by the flowing gas
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensitive gas valve; wherein in the open position gas flow is substantially through an open portion of the valve
Implementation Method 3
the compliant connector element may provide vibration isolation between the two ports
Data Source
AI summary
Portable oxygen concentrator elements are described including integrated sensor/accumulator assemblies, new muffler designs, and improved airflow and internal gas connectivity. The result of the elements is an extremely compact, light reliable portable oxygen concentrator that is easy to assemble and relatively inexpensive.