Wearable Oxygen Concentrator Vacuum Swing Adsorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen concentrators for ambulatory use are bulky, heavy, energy-intensive, noisy, and inconvenient due to their size and the need for frequent refilling, posing challenges for patients who require portable and continuous oxygen supply.
Innovation Solution
A wearable oxygen concentrator utilizing vacuum swing adsorption technology with a plurality of adsorbent columns and a control system that adjusts flow based on breakthrough sensor signals, providing a compact, lightweight, and efficient oxygen supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional oxygen concentrators are used for ambulatory use, then oxygen supply is provided, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen concentrator is divided into multiple adsorbent columns (typically three columns) that operate in sequence through cyclic adsorption and desorption processes. This segmentation allows continuous oxygen production while reducing the size and weight of each individual column, enabling portable ambulatory use without compromising oxygen supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic cyclic operation where adsorbent columns alternate between adsorption phases (capturing nitrogen) and desorption phases (releasing concentrated oxygen). This periodic action enables continuous oxygen generation from intermittent processing cycles, maintaining reliable supply while allowing compact design suitable for mobile applications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional oxygen concentrators are used, then oxygen is produced, but energy consumption is high and heat emission is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameters by operating at near-atmospheric or slightly reduced pressures during adsorption, then using rapid pressure reduction (vacuum swing) for desorption. This parameter optimization reduces the work required compared to high-pressure compression methods, lowering energy consumption while maintaining high oxygen production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of gas adsorption/desorption on solid adsorbent materials. By exploiting the exothermic nature of adsorption followed by rapid desorption through pressure reduction, the system achieves efficient oxygen separation with minimal energy input, avoiding the excessive heat generation associated with compression-based methods.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional oxygen concentrators are used, then oxygen supply is provided, but the device is noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces noisy mechanical compression systems with a vacuum-based desorption mechanism. Instead of using high-power compressors to pressurize gas, the invention uses controlled vacuum creation to drive the desorption process, significantly reducing mechanical noise while maintaining effective oxygen generation rates.
4Manufacturing precision
If adsorbent columns operate without breakthrough detection, then system is simpler, but oxygen purity cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates breakthrough detection sensors that monitor when the adsorbent columns reach saturation and begin to allow nitrogen to pass through. This feedback signal triggers automatic switching between columns and initiates regeneration cycles, ensuring consistent oxygen purity (typically 90-95%) without requiring complex manual monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
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 wearable oxygen concentrator effectively produces a high concentration of oxygen (85-95%) while being portable, energy-efficient, and convenient, meeting the needs of ambulatory patients with reduced size, weight, and noise, and minimizing waste and refilling requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable oxygen concentrator utilizing vacuum swing adsorption technology with a plurality of adsorbent columns
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.