Portable Chemical Oxygen Generator with Cooling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen production technologies, such as oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen systems, are heavy, hazardous, and logistically challenging for emergency situations, especially in military and mass casualty operations, due to their limited output and need for continuous power.
Innovation Solution
A portable chemical oxygen generation system that produces high-purity, humidified oxygen at a controlled flow and temperature, using hydrogen peroxide as the oxygen source and a catalyst to facilitate decomposition, with a cooling and condensing system to remove water vapor and regulate oxygen temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen cylinders or liquid oxygen systems are used, then oxygen supply is available, but the systems are heavy and present combustion and detonation hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable chemical oxygen generators that are used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for heavy, hazardous oxygen cylinders. Each generator contains sufficient chemical reactants to produce oxygen for a specific duration (e.g., 15-30 minutes at prescribed flow rates), providing reliable oxygen supply without the storage hazards of compressed or liquid oxygen.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of oxygen storage and delivery by using chemical reactions (e.g., decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, oxidation of sodium chlorate) to generate oxygen on-demand, rather than storing it in compressed or liquid form. This transforms oxygen from a stored hazardous material into a product of controlled chemical decomposition, eliminating combustion and detonation risks.
2Ease of operation
If portable oxygen concentrators are used, then oxygen can be produced portably, but the devices require continuous electrical power and produce low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical power requirement from portable oxygen systems by extracting the power-consuming compression and filtration mechanisms used in portable oxygen concentrators. Instead, it uses passive chemical reactions that generate oxygen without electricity, making the system truly portable and independent of power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical system of portable oxygen concentrators (which use fans, compressors, and electronic controls) with a chemical system based on exothermic decomposition reactions. This substitution eliminates moving parts and electrical requirements while providing sufficient oxygen flow rates for medical use.
3Ease of operation
If chemical oxygen generators are used, then oxygen can be produced without electricity, but the devices operate for only 30 minutes or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oxygen supply into multiple disposable generator units, each providing 15-30 minutes of oxygen. This allows continuous oxygen therapy by simply replacing depleted units with fresh ones, achieving extended operational duration without requiring a single complex long-lasting device. The segmentation also enables tailored oxygen delivery matching patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite chemical formulations containing multiple reactants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide with catalysts, or sodium chlorate with sulfuric acid) that work together to extend oxygen generation duration. These composite material systems optimize reaction kinetics and oxygen yield, pushing operational duration toward 30 minutes or slightly beyond while maintaining portability and simplicity.
4Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen can be produced chemically, but the reaction temperature is very high (700-800°C) and very hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the chemical oxygen generation reaction by selecting different chemical pathways. Instead of using chlorate decomposition at 700-800°C, it employs hydrogen peroxide decomposition (exothermic but manageable temperature) or controlled oxidation reactions that proceed at lower, safer temperatures while still producing sufficient oxygen flow rates for medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable chemical oxygen generators with pre-measured, stable chemical formulations that react at controlled, lower temperatures. These single-use devices eliminate the need for high-temperature heating equipment and safety infrastructure required by chlorate candles, making oxygen generation safer for field and home use.
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 system provides a sustained and controllable flow of breathable oxygen, up to 15 L/min, at a temperature below 400°C for over 30 minutes, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by being lighter, safer, and capable of longer operation without refilling.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction chamber comprises a catalyst that facilitates the chemical decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water
Implementation Method 2
a condenser comprising two or more drains, each configured to drain water condensed from the water vapor in the cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A portable oxygen generating system is provided that comprises a reaction chamber, a feed system for providing and controlling hydrogen peroxide solution to the reaction chamber, and a cooling/condensing system for cooling the hot oxygen and water vapor leaving the reactor and condensing and removing water. The portable chemical oxygen generation system produces humidified, breathable oxygen, that is substantially free of hydrogen peroxide and other contaminants, at a controlled flow and temperature over an extended period of time.