Portable Nitric Oxide Media for Nitrogen Dioxide Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitric oxide delivery systems require complex and heavy equipment for storing and mixing nitric oxide, which are not suitable for non-medical facility settings due to size, cost, and safety concerns, and there is a need for a system where reactants for nitric oxide generation can be housed in a simple component and used multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a media with a support material having a specific surface area of 350 to 5000 m2/g and an antioxidant material, capable of converting nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide on demand, eliminating the need for heavy gas bottles and complex equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid N2O4 is housed in a pressure vessel with heating and cooling components and reactant mixing components, then nitric oxide can be generated effectively, but the system becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reactive component (NO2) from the complex pressure vessel system and places it in a simple, reusable cartridge that contains only the essential reactant. This separates the complex generation system from the simple delivery component, allowing the cartridge to be easily replaced while the main system remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable cartridges containing NO2 that are replaced rather than reused. These single-use cartridges simplify the overall system design by eliminating the need for complex cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization procedures associated with reusable pressure vessels and reaction chambers.
2Device complexity
If reactants are housed in a simple component for multiple uses, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to control and measure the reaction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the nitric oxide generation process and provide feedback to a control mechanism. This allows real-time adjustment of reaction conditions to maintain optimal performance while using simple, reusable components for housing the reactants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages the interaction between the simple reactant housing and the complex measurement/control requirements. This intermediary layer enables precise control and measurement without requiring the reactant container itself to be complex.
3Reliability
If heavy gas bottles and complex equipment are used for nitric oxide storage and mixing, then reliable nitric oxide delivery is achieved, but the system is not suitable for non-medical facility settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a simple, portable nitric oxide generating unit that can be easily transported to different locations, and separate mixing/delivery components that can be configured as needed. This segmentation allows the core NO generation function to be portable while maintaining reliability through proper modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and storage parameters of the nitric oxide precursor materials, using stable solid or liquid forms that can be stored safely in simple containers rather than requiring complex pressurized gas storage systems. This enables portable operation while maintaining reliable NO generation when activated.
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 the generation of nitric oxide efficiently and safely in non-medical settings by converting nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide using a simple and portable device, reducing the need for bulky and costly equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a media configured to convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide, wherein the media comprises: (a) a support material having a specific surface area of 350 to 5000 m2/g; and (b) an antioxidant material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device comprising: a media configured to convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide, wherein the media comprises: (a) a support material having a surface area of 350 to 5000 m2/g; and (b) an antioxidant material.