Plasma Nitric Oxide Generation Without Tanks or Manual Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitric oxide (NO) generation systems for medical applications face challenges such as the need for high-pressure tanks, manual calibration difficulties, conversion of NO to NO2 during pauses in treatment, and the handling of toxic chemicals, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A nitric oxide generation system utilizing plasma chambers with controlled electrodes, a reactant gas source, flow controller, and scavenger paths to regulate NO concentration, enabling continuous and safe NO delivery with real-time adjustments based on various parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tank-based systems are used to deliver high-concentration NO gas, then NO delivery is achieved, but the system requires large high-pressure tanks and manual purging during pauses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tank-based storage and delivery system with an electric plasma generation system. The plasma chamber generates NO on-demand from atmospheric air or oxygen, eliminating the need for high-pressure gas tanks, regulators, and manual purging procedures. The electric discharge in the plasma chamber directly converts nitrogen and oxygen from the input gas into NO, providing a cleaner and more controlled delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation system uses atmospheric air or oxygen as the source material for NO production, eliminating the need for external NO storage tanks. The system generates its own NO supply continuously through plasma discharge, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual refilling or purging operations associated with tank-based systems.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration with high-pressure gas canisters is performed, then sensor calibration is achieved, but calibration time exceeds 15 minutes and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calibration procedures using high-pressure gas canisters with an automated electronic calibration system. The controller automatically adjusts the plasma generation parameters and sensor readings based on pre-programmed calibration algorithms, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing calibration time from over 15 minutes to a automated process that requires no trained personnel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors sensor outputs and adjusts plasma generation parameters accordingly. During calibration, the system uses feedback loops to automatically zero the sensors and establish accurate baseline readings, replacing the manual step-by-step calibration process with an automated self-adjusting system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If NO is delivered during pauses in treatment, then NO remains in the circuit, but NO converts to toxic NO2 requiring purging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive tank-based system where NO sits stagnant in circuits during pauses with an active plasma generation system. The plasma chamber continues to generate fresh NO continuously, pushing older gas out of the circuit through continuous flow. This eliminates the stagnation period where NO converts to NO2, as the continuous generation and flow prevents accumulation and conversion of NO to toxic NO2.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation system operates continuously to produce NO, ensuring that fresh NO is constantly generated and delivered to the patient. This continuous action prevents the stagnation and conversion of NO to NO2 that occurs in paused tank-based systems, maintaining treatment continuity without generating harmful byproducts.
4Productivity
If plasma is generated in the main flow of air to be delivered to patients, then NO is produced, but calibration and control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas flow system into separate segments: a plasma chamber for NO generation, a mixing chamber for blending NO with medical gas, and separate calibration pathways. This segmentation allows independent control and calibration of each component, making the overall system easier to manage despite the continuous plasma generation. The controller can adjust parameters in each segment independently to achieve precise NO delivery.
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 precise and continuous NO delivery, reducing manual calibration time, preventing NO2 formation during pauses, and ensuring safe operation by using a controlled plasma process.
Implementation Method 1
one or more plasma chambers each including one or more electrodes configured to generate a product gas containing nitric oxide using a flow of a reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for nitric oxide generation are provided. In an embodiment, an NO generation system can include a controller and disposable cartridge that can provide nitric oxide to two different treatments simultaneously. The disposable cartridge has multiple purposes including preparing incoming gases for exposure to the NO generation process, scrubbing exhaust gases for unwanted materials, characterizing the patient inspiratory flow, and removing moisture from sample gases collected. Plasma generation can be done within the cartridge or within the controller. The system has the capability of calibrating NO and NO2 gas analysis sensors without the use of a calibration gas.