Portable Oxygen Concentrator Self-Diagnostic Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable oxygen concentrators require complex and time-consuming external diagnostic testing, which increases inefficiency and downtime due to the need for external units, making it difficult to quickly monitor performance and address issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a multi-level user interface and programmable controller within the portable oxygen concentrator for self-diagnostic functions, allowing for system health monitoring and diagnostic results to be displayed on a built-in screen, eliminating the need for external devices and minimizing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external diagnostic testing devices are used, then diagnostic functionality is provided, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnostic testing functionality with the portable oxygen concentrator by integrating a diagnostic controller and display screen into the concentrator itself. This eliminates the need for separate external diagnostic devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities for monitoring system health, detecting malfunctions, and performing self-diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller serves multiple functions: it controls the operation of the portable oxygen concentrator during normal use and also performs diagnostic testing functions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide both operational control and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, eliminating the need for separate external diagnostic equipment.
2Measurement precision
If external diagnostic units are connected, then system monitoring is enabled, but time consumption and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable oxygen concentrator performs self-diagnostic testing through an integrated controller that automatically monitors system health, detects malfunctions, and provides diagnostic information without requiring external diagnostic units. The system can self-monitor parameters such as oxygen concentration, flow rate, and component status, eliminating the time-consuming process of connecting external devices for each diagnostic check.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system continuously monitors system parameters and can detect potential malfunctions before they become critical issues. By performing preliminary diagnostic checks during normal operation, the system can identify and report issues early, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing the need for time-consuming external diagnostic interventions when problems arise.
3Weight of moving object
If miniaturization is applied to portable concentrators, then portability is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions including diagnostic testing, system monitoring, and operational control into a single integrated controller that is compactly incorporated into the portable oxygen concentrator. This merging of functions allows the device to maintain miniaturization for portability while managing the complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
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 faster problem resolution and increased uptime by providing integrated diagnostic capabilities, reducing downtime and costs associated with servicing, while allowing for efficient testing and maintenance without external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Most of these portable concentrators produce an oxygen-rich gas by feeding compressed air through a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system which selectively removes nitrogen and other components in the air
Data Source
AI summary
A portable gas fractionalization system with built-in administrative and self-diagnostic functions is provided. The system includes a multiple mode programmable controller which has a operations mode and a diagnostic mode that can be activated by a triggering event. The triggering event can be when a user enters a command input, when one or more process parameters deviate from a nominal value, or when the system is scheduled to perform self-diagnostics. The system also includes a multi-level user interface which is integrally formed with the system. The user interface includes a multi-level display screen and a plurality of user command functions. The diagnostic information displayed on the display screen can be in an abbreviated code form so that only technicians would be able to interpret meaning of the code.