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Aeris Oxygen Tank

The Problem?

What started as an inquiry into COPD and home treatment, the Aeris oxygen tank solves many issues surrounding the broader issues of home oxygen therapy, more specifically the need for an ambulatory-or portable-supply of oxygen.

This project challenges the appropriateness of current oxygen therapy equipment on the market, often retrofitted with wheels or placed into a simple material bag in order to facilitate transportation. In actual fact, these approaches fail to address real issues with mobility and stigma, often becoming uncomfortable solutions used due to a lack of alternative.

User

Many people with chronic lung disorders require the use of home oxygen, whether it be directly because of lung diseases or a symptom of another illness.

Restrictive equipment limits the ability to lead fully independent lives and getting out and about can be difficult with their current equipment. The ergonomic and usability challenges faced are not without accompanying aesthetical issues either.

Research

Research discovered opportunity to utilise new technologies and new thinking to solve some current issues discovered through dialogue with current patients.

Information was gathered by speaking to a trainee doctor, nurses and existing patients. This primary research coincided with secondary research to discover technology, guidelines, existing products and medical information.

Scope

It is important to note that the points here are the primary goals for this project, areas with the most scope that were revealed during the research stages.

The top areas for scope were found to be:
  • designing a product more aesthetically sensitive and appropriate for the consumer healthcare market
  • solving issues of tubing management and ergonomics
  • employ state-of-the art technology to enhance user experience
  • increase patient confidence and peace of mind when using oxygen therapy apparatus

Development

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Development

Initial Concepts

First ideas explored cladding existing oxygen cylinders to improve function and styling. Things quickly progressed to the idea of having a tank and separate module, where the tank could provide exactly 30 minutes of oxygen, for example. Other ideas touched upon a back harness and strap before moving on to the use of a toroidal-or donut like-tank that could be worn by the side like a satchel.
Cladding existing cylinders
Tank and module
Tank and module, Back harness
Tank and module
Satchel-like toroidal tank
Satchel-like toroidal tank

Models & Testing

 The satchel was modelled, however it was felt that there was more opportunity combining the previous idea of a back harness with a larger toroidal tank that could be worn on the back, thus development continued from here.

Mechanisms were tested to explore ways of engaging the toroidal tank onto the back module, such as twisting it into place and rotating a lever around the valve to engage the oxygen supply and lock the tank into place, all in one go. More accurate blue foam models were made and tried with contoured back padding and oxygen lines to understand the interface between product and user when worn. Testing ensures sufficient range of motion for the arms with the tank on the back.
Satchel - viewing interface on top
Satchel - reaching for things
Back tank - size testing
Rotary tank engagement and securing mechanism
Rotary engagement security lever
Padding and straps
Tank off
Tank on
Oxygen line pathing

Further refinement

A new over centre valve mechanism was tested to simplify the interaction, this would engage the tank and lock it all in one motion and seemed to create a cleaner and less cluttered look too. The Solidworks model further validated this principle as it worked in the software too. This was inspired by research into existing mechanisms. Various clasps were modelled too (seen in chrome).

Sketch work and further modelling explored form, function and controls.
Over centre valve open
Over centre valve closed
Valve lever
Round-up render
Clasp concept
Form and function
Exploring strap arrangements
Form development
Refinement
Potential space for controls
Potential space for controls
Testing with weight

CAD & Straps

CAD was used to quickly validate the project in terms of components, ensuring that specified components could fit inside. These two cylindrical components inside were the two pressure regulators, used to bring the tank pressure down in two stages to ensure a more consistent output pressure (avoiding oxygen spikes as the tank emptied). Flexible tubing was needed to ensure the valve lever could work and move in relation to the static internal components. The panel (image 2) moves away to expose a dial that can change the litres/min of oxygen provided to the user when it occasionally needs changing. The panel generally prevents tampering whilst it is on the users back.

Physical testing was carried out through this process. Straps and the harness was considered along with a method of securing the tank in place with a flexible strap overmolded onto the lever and secured with an arm that clicks into place as it rotates over it.
Internals - regulators and flexible tubing
Hidden panel exposing second regulator control
3D printed test for control panel
Split view internals render
Strap visualisation
Polypropylene free flow system concept (would have material straps on it)
Strap forms
Flexible clasp lock test v.1. Rotates and clicks into grooves for tactile feedback
White flexible clasp droops to allow the tank to pass over the lever

Aeris

Aeris can be worn over the shoulder, over one arm and be held on the lap. This makes it ideal for short walks, longer trips such as shopping or walking a child to school, and sitting on public transport or in a car. The aesthetic aims to be more visually sensitive than industrial looking tanks provided currently, however a hint of metal is seen to communicate a high quality and spec.

See captions for further details.
Walking down a street
The blue side lever allows the oxygen to be stopped without removing the tank
The lever is pushed down to secure the tank, connect the tank to the system, and to engage the valve itself
Oxygen lines and gauge lines run down the strap to keep them secure to the body - two pressure gauges sit within the 'Aeris' pocket and display % of oxygen remaining and litres/min of oxygen provided
The white flexible clasp prevents the tank from moving. The strap is padded inside and made from high quality Cordura fabric
The tank can be placed on the lap by swivelling it under the arm - without having to remove it. This is ideal for sitting and moving on public transport
Picture
Picture

Location

MY Practice

"My professional practice is inspired by human centered design principles, placing the needs of the user at the forefront and considering their needs and their wants. I always aim to get into the head of the user that I am designing for, considering all possibilities and making the most appropriate decision.

I am also a firm believer in doing good by design, hoping to use my skills to better the lives of others.

My work ethic is extremely high and I aim to excel at everything I do.

Contact me


Lewis G CV
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  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Aeris Ambulatory Oxygen Tank
    • Altbox Guitar Pedal
    • Hotel Lighting Suite
    • A Sheffield Spice Rack
    • Repairable Earphones
    • Collapsible ski case
    • Research & Logbooks
  • What can I do for you?
  • Contact