Single-Use N2O4 Container for On-Demand Nitric Oxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitric oxide delivery systems require complex and reusable components for reactant storage and reaction control, necessitating novel packaging and mechanisms, which are not addressed by current one-time-use solutions.
Innovation Solution
A single-use container with a sealed first chamber containing N2O4 and a second chamber with an antioxidant material, positioned to allow fluid communication upon activation, producing nitric oxide when inserted into an apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nitric oxide is produced through a chemical reaction between NO2 gas and an antioxidant with components co-located with reactants, then nitric oxide can be generated on demand, but the system requires complex reusable components for reactant storage and reaction control
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a reusable nitric oxide generator that contains only the antioxidant and reaction control mechanisms, and a disposable container that holds the N2O4 reactant. This segmentation allows the complex reaction control components to be reused while the consumable reactant is contained in a simple single-use unit, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The N2O4 container is designed as a disposable component that is replaced rather than reused. This allows the expensive, complex reusable generator to remain simple and maintenance-free, while the inexpensive disposable container handles the reactant storage and delivery, eliminating the need for complex reusable components for reactant management.
2Device complexity
If a single-use container is used for nitric oxide production, then reusable components are eliminated, but novel packaging and loading mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The N2O4 is pre-filled and sealed in the container at the manufacturing stage before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex loading mechanisms during operation, as the container is simply inserted into the generator ready-to-use. The manufacturing process handles the complexity of reactant containment and delivery path creation, simplifying the operational system.
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 a simple, one-time-use solution for nitric oxide production, eliminating the need for complex reusable components and ensuring efficient nitric oxide delivery.
Implementation Method 1
nitric oxide is produced through a chemical reaction between NO2 gas and an antioxidant, where the NO2 gas is generated via a phase change of liquid N2O4
Implementation Method 2
nitric oxide is produced through a chemical reaction between NO2 gas and an antioxidant
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a single-use container for forming a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide to be delivered by an apparatus to a subject, wherein the single-use container comprises: a housing defined by a proximal edge and a distal edge and comprising: a first chamber comprising N2O4, wherein the first chamber is sealed; a second chamber comprising an antioxidant material; and wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are positioned relative to each other such that when the single-use container is inserted into the apparatus and is activated, the first chamber is unsealed to allow the liquid N2O4 to be in fluid communication with the antioxidant material in the second chamber to produce nitric oxide.