Smart Pulse Oxygen System Using MEMS Flow Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed oxygen systems are inefficient due to reliance on micro pressure changes for inhalation detection, requiring strong inhalation and close proximity to sensors, lack of flow rate information, and delivering oxygen as a single bolus, which limits oxygen absorption and conservation.
Innovation Solution
A smart pulse oxygen system utilizing a 3-way solenoid valve with an inline MEMS flow sensor to detect inhalation and deliver oxygen in microbursts, adjusting pulse duration and volume based on physiological and environmental parameters, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery and conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro pressure changes are used to detect inhalation, then the system can trigger oxygen pulses, but it requires strong inhalation and close proximity to sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based detection system with an optical flow sensor system. The optical flow sensor detects inhalation by measuring light absorption changes in the breathing gas stream, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure changes and close proximity requirements. This substitution enables detection of gentle inhalations without requiring strong user effort.
2Productivity
If oxygen is delivered as a single bolus, then the delivery is simple, but oxygen absorption is limited and conservation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single oxygen bolus into multiple smaller micro-pulses delivered in sequence. This segmentation allows for more efficient oxygen absorption by the user while maintaining a relatively simple delivery mechanism through controlled valve actuation. The segmented delivery improves conservation by matching oxygen release to actual pulmonary absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic micro-pulse delivery within each breath cycle, releasing oxygen in rhythmic intervals rather than a single continuous bolus. This periodic action optimizes absorption efficiency by allowing pulmonary uptake between pulses, thereby improving overall oxygen utilization and conservation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous flow mode is used, then oxygen delivery is uninterrupted, but oxygen consumption is high and duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system switches from continuous flow to periodic pulsed delivery, releasing oxygen only during inhalation phases. This periodic action dramatically reduces overall oxygen consumption while ensuring adequate supply during active breathing, thereby extending the duration of the oxygen cylinder by over 8 times compared to continuous flow mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own breathing pattern to trigger and regulate oxygen delivery. By detecting inhalation events and automatically responding with appropriate micro-pulses, the system provides self-regulated oxygen supplementation that matches physiological demand, minimizing waste and maximizing supply duration.
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 achieves significant oxygen savings, extending supply duration by over 8 times compared to continuous flow modes, with improved sensitivity in detecting inhalation and efficient oxygen absorption, maintaining high SPO2 levels and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
A smart pulse oxygen system utilizing a 3-way solenoid valve with an inline MEMS flow sensor to detect inhalation
Implementation Method 2
The system includes a breathing oxygen supply that provides a source of oxygen to a 3-way solenoid valve
Implementation Method 3
The pulse is broken into a collection of individual micro pulses of approximately 20 milliseconds to inject a series of oxygen dosages into the inhalation stream
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for an oxygen flow control system for supplemental oxygen is provided, including a system with an optical flow sensor and 3-way solenoid that operate to detect inhalation and deliver a microburst of oxygen that is electronically controlled based on one or more parameters.