MINIATURISATION Performance Innovation
"Norgren’s relationship with Inogen has given us a competitive advantage from the very beginning"
(VP Engineering, Inogen)
NEW MARKETS THROUGH MINIATURIZATION
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the world and the only major disease with an ever-increasing death rate. COPD, an umbrella term used to describe lung disease associated with airflow obstruction, includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic asthma. By 2020, COPD is predicted to become the third leading cause of death worldwide and is estimated to affect over 100 million people around the world. Many patients with COPD are prescribed a treatment called Oxygen Therapy.
CUSTOMERAPPLICATION
In general, oxygen concentrators are reliant on the flow and switching speed of the solenoid valves and the capacity of the sieve beds, which absorb nitrogen.
Norgren’s customer, an innovative company that developed a lightweight; all-purpose oxygen therapy device intended to enhance a patient’s overall quality of life without setting limitations, needed components which are energy efficient, lightweight, compact, and have a long life capacity.
BUSINESSCHALLENGE
Portable oxygen concentration is a growth niche market. As they need to be small and light, portable oxygen concentrators can not rely on large sieves. They require valves with higher flows and fast response times, whereas energy consumption is at a premium.
NORGRENSOLUTION
Norgren’s customer required valves that were miniature to satisfy space limitations within the unit. The specification also called for a solution that performed efficiently to conserve energy, met the specific flow requirements, delivered the life span figures, and was on budget.
Miniature solenoid valves from FAS, a Norgren company, were used to develop a very compact solution producing high flows. This system has contributed to the production of a very small and lightweight oxygen concentrator.
ENGINEERINGADVANTAGE
Norgren was able to make a difference in this application by meeting the critical specification and improving performance while contributing to the efficiency of the system, helping the customer to build one of the smallest oxygen concentrators in the world.