Visual and Safety Aspects of Oxygen Concentrator MachinesVitoria Petrere1, Larry Adigun2, Dr. Valerie Speredelozzi3Science & Engineering Fellows, Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island

Perfecto Model

Platinum Model

Main Solution

•Design a mold to test plastic thermoforming•Design a plastic injection molding process to mass produce•Test prototypes at RIALA facilities

Cost• Costs for a prototype for the cover of the knob• Costs for a redesign for future units• Cost for different types of knobs• Cost for the stickers

Make a cover for the knob in order to prevent accidental tampering from other residents and children.

Main Problem• Rhode Island Assisted Living Association (RIALA) has

come to us with a concern about their Oxygen Concentrator Machines, mainly regarding the safety of the flowmeter and knob

• Oxygen Concentrator Machines is a device which concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply to supply an oxygen enriched gas mixture.

Visual Solution

Tactile Solution

Bigger knob for easier use for the Elderly

D-shaft

• How did your company select colors for the flow meter and the ball inside?

• What is the ball inside of the flow meter made of? • Were there other choices for the knobs on the flow

meter?• When will next concentrator be redesigned?• How much control do they have on flowmeter

design?

Questions for Manufacturer?

Finding / Discussion Future work

Enclosure (Cover)

Results /ConclusionWe accomplished the main basis of our research project , which was to make an enclosure to fit over the knob of the oxygen concentrator machine. We have yet to test our cover, but plan to on both models of Invacare machines. Our research is still ongoing as there are more models and we look to contact the company to possibly make this a permanent feature on their models presently or in the future.