Portable Chemical Oxygen Generator Using Peroxide Adduct
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen generation devices for medical emergencies are often cumbersome, require pressurized gases, pose safety risks, and are not easily operable by the general public, especially in austere conditions or areas with limited access to power or clean air.
Innovation Solution
A portable chemical oxygen generator that uses a peroxide adduct and a catalyst, housed in a valve system with a rotatable actuator, to produce high-purity oxygen through a controlled reaction, allowing for extended use without pressurized gases and with a simple operation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed gas cylinders are used for oxygen delivery, then oxygen can be delivered to patients, but the device becomes heavy, cumbersome, and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of oxygen from compressed gas to chemical compound (sodium percarbonate adduct). This allows oxygen to be stored in a stable, non-pressurized form that can be easily transported and deployed, eliminating the weight and safety issues of compressed gas cylinders while maintaining oxygen delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a chemical reaction system. Instead of storing oxygen under high pressure, the device uses a chemical compound that releases oxygen through a simple water activation reaction, eliminating the need for heavy compression equipment and reducing safety hazards.
2Productivity
If chemical oxygen generators using combustion are used, then oxygen can be produced in emergencies, but the device operates at extremely high temperature and poses fire hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction mechanism from high-temperature combustion to low-temperature chemical decomposition. The sodium percarbonate adduct decomposes at moderate temperatures when activated by water, producing oxygen without the extreme heat and fire hazards associated with combustion-based generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high-temperature combustion process into a beneficial low-temperature chemical reaction. By using sodium percarbonate adduct decomposition, the system achieves rapid oxygen generation without the harmful thermal effects, turning a dangerous process into a safe one.
3Quantity of substance
If oxygen concentrator machines are used, then oxygen can be separated from ambient air, but the device requires power source and is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical-powered separation mechanism with a chemical generation system. Instead of using electricity to separate oxygen from air, the device uses a chemical compound that directly produces oxygen through water activation, eliminating the need for power sources and reducing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable chemical cartridge containing sodium percarbonate adduct. This single-use or limited-use chemical source provides oxygen without requiring recharging or power maintenance, simplifying the device design and reducing weight compared to reusable concentrators that require power management systems.
4Ease of operation
If chemical oxygen generators are used, then oxygen can be delivered without power, but the device must be protected from accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oxygen generation system into separate functional components: a stable stored form (sodium percarbonate adduct), an activation mechanism (water reservoir and valve system), and a reaction chamber. This segmentation allows the chemical material to be stored safely without activation while providing a simple, controlled activation method when needed, reducing both accidental activation risk and operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable chemical oxygen generator for delivering oxygen to a patient is described. The generator includes a housing containing a reaction chamber. Within the reaction chamber is a quantity of a peroxide adduct. A valve is provided with a lower portion of the valve in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. An upper portion of the valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir that holds a quantity of an aqueous solution. An internal chamber is formed within the valve by releasable seals that separate the internal chamber from the upper portion of the valve and a lower portion of the valve. The internal chamber holds a quantity of a peroxide-decomposing catalyst. The generator also includes a valve actuator. Operation of the valve actuator releases the seals in the valve and creates a fluid path from the reservoir through the internal chamber into the reaction chamber. When the valve is actuated, the aqueous solution flows from the reservoir through the internal chamber and into the reaction chamber. This flow washes the catalyst into the reaction chamber along with the aqueous solution. The solution and catalyst mix with the peroxide adduct and cause an oxygen-generating reaction.