Porous Substrate Nitric Oxide Pulse Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative methods to generate nitric oxide for medical use beyond existing portable reactors, requiring innovative solutions for efficient and controlled delivery of nitric oxide to patients.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous hydrophilic polymer substrate with a particulate reductant, such as croconic acid, is used to generate pulses of nitric oxide by atomizing a liquid source containing nitrite and a non-detergent surfactant, which is then pulsed onto the substrate to produce controlled concentrations of nitric oxide for inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable reactor is used to generate nitric oxide, then delivery to patient is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a porous substrate containing particulate reductant (croconic acid), a liquid source reservoir, and an atomization delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall device architecture for portable use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an atomization mechanism as an intermediary between the liquid source and the porous substrate. The liquid source is atomized into fine droplets that react with the particulate reductant on the substrate, enabling controlled nitric oxide generation without requiring complex mixing or heating systems.
2Device complexity
If conventional nitric oxide delivery is used, then simplicity is maintained, but portability and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the liquid source by atomizing it into fine droplets. This parameter change enables rapid evaporation and controlled reaction with the particulate reductant, producing nitric oxide on-demand in a portable device without requiring large gas tanks or complex flow control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of the liquid source from liquid to vapor through atomization and evaporation. This phase change enables controlled delivery of nitric oxide gas to the patient while maintaining a simple, portable liquid-based storage system, eliminating the need for large compressed gas tanks.
3Device complexity
If nitric oxide is generated without controlled delivery, then production is simplified, but side products like NO2 increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed atomization of the liquid source onto the porous substrate containing particulate reductant. This periodic action allows controlled generation of nitric oxide in pulses, preventing accumulation of harmful side products like NO2 while maintaining simple production mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous substrate structure provides inherent feedback control by allowing the liquid source to penetrate and react only to the extent of its pore capacity. This self-regulating mechanism prevents over-reaction and minimizes harmful side product formation without requiring complex electronic feedback systems.
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
This approach allows for efficient and controlled administration of nitric oxide, providing a portable and effective means to deliver nitric oxide to patients, improving safety and efficacy by minimizing side products like NO2 and eliminating the need for large, cumbersome tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate reductant disposed within the pores and on a surface of the substrate forming a film
Implementation Method 2
reacting nitrite solution and a reductant is described
Implementation Method 3
porous hydrophilic polymer having pores
Implementation Method 4
atomizing a liquid source comprising water, NO2-
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of generating pulses of nitric oxide comprising: atomizing a liquid source comprising water, NO2-, viscosity agent, and, non-detergent surfactant generating liquid droplets; pulsing the liquid droplets onto a substrate constructed from a porous hydrophilic polymer having pores with an average pore size, a substrate thickness, and a particulate reductant disposed within the pores and on a surface of the substrate forming a film, wherein the particulate reductant has an average particle size, and the film has a surface density of the particulate reductant and a film thickness; and generating the pulses of nitric oxide, wherein the particulate reductant comprises one or more compounds selected from the following structures: (croconic acid), (dihydroxyfumaric acid), (p-toluenesulfonic acid), and, (2,3,5,6-tetrafluoromandelic acid).