Oxygen Concentrator Remote Control Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen concentrators for respiratory disease patients require manual adjustment of oxygen flow rates, which can lead to temporary shortages during activity changes, and lack sufficient safety measures for remote control operations, particularly in wireless systems where communication errors can occur.
Innovation Solution
A pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentrator with a remote control device that allows stepwise adjustment of oxygen flow rates, featuring bidirectional communication, confirmation buttons, and safety measures like ID verification and error alarms to ensure accurate and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless remote control is used to allow patients to adjust flow rate from distance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication between the remote control device and the concentrator. When the patient presses a flow rate adjustment button, the remote device transmits the instruction to the concentrator, and the concentrator sends back confirmation signals including the actual flow rate being supplied. This feedback loop allows the patient to verify that the desired flow rate has been achieved, resolving the reliability issue caused by wireless communication errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires the patient to confirm the current flow rate display before being able to change it. This preliminary confirmation action ensures that the patient is aware of the current oxygen supply status and intentionally initiates the change. The system prevents unauthorized or accidental changes by requiring this preliminary verification step, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If flow rate setting is integrated in main body, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for patients needing remote adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two separate components: the concentrator main body that generates and supplies oxygen, and the remote control device that the patient holds and operates. The remote control device contains the flow rate adjustment buttons and display, while the concentrator contains the oxygen generation and flow control mechanisms. This segmentation allows patients to easily adjust flow rates remotely while the overall system complexity is managed through wireless communication protocols.
3Reliability
If manual flow rate adjustment is required, then reliability is improved by ensuring patient awareness, but ease of operation deteriorates for patients with mobility limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device displays the current flow rate setting on its screen, providing continuous feedback to the patient. Before allowing a flow rate change, the system requires the patient to confirm they have checked the display. This maintains patient awareness and reliability while eliminating the need for manual adjustment at the concentrator, making it accessible to patients with mobility limitations.
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
Enables safe and convenient remote control adjustment of oxygen flow rates, minimizing discrepancies between target and actual flow rates due to communication errors, thereby providing a safer and more reliable oxygen supply for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization/adsorption step in which nitrogen is adsorbed to an adsorbent and unadsorbed oxygen is obtained under a pressurized condition by supplying air compressed with a compressor to the adsorbent column filled with molecular sieve zeolite
Implementation Method 2
containing an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a depressurization/desorption step in which the adsorbent is regenerated by reducing the pressure in the adsorbent column to atmospheric pressure or less, purging nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an oxygen concentrator which allows the flow rate setting to be changed safely and securely by the patient using a remote control device, the oxygen concentrator comprising a control means which does not allow the operation of the flow rate setting change button unless the remote control device receives the information on the flow rate setting value of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied by the current oxygen concentrator main body.