Portable Oxygen Concentrator Manifold for Airflow and Purge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable oxygen concentrators face challenges in efficiently managing airflow and nitrogen removal, leading to suboptimal oxygen delivery and purging operations.
Innovation Solution
A product manifold with solenoid valve assemblies and snap fit connectors is integrated into the portable oxygen concentrator, allowing for precise control of airflow through multiple ports and valves, enabling efficient oxygen conservation, purging, and equalization between sieve beds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional airflow management is used in portable oxygen concentrators, then device simplicity is maintained, but oxygen delivery efficiency and nitrogen removal are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into distinct functional sections with separate control ports (first, second, and third control ports) that independently manage different airflow paths. This segmentation allows precise control over oxygen delivery to product ports and nitrogen removal through exhaust ports, resolving the contradiction by enabling high productivity through structured functional division without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes oxygen-rich air to multiple product ports, routes nitrogen-containing air to exhaust ports, and provides mounting structures for solenoid valve assemblies. This multi-functionality improves oxygen delivery efficiency while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components that would increase overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple solenoid valve assemblies are integrated into the manifold, then precise airflow control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple solenoid valve assemblies are integrated into a single manifold body, merging what would otherwise be separate components into one unified assembly. The manifold provides a common mounting structure with multiple control ports that coordinate to precisely control airflow to different product ports and exhaust ports, achieving precise airflow control while simplifying manufacturing through consolidated assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body acts as an intermediary structure that coordinates the operation of multiple solenoid valve assemblies. It provides the physical mounting structure and the fluid distribution network that connects all valves to their respective product ports and exhaust ports, enabling precise controlled operation while maintaining ease of manufacture through a standardized intermediate component
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 enhances the efficiency of oxygen delivery and purging operations, ensuring consistent oxygen supply and effective nitrogen removal, thereby improving the performance of portable oxygen concentrators.
Implementation Method 1
The product manifold also includes a first solenoid valve assembly, a second solenoid valve assembly, and a third solenoid valve assembly that are secured to the body of the product manifold
Implementation Method 2
secured to the body of the product manifold adjacent the first, second, and third control ports, respectively, by a corresponding snap fit connector
Data Source
AI summary
Product manifolds for use with portable oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators including such product manifolds. An example product manifold for use with a portable oxygen concentrator includes a body, a first product port, a second product port, an accumulator port, an output port, and a flow path. The flow path fluidly couples the first product port, the second product port, the accumulator port, and the output port. The product manifold includes a first control port, a second control port, and a third control port. The first, second, and third control ports fluidly couple the flow path. The product manifold also includes a first solenoid valve assembly, a second solenoid valve assembly, and a third solenoid valve assembly. The first, second, and third solenoid valve assemblies are secured to the body of the product manifold adjacent the first, second, and third control ports, respectively, by a corresponding snap fit connector.