Oxygen Flow Remote-Control Assembly for Wireless Adjustability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote-control systems for oxygen concentrators lack the ability to adjust oxygen flow rates wirelessly and conveniently, especially from a distance, limiting user flexibility and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A remote-control assembly comprising an inducer module with a receiver coupled to the oxygen concentrator's flow rate control knob and a wireless remote controller that communicates commands to adjust the flow rate, allowing for remote and selective control of oxygen flow using a transmitter and microprocessor-controlled actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote-control assembly with wireless communication is implemented, then user accessibility and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases due to the addition of transmitter, receiver, and actuator components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. The remote controller transmits wireless signals that activate motors to rotate the flow rate control knob, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation and enabling remote operation for users with mobility limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an inducer module as an intermediary component between the remote controller and the oxygen concentrator. This module receives wireless commands, processes them through a microprocessor, and executes the appropriate motor actions to adjust the flow rate, thereby mediating the interaction between the user and the medical device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the inducer module is designed to fit various oxygen concentrator sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper coupling and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the inducer module with universal coupling capabilities that can interface with multiple models and sizes of oxygen concentrators. The module incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that allow it to be adapted to different devices without requiring custom manufacturing for each concentrator model

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the inducer module into separable functional components including a coupling interface, motor assembly, and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to be independently designed and adjusted to fit different concentrator sizes while maintaining consistent performance across various applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10760700B2Oxygen flow remote-control assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 BOGGS LARRY
  • US10760700B2 patent drawing
  • US10760700B2 patent drawing
  • US10760700B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote-control assembly for adjusting a flow of oxygen from an oxygen concentrator includes an inducer module and remote controller. The inducer module, which comprises a receiver, is selectively couplable to the oxygen concentrator so that the inducer module is operationally coupled to a flow rate control knob of the oxygen concentrator. The remote controller comprises a transmitter and is positioned to selectively and wirelessly communicate a command to the inducer module, via the receiver, positioning the inducer module to turn the flow rate control knob to adjust a flow of oxygen from the oxygen concentrator.