Pulsed Oxygen Delivery System for Closed Breathing Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen delivery systems for closed breathing environments, such as those used by astronauts, are inefficient in low partial pressure environments and do not effectively utilize oxygen by delivering it directly to the lungs upon inhalation, leading to suboptimal oxygen utilization and increased weight and volume requirements for oxygen storage.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed oxygen delivery system that includes a phase dilution oronasal mask and a pulse control module with breath sensors and control valves to deliver a timed and metered bolus of oxygen shortly after inhalation, using a pressurized storage vessel with a frangible rupture disc and pyrotechnic initiator, and a microcontroller unit to monitor and manage oxygen delivery based on user-specific blood oxygen saturation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If continuous flow oxygen delivery is used, then oxygen supply is maintained, but oxygen utilization efficiency is low and storage weight/volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers oxygen in periodic pulsed boluses synchronized with the user's inhalation cycle rather than continuous flow. The pulse control module detects inhalation onset and triggers a timed bolus delivery, achieving efficient oxygen transfer during the inhalation phase while eliminating waste during exhalation, thereby improving utilization efficiency and reducing required storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and delivers oxygen bolus immediately upon detection of inhalation onset, ensuring oxygen is available at the precise moment needed for efficient pulmonary absorption. The pulse control module monitors breath sensors and triggers delivery in advance of the inhalation peak, optimizing the timing for oxygen uptake
2Loss of energy
If oxygen is delivered continuously, then oxygen availability is ensured, but oxygen diffuses to non-blood regions reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Oxygen is delivered in synchronized pulses that coincide with the inhalation phase when lungs are expanding and blood flow is active, ensuring oxygen is deposited in regions where it can be efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream rather than diffusing into static or exhaled air spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse control module uses breath sensors to detect the user's inhalation pattern and provides feedback-controlled timing for oxygen bolus delivery. This closed-loop approach ensures oxygen is delivered only when the user is inhaling and lungs are positioned for optimal absorption, preventing waste in non-productive regions
3Loss of energy
If pulsed oxygen delivery is implemented, then oxygen utilization efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical continuous-flow regulation mechanisms with a simpler pulsed delivery mechanism controlled by electronic sensors and a pulse control module. The use of electronic breath detection and timed valve actuation simplifies the overall system architecture compared to mechanical flow control while achieving superior oxygen utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse control module serves multiple functions: it monitors breath sensors, detects inhalation onset, times the oxygen bolus delivery, and controls the delivery valve. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving efficient pulsed oxygen 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 ensures efficient oxygen utilization by delivering a controlled bolus directly to the lungs, optimizing oxygen supply and reducing the weight and volume of oxygen storage needed, while maintaining target oxygen blood saturation levels, thereby improving user performance and safety in low-pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
the means for rupturing the rupture disc includes an initiator lance and a pyrotechnic charge for causing the lance to rupture the disc
Implementation Method 2
a controlled bolus of oxygen being delivered directly to the lungs shortly after the start of inhalation rather than regions that do not support diffusion of oxygen to the blood stream
Implementation Method 3
a pressure manifold having one or more breath sensors for sensing a breath taken by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed oxygen delivery system is disclosed for a closed breathing environment, which includes a source of gaseous oxygen, a phase dilution type oronasal dispensing mask worn by a user in a closed breathing environment defined by a pressure suit, and a pulse control module for delivering a timed and metered bolus of oxygen from the source of gaseous oxygen to the oronasal dispensing mask upon inhalation by the user.