External Dual-Motor Blower System for Multi-Person Air Supply

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower. The present invention relates to a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower comprising an external fixed blower unit including a dual motor and a control unit that automatically switches the normal motor to maximum output or operates an uninterruptible power supply and operates a backflow prevention valve in the event of a motor malfunction or power outage. The control unit receives data including motor power information, the remaining battery charge of the uninterruptible power supply, and rotational speed from a sensor array to predict the remaining operating time, and outputs an alarm when the time decreases below a threshold or a rapid decrease is predicted, thereby improving the continuity and safety of air supply to multiple workers. In particular, by combining a 220V AC main power supply and an uninterruptible power supply, emergency operation of at least 10 minutes is guaranteed even in the event of a power outage, allowing safe air to be supplied simultaneously to up to four workers, which can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of work in confined spaces.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower or duct-based air supply device and an air-supplied respiratory protection device, and more specifically, to a device that supplies clean air to up to four workers simultaneously through a 220V AC dual-motor blower fixedly installed outside a confined work area, and to an external fixed multi-person air supply system that improves stability by being equipped with an uninterruptible power supply and an automatic switching function. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial sites, construction sites, or disaster response situations, respiratory protective equipment is critical safety gear directly linked to the safety and lives of multiple workers. Conventional air-supplied masks and powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) mostly rely on a single blower (fan / motor) to draw in and filter external air before delivering it to the user's breathing apparatus.

[0003] However, due to the structural characteristic where the air supply is immediately cut off upon the failure of a single blower, serious safety issues have been continuously raised, including suffocation accidents in actual confined spaces. In particular, external power supply systems can expose multiple workers to immediate danger simultaneously in the event of unexpected situations such as power outages or motor failures, creating an urgent need for a fundamental solution.

[0004] Furthermore, unlike conventional individual systems, it is essential in confined workspaces to supply stable and continuous air to multiple workers through an externally installed centralized unit. To achieve this, it is necessary to go beyond simply increasing airflow capacity and implement a redundant system equipped with high reliability and high-capacity airflow capabilities. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1234567 (Published March 15, 2020) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2345678 (Published May 20, 2021) The problem to be solved

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a system capable of providing continuous and stable air supply to up to four workers through an automatic switching function and an uninterruptible power supply, even if one motor malfunctions or fails or a power outage occurs in an external fixed dual-motor blower-based multi-person air supply system.

[0007] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent control system capable of responding quickly to abnormal situations by detecting in real time the operating status of the dual motor, the pressure and flow rate of air passing through the distribution pipes of the distribution system, and the battery status of the uninterruptible power supply through a centralized sensor array.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to the present invention for solving the above problem comprises a plurality of face masks, an external fixed blower unit, and a distribution system.

[0010] Each of the above-mentioned multiple face masks includes an intake valve and an exhaust valve, and is configured to allow each worker to breathe air supplied from the external fixed blower unit through a distribution system.

[0011] The above external fixed blower unit is formed with a dustproof and waterproof housing that is fixedly installed at a safety distance of 3m or more outside the enclosed work area, and a dual motor is installed inside the main body to suck in external air and supply it to the multiple face masks through the distribution pipes of the distribution system.

[0012] The distribution conduit of the above distribution system is connected between the plurality of face masks and dual motors, and a backflow prevention valve is installed in the distribution conduit. A control unit is installed in the external fixed blower unit that, in the event of an abnormality or failure in any of the dual motors, operates the backflow prevention valve and simultaneously controls the normally operating motor to switch to maximum output mode.

[0013] In addition, it is equipped with an uninterruptible power supply capable of emergency operation for more than 10 minutes even when the 220V AC main power is cut off, ensuring the safety of workers even in the event of a power outage. Effects of the invention

[0014] The following effects can be obtained with the multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to the present invention.

[0015] First, by equipping a dual motor, continuous air supply is possible through the other motor operating normally even if one motor malfunctions or fails, which can significantly improve the safety of multiple workers.

[0016] Second, through the uninterruptible power supply, emergency operation for more than 10 minutes is possible even in the event of a power outage, allowing sufficient time for workers to safely perform their duties.

[0017] Third, through a centralized sensor array, the operating status of the dual motor, the pressure and flow rate of air passing through the distribution pipelines of the distribution system, and the battery status of the uninterruptible power supply can be detected in real time, enabling preventive maintenance and a rapid response in the event of abnormal situations.

[0018] Fourth, it can supply safe air to up to four workers simultaneously, which can significantly improve the efficiency of work in confined spaces.

[0019] Fifth, the central monitoring system enables real-time monitoring of abnormal conditions, including low flow and fault states, from the control room through SCADA integration, and transmits alerts to the site in various ways, allowing for a rapid response.

[0020] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an external fixed blower unit of a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and the same reference numerals have been used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0023] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0024] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0025] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to describe the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly specifies them as singular. Additionally, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context clearly specifies them as plural. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as including a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, an external fixed dual-motor blower-based multi-person air supply system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a face mask (110), an external fixed blower unit (120), a distribution system (130), and a fixed installation member (140).

[0029] The face mask (110) is fitted to the worker's face to block harmful external air and allows the worker to breathe purified air supplied from an external fixed blower unit (120). The face mask (110) includes an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The intake valve allows purified air supplied from the external fixed blower unit (120) to flow into the face mask (110), and the exhaust valve allows the worker's exhaled air to be discharged outside the face mask (110).

[0030] A number of face masks (110) are provided to supply clean air to up to four workers simultaneously, and the number of face masks (111 to 114) are connected to an external fixed blower unit (120) through a distribution system (130).

[0031] The external fixed blower unit (120) is implemented to include a motor unit, a control unit, a power supply unit, a sensor array, a central monitoring and alarm unit, and an operating unit. The external fixed blower unit (120) may be configured to be fixedly installed outside the enclosed space work area.

[0032] The motor unit is implemented as a dual motor system and, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a main motor (121-1) and an auxiliary motor (121-2). The main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) serve to draw in external air and supply it to a plurality of face masks (110). The main motor (121-1) is a motor that primarily operates during normal operation, and the auxiliary motor (121-2) is a backup motor that operates automatically when an abnormality or failure occurs in the main motor (121-1). As another example, normally, the two motors operate alternately in cycles, but if an abnormality occurs in one motor, it can be automatically switched to the other motor immediately.

[0033] The main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) are equipped with a large-capacity filter section (121-7 in FIG. 3), and purified air passing through the filter section (121-7) is supplied independently to a plurality of face masks (111 to 114) through a distribution system (130). The main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) are each installed within an independent chamber (121-3), so that a problem with one motor does not affect the other motor. In addition, each motor is equipped with a large-capacity filter section (121-7 in FIG. 3) between the discharge section (121-5) and the opening / closing section (121-6) to remove dust, harmful substances, etc. from the outside air and supply purified air.

[0034] A vibration absorption unit (122) is provided within an independent chamber (121-3). The vibration absorption unit (122) absorbs and mitigates mechanical vibrations generated when the motor rotates at high speed, thereby reducing transmission to the entire chamber and suppressing resonance phenomena transmitted to the outer wall of the chamber (121-3) and the distribution manifold (131). The vibration absorption unit (122) minimizes minute eccentricity of the blower fan and shaking of the duct connection due to vibration, thereby ensuring a uniform and stable airflow.

[0035] The distribution system (130) may include a distribution manifold (131), a connection part (132), a distribution conduit (133), and a backflow prevention valve (134). Air discharged from the main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) is supplied evenly to up to four face masks (110) through the distribution manifold (131) and the distribution conduit (133) connected by the connection part (132). The connection part (132) serves to transmit the air discharged from the main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) to the distribution manifold (131), and the backflow prevention valve (134) prevents air from flowing back toward the motor side when a malfunction occurs in one of the motors.

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, an external fixed blower unit (120) will be described. The power supply unit may include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a device that supplies emergency power, consisting of a 220V AC main power supply and a battery backup system. When the external commercial power supply is normal, the system is driven by the 220V AC main power supply and simultaneously charges the battery of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and when a power outage occurs, it automatically switches to battery mode to ensure emergency operation for more than 10 minutes.

[0037] The sensor array detects the operating status of the main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2), the pressure and flow rate of the air passing through the distribution conduit (133), and the status of the power supply unit in real time. The sensor array includes a motor sensor that detects the rotational speed, current, and temperature of the motor, a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure inside the distribution conduit (133), a flow sensor that detects the air flow rate, and a voltage sensor that detects the voltage and remaining amount of the power supply unit.

[0038] The control unit controls the operation of the main motor (121-1) and the auxiliary motor (121-2) and detects an abnormality or failure of the main motor (121-1) based on data collected from the sensor array. When an abnormality occurs in the main motor (121-1), the control unit immediately operates the backflow prevention valve (134) to block the airflow to the main motor (121-1) side and simultaneously switches the auxiliary motor (121-2) to maximum output mode.

[0039] This automatic switching process is completed within 2 seconds, ensuring a continuous supply of air to workers. In addition, in the event of a power outage, the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) automatically activates and switches to battery mode, and in this case, the automatic switching function of the dual motor system operates normally.

[0040] The central monitoring and alarm unit transmits system status information to the control room and field workers. For example, if abnormal conditions such as low flow rate, motor failure, or power outage are detected, alarms are generated through various methods, including color-changing LED indicators, rotating warning lights, buzzers and sirens, voice guidance, and SCADA system integration.

[0041] In particular, the central control room can monitor the status of all workers in real time through the SCADA system, and in the event of an emergency, it can immediately transmit alerts to the site and take response measures.

[0042] The control unit analyzes the remaining battery charge and current power consumption of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in real time to calculate the remaining operating time. If the calculated remaining operating time falls below a preset threshold or decreases rapidly, it outputs a warning to the control room and field workers through the central monitoring and alarm unit.

[0043] The control unit may include a power switch, a UPS manual switching switch, an emergency stop button (EMG STOP), and an authorized key lock switch. The control unit can perform functions to prevent unauthorized operation by controlling the individual / simultaneous driving of the main motor and auxiliary motor, emergency stop (EMERGENCY STOP), and locking device (LOCK) according to the operation signal input from the control unit.

[0044] The fixed installation member (140) serves to firmly secure the external fixed blower unit (120) to a safe location outside the work area. The fixed installation member (140) consists of a mounting bracket that can be bolted to a concrete foundation or steel structure and a vibration damping pad, and absorbs vibrations of the external fixed blower unit (120) and protects it from the external environment.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Step 511: System Startup and Preparation

[0047] Workers each wear a face mask (110) before being deployed to the site. In the control room, the system is operated via a control unit, and an external fixed blower unit (120) is connected to the power supply. The control unit performs an initial diagnosis to check whether the motor, UPS, and sensor array are in a normal state, and when all components are ready, the normal operation mode is activated. Through this preparation procedure, workers can ensure the stability of the air supply before entering the confined space.

[0048] Step 512: Air Intake and Primary Filtration

[0049] When the system starts normally, the main motor (121-1) operates first to forcibly draw in outside ambient air. The drawn-in air passes through the filter section (121-7), where pollutants such as dust, fine particles, and harmful gases are removed. The filter section (121-7) is designed with a multi-stage structure, so that large particles are removed in the pre-filter, gaseous pollutants are adsorbed in the activated carbon layer, and even fine dust is purified in the HEPA filter. Through this process, the supplied air achieves a safe level of cleanliness.

[0050] Step 513: Air Distribution and User Delivery

[0051] Purified air is delivered to a distribution manifold (131) and supplied to each face mask (111 to 114) through a distribution pipe (133). Each branch pipe is equipped with a flow control valve and a backflow prevention valve, so that even if multiple users wear them simultaneously, each can stably receive a constant flow of air. This minimizes the risk of oxygen deficiency or lack of air even when two or more workers work simultaneously in a confined space.

[0052] Step 514: Monitoring and Maintaining Normal Operation

[0053] During normal operation, only the main motor (121-1) is operated, and the auxiliary motor (121-2) is kept in a standby state. During this process, the sensor array continuously collects system data including motor current, rotational speed, blower pressure, flow rate, and UPS battery status. The collected information is transmitted in real time to the control unit, which analyzes it to confirm that the system is operating within a normal range. The central monitoring and alarm unit provides visual and auditory feedback on the current operating status through the control room display and the field alarm device, enabling the operator to immediately recognize the status.

[0054] Step 515: Anomaly Detection and Automatic Switching

[0055] If an abnormality such as overheating, current imbalance, or inability to rotate occurs in the main motor (121-1), the sensor array detects this and transmits an abnormality signal to the control unit. The control unit immediately closes the backflow prevention valve (134) to prevent air from flowing back toward the damaged motor. At the same time, the auxiliary motor (121-2) is operated in maximum output mode to replace the function of the main motor. This automatic switching procedure is completed within a few seconds, and workers can barely feel the interruption of the air supply. Therefore, the risk of sudden suffocation in a single motor system can be fundamentally resolved.

[0056] Step 516: Power Outage Response and Emergency Power Switching

[0057] If the external power supply is cut off or a power outage occurs, the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) immediately switches to battery mode. The UPS supplies power to the blower unit via pre-charged batteries to ensure the continuous operation of the system. The control unit detects the remaining battery level of the UPS, calculates the remaining operating time, and displays it on the control room display and field alarm devices. If the remaining time falls below a threshold or a rapid downward trend is detected, the central monitoring and alarm unit transmits a warning to the operator and the control room via a buzzer, flashing lights, and voice guidance.

[0058] Step 517: Ensuring Safety and Protecting Users

[0059] Even after an abnormal power outage or emergency power operation, the system continuously supplies a stable supply of air to workers. The control unit periodically checks the status of the motors and UPS and repeatedly outputs alarms when necessary. Furthermore, by integrating with the SCADA system, the status can be monitored in real-time and corrective actions taken from a remote control room. This ensures continuous respiratory safety for field workers even in unexpected emergencies, while enabling managers to detect situations early and respond quickly.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such are also to be considered to be included within the spirit of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0061] 100: Multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower 110: Face mask 120: External fixed blower unit 121-1: Main motor 121-2: Auxiliary motor 121-3: Chamber 121-4: Wing 121-5: Discharge section 121-6: Opening / closing section 121-7: Large capacity filter section 122: Vibration absorption unit 130: Distribution System 131: Distribution manifold 132: Connection 133: Distribution pipe 134: Backflow prevention valve 140: Fixed installation member

Claims

Claim 1 The apparatus comprises a plurality of face masks; an external fixed blower unit connected to the plurality of face masks via a distribution system and fixedly installed outside a confined work area, wherein the external fixed blower unit comprises a power supply unit including a 220V AC power supply and an uninterruptible power supply, a dual motor including a main motor and an auxiliary motor that inhales external air and supplies it to the plurality of face masks via the distribution system, a sensor array that detects in real time the operating status of the main motor and the auxiliary motor, the pressure and flow rate of air passing through the distribution conduit of the distribution system, and the status of the uninterruptible power supply, and a control unit that controls the operation of the main motor and the auxiliary motor based on data collected from the sensor array, wherein the distribution system comprises a distribution manifold and a distribution conduit, supplies purified air to each face mask through the distribution conduit, and is configured such that a flow control valve and a backflow prevention valve are installed in each branch so that even if multiple users wear them simultaneously, each can stably receive a constant flow rate of air, and the control unit is connected to the sensor array and the main motor and the auxiliary motor A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized by receiving information regarding the operating status, the pressure and flow rate of air passing through the distribution conduit, and the status of the uninterruptible power supply, and, before a worker enters a confined space, performing an initial diagnosis to check whether the motor, the uninterruptible power supply, and the sensor array are in a normal state based on the received information, and if it is confirmed that all components are ready as a result of the initial diagnosis, activating the external fixed blower unit to a normal operating mode, operating the backflow prevention valve and switching the auxiliary motor to a maximum output mode if an abnormality or failure is detected in the main motor, and, if the 220V AC power is cut off, configuring the uninterruptible power supply to automatically operate to maintain the operation of the dual motor. Claim 2 A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized in that, in claim 1, the main motor and the auxiliary motor each have a large-capacity filter section for inhaling and purifying external air, the purified air passing through the large-capacity filter section is branched and supplied to each face mask through the distribution manifold and distribution pipe, and the air supply to each face mask is independently maintained even when multiple users wear them simultaneously by means of a flow control valve and a backflow prevention valve installed in each branch pipe. Claim 3 A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the sensor array includes a motor sensor that detects the rotational speed, current, and temperature of the main motor and auxiliary motor, a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure inside the distribution pipe, a flow sensor that detects the air flow rate, and a voltage sensor that detects the voltage and remaining amount of the power supply unit, and the control unit analyzes data collected from the sensor array to determine abnormal conditions including a low flow rate state, a motor failure state, and a power outage state, and further includes a central monitoring and alarm unit configured to output an alarm to a central control room and field workers when the abnormal conditions are detected. Claim 4 A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized in that, in claim 2 or 3, the main motor and the auxiliary motor are each installed in an independent chamber, and the independent chamber is equipped with a vibration absorbing part that absorbs and mitigates mechanical vibrations generated by the driving of the motor, and the vibration absorbing part is configured to reduce vibrations transmitted to the entire chamber and suppress resonance phenomena transmitted to the distribution manifold to ensure a uniform and stable airflow. Claim 5 A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized in that, in the 4th paragraph, the central monitoring and alarm unit outputs an alarm corresponding to the abnormal condition through a color-changing LED indicator, a rotating warning light, a buzzer and a siren, and a voice guidance device when an abnormal condition including a low flow rate condition, a motor failure condition, and a power outage condition is detected, and is configured to allow real-time monitoring of the status of multiple workers from a central control room through linkage with a SCADA system. Claim 6 A multi-person air supply system based on an external fixed dual-motor blower, characterized in that, in claim 5, the control unit analyzes the remaining battery capacity and current power consumption of the uninterruptible power supply in real time to calculate the remaining operating time, and if the calculated remaining operating time is below a preset threshold, it is configured to output a warning to the central control room and field workers through the central monitoring and alarm unit.

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