Designing a low-pressure oxygen storage system for storing oxygen in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Oxygen therapy is essential for treating respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and asthma, and oxygen concentrators are crucial for delivering this therapy. However, unreliable power sources in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hinder the effective use of these concentrators. According to WHO, less than 30% of health facilities in LMICs have access to reliable electricity, making consistent oxygen therapy a significant challenge. This lack of access underscores the urgent need for reliable oxygen storage solutions. This forms a basis for the Team Bio crew’s design project to come up with a simple, cost-effective storage system vital for bridging this gap and ensuring consistent oxygen delivery. This project has grown now through three semesters, i.e. design I, II and III where we concluded with the testing of the Oxybag. This report details the redesign process undertaken to improve the OxyBag’s material composition, leak prevention, and automation features. Initial testing revealed limitations with Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), prompting a material re-selection process, leading to the adoption of Butyl Rubber for improved elasticity, durability, and oxygen retention. Additionally, a pneumatic valve mechanism was integrated to ensure automatic switching between the stored and concentrator oxygen supply during power failures, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The report also presents the retesting process conducted to verify the functionality, reliability, and performance of the redesigned OxyBag, ensuring that it meets the intended technical and operational requirements. Additionally, the report outlines the device classification, aligning it with relevant medical device regulations and safety standards to ensure compliance. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth analysis of the Lean Canvas model, detailing the problem statement, value proposition, cost structure, revenue streams, and key market channels. The report also examines the market structure, evaluating potential early adopters, distribution strategies, and partnerships necessary for the successful deployment and commercialization of the OxyBag in low-resource healthcare settings.