Plasma NO Generation Control for Variable Inspiratory Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitric oxide (NO) generation and delivery systems face challenges such as the need for large tanks of high-concentration gas, handling of toxic chemicals, and inefficiencies in generating and delivering NO gas to patients, particularly in variable inspiratory flows.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plasma chamber with electrodes and a resonant high voltage circuit, controlled by a controller that adjusts pulse width modulation signals to independently control voltage and current, optimizing NO production and delivery based on target concentrations and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tank-based systems are used to store and deliver NO gas, then the system can provide consistent NO delivery, but the system requires large tanks and complex purge procedures when treatment is resumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NO generation function from external tanks and integrates it directly into the delivery system through an on-demand plasma generation module. This eliminates the need for large storage tanks and complex purge procedures while maintaining consistent NO delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary generation of NO gas through plasma activation before delivery is needed. The on-demand generation capability allows the system to prepare NO gas in advance without requiring large pre-filled tanks, enabling flexible resumption of treatment without complex purge procedures.
2Productivity
If NO is synthesized from NO2 or N2O4, then NO can be generated, but the system requires handling of toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful approach of synthesizing NO from toxic chemicals (NO2 or N2O4) into a beneficial direct plasma generation method. By using plasma to generate NO directly from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen, the system eliminates toxic chemical handling while maintaining NO generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces chemical synthesis methods with a physical plasma generation process. Instead of chemically synthesizing NO from toxic precursors, the system uses electrical plasma to directly generate NO from atmospheric gases, eliminating the need to handle toxic chemicals.
3Productivity
If plasma is generated in the main flow of air to be delivered to patients, then NO can be generated on-demand, but the system becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma generation process from the main air flow by introducing a separate plasma chamber and electrode assembly. This segmentation allows on-demand NO generation while maintaining simpler control through dedicated plasma-specific parameters (voltage, current, pulse width) that are independent from the main ventilator airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of plasma parameters (voltage, current, pulse width modulation) to optimize NO generation on-demand. The controller dynamically adjusts these parameters based on real-time conditions, enabling flexible on-demand generation while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable inspiratory flows are used in patient ventilation, then the system adapts to patient needs, but the NO concentration becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the actual inspiratory flow and adjusting plasma generation parameters accordingly. The controller receives feedback about the variable inspiratory flow conditions and dynamically modifies voltage, current, or pulse width parameters to maintain consistent NO concentration delivery despite changes in patient ventilation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes plasma generation parameters (voltage, current, duty cycle) in response to variable inspiratory flows. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains consistent NO concentration output while adapting to different patient ventilation patterns, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and concentration consistency.
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 precise control of NO production and delivery, maintaining consistent concentrations despite variable inspiratory flows, reducing the need for toxic chemicals, and minimizing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma chamber housing two or more electrodes in communication with a resonant high voltage circuit configured to send a signal to the plasma chamber for generating nitric oxide in a product gas from a flow of a reactant gas
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling the electrical generation of nitric oxide. In some aspects, a system for generating nitric oxide comprises a plasma chamber housing two or more electrodes in communication with a resonant high voltage circuit configured to send a signal to the plasma chamber for generating nitric oxide in a product gas from a flow of a reactant gas, and a controller configured to generate a pulse width modulation signal having multiple harmonic frequencies to excite the resonant high voltage circuit. The controller is configured to adjust the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal, the controller selecting the duty cycle based on a target voltage before plasma formation and a target current after plasma formation in the plasma chamber.