Monitoring system with a catalytic gas measuring device for aircraft pilots

Abstract

The present invention relates to a monitoring system (100) with an associated catalytic gas measuring device (72) for use in a breathing gas supply system in aircraft. During coordinated operation of the monitoring system (100) and the catalytic gas collecting device (72), quantities of breathing gas mixture (10) are supplied to the catalytic gas measuring device (72). The catalytic gas measuring device (72) is configured, with the aid of conversion factors (79), to measure the selected target gas.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system with a catalytic gas measuring device for pilots or passengers of aircraft or flying devices. Aircraft or flying devices are understood to be aircraft or helicopters used in civil or military aviation, such as passenger aircraft in scheduled or charter flights, as well as ultrafast aircraft operating near or above supersonic speeds. In particular, flights with jet aircraft at supersonic speeds and / or at altitudes above 15,000 meters above the seabed place significant demands on the flight fitness of the flight personnel.Fitness to fly, including physical and mental fitness, attention, concentration, and alertness, must be ensured at all times at high altitudes, during rapid flight maneuvers, or during flight attitudes such as turns, dives, and inverted flight at high speeds and high accelerations. In addition to the pilot's personal and health conditions and reliable aircraft equipment, a secure supply of clean and safe breathing air is essential for achieving safe flight operations.

[0002] Breathing air can be supplied by drawing in ambient air—often in the vicinity of the engines or turbines—and / or with a so-called OBOGS system. The supply gas provided in this way serves as the breathing gas supply for crews and passengers during an aircraft flight. The OBOGS system can be designed as an oxygen enrichment system using an arrangement of molecular sieves based on the pressure swing absorption principle, or as a system with air or compressed oxygen cylinders. As an emergency supply system in the event of a failure of the main oxygen supply, a chemical oxygen generation system is often also carried on board aircraft. The breathing gas mixture may also be contaminated by other gas components.

[0003] From US 11,033,762 B2 a device and a method for monitoring inhalation gases of a gas supply of an aircraft pilot with an OBOGS system and a face mask is known.

[0004] US 2021 405 008 A2 describes a monitoring system for aircraft pilots. The monitoring system enables the monitoring of the gas quantities supplied to the pilot with regard to oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration. For this purpose, a gas mixture from the pilot's face mask is fed to an analyzer via a suction measurement device.

[0005] A measurement system with a preliminary measurement as a "pre-check" followed by a specific measurement is described in EP 2 788 751 B1. There, an ultrasonic measurement based on changes in the speed of sound in a gas mixture is used to determine whether changes in the gas composition have occurred. Based on this, a measurement with an optical gas sensor is then activated to further analyze the gas mixture.

[0006] US 11,401,945 shows a catalytic gas sensor. Catalytic gas sensors designed as catalytic converters are suitable for detecting the presence of explosive gases or explosive gas mixtures in a measurement environment. The essential component of a catalytic converter is a small measuring element—often referred to as a pellistor—usually an electrically heated platinum coil coated with a ceramic material with an outer catalytic coating of a precious metal, such as rhodium. When a flammable gas / air mixture flows over the hot catalyst surface, combustion occurs, and the resulting heat increases the temperature and thus the electrical resistance of the measuring element. The change in resistance can be directly related to the gas concentration in the surrounding atmosphere.Catalytic gas sensors are also suitable for detecting rapid changes in gas concentrations, response times (T. 10-90 ) for catalytic gas sensors are in the range of 10 to 30 seconds.

[0007] The present invention describes a gas measuring device for an extended gas analysis of the breathing gas supply of pilots with an on-site / pre-deployment calibration for a monitoring system, as shown for example in US 2021 405 008 A1.

[0008] Such a monitoring system enables the monitoring of gas quantities in the breathing gas supply of aircraft pilots with regard to the oxygen concentration in the breathing gas during flight operations. For this purpose, a gas mixture from the pilot's face mask and / or from the cockpit is fed to an oxygen sensor in the monitoring system using an extraction measurement. This oxygen sensor is designed as a paramagnetic oxygen sensor. The paramagnetic oxygen sensor has thermoelectric measuring elements and is thus able to determine the oxygen concentration in the breathing gas by exploiting the paramagnetic effect of the thermal conduction of oxygen based on changes in thermal conductivity under the influence of a magnetic field modulation. Utilizing the paramagnetic effect makes the determination of the oxygen concentration in the total breathing gas mixture largely independent of the presence of other gases.

[0009] From the German, as yet unpublished patent application DE 10 2023 121 409.8, a variant of a monitoring system for monitoring a pilot and / or co-pilot is known. This monitoring system is designed to determine whether a breathing gas mixture contains foreign gas components in addition to oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. This monitoring system according to DE 10 2023 121 409.8 can determine, based on thermal conductivity information, whether a situation exists in which certain amounts of impurities with other gases or gas mixtures are present in the breathing gas mixture. The monitoring system cannot directly determine the type of impurities in the breathing gas mixture, but it is possible to identify a specific situation with suspected impurities.This monitoring system uses the paramagnetic measuring device and evaluates thermoelectric voltages to provide an initial analysis of a situation as to whether additional components such as soot, oil, oil vapors or other gas components are present in a certain concentration in the breathing gas mixture, which are to be regarded as undesirable foreign gases.

[0010] To accurately determine the type of contaminants in the breathing gas, additional, precise measuring systems, such as a gas chromatograph, must be installed in the aircraft in addition to the monitoring system. However, gas chromatographs cannot be used in the aircraft due to the limited space and operating requirements.

[0011] In addition, certain measurement systems with sensors whose functionality is significantly impaired during flight due to vibrations, accelerations, and extreme and rapid pressure changes caused by large altitude differences cannot be effectively used in aircraft applications. These include, for example, sensors with moving parts, such as chopper wheels, as well as electrochemical sensors or chemical analysis tubes.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to to provide a monitoring system with an additional gas measuring device for extended analysis.

[0013] A further task is to realize a combination of the monitoring system with the further gas measuring device and to specify a coordinated operation of the monitoring system and the gas measuring device.

[0014] This problem is solved by the enclosed, independent patent claims.

[0015] The object is achieved in particular by a monitoring system for an extended gas analysis with a paramagnetic measuring device and a catalytic gas measuring device with the features of independent claim 1.

[0016] The present invention supplements the capabilities of the monitoring system presented in US 2021 405 008 A1 with an additional, specially designed gas measuring device in order to realize an extended gas analysis.

[0017] According to the invention, the extended gas analysis by the gas measuring device is carried out using a catalytic gas sensor.

[0018] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention proposes a monitoring system for monitoring the gas composition of breathing gases in aircraft or flying vehicles in combination with a catalytic gas measuring device. The catalytic gas measuring device is characterized in that it—like the catalytic gas sensors arranged in the catalytic gas measuring device—can be calibrated in a special way before the start of flight operations.

[0019] Catalytic gas sensors are particularly suitable for the measurement of explosive gases, gas mixtures, fluids or vapors and the associated assessment of situations in flight operations with regard to potential hazardous situations, explosion hazards and, associated with this, also risks to the health and life of the aircraft pilot.

[0020] The inventive combination of monitoring system and catalytic gas measuring device enables the catalytic gas measuring device to be controlled by a control unit of the monitoring system in situations in which foreign gas components may be present in a breathing gas or breathing gas mixture.

[0021] Catalytic gas sensors or catalytic gas measuring devices can be used to detect various gases using special calibrations. The focus is usually on monitoring explosive gases or gas mixtures.

[0022] The catalytic gas measuring device can also be prepared directly at the measuring or use site using so-called on-site calibrations for fluids, vapors, gases, or gas mixtures expected to be present at the measuring or use site in the future. During on-site calibrations, calibration gases are fed from a small container to the catalytic gas sensor in a defined quantity and with a known concentration using suitable mobile calibration devices. An output signal from the catalytic gas sensor is measured and analyzed, and a specific conversion factor is calculated based on the output signal and the known concentration of the calibration gas, which is representative and characteristic of the calibration gas.

[0023] Here is an example: In a production plant, solvent-containing substances are often used as adhesives, resins or varnishes in certain processing steps for painting or bonding components.

[0024] For example, data sheets for the substances indicate that some toluene (C6H5CH3) is also added as a solvent. Toluene forms highly flammable vapor-air mixtures. Toluene is also harmful to health; inhalation of toluene vapors can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, sensory disturbances, impaired motor coordination, and loss of consciousness.

[0025] To monitor concentrations of toluene, gas mixtures containing toluene, or toluene vapors in the production facility, several measuring systems with catalytic gas sensors are positioned within the facility. Specific monitoring of toluene concentrations in the ambient air can be performed by performing on-site calibrations. For on-site calibration, a small amount of liquid with a known toluene concentration is nebulized in a defined air stream using a mobile calibration device and fed to the catalytic gas sensor for a defined period of time. A specific conversion factor representative of and characteristic of the measurement of toluene with this catalytic gas sensor is then calculated from the output signal of the catalytic gas sensor and the known concentration of the calibration gas.This specific conversion factor is characteristic and representative of the metrological detection of toluene in the now calibrated measuring system. The specific conversion factor can be stored in the measuring system, and during subsequent measuring operation, the measuring system can then provide, document and / or display a current concentration value for a concentration of toluene in the gas mixture, breathing gas or breathing gas mixture based on the output signal and the representative and characteristic, specific conversion factor. In addition, upper threshold values ​​of alarm limits can also be set, which, if exceeded, can trigger alarms, either acoustic or visual, from the measuring system. Examples of threshold values ​​are the lower explosion limit (LEL) of 1.1% vol. and the upper explosion limit (UEL) of 7.8% vol.-%, and threshold values ​​can also be defined in relation to possible health hazards.

[0026] In addition to its use as a solvent, toluene is also used in the manufacture of explosives (TNT = trinitrotoluene). Furthermore, along with benzene, toluene is also a component of fuels such as gasoline. This clearly shows that monitoring toluene, as well as other substances used in aircraft operation as components of fuels, operating fluids, lubricants, or coolants, can be useful both for reasons of explosiveness and due to potential health risks for the pilot.

[0027] Using the application methodology described above and based on the example, catalytic gas sensors can be used by means of calibrations to measure the presence of a wide variety of gases or substances - especially explosive substances - in a gas sample.

[0028] The present invention utilizes this possibility for concentration determination using on-site calibrations to enable the metrological determination of selected additional gases in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture in an aircraft pilot monitoring system. These on-site calibrations can also be referred to as adjustments.

[0029] The selected fluids, gases, gas mixtures as well as selected vapors can be and are referred to as target gases or target gas in the context of the present invention.

[0030] According to the invention, a combination of a monitoring system with a paramagnetic oxygen sensor and a catalytic gas measuring device with at least one catalytic gas sensor is suitably designed. The inventive combination of monitoring system and catalytic gas measuring device is designed as described in more detail below.

[0031] The monitoring system includes a paramagnetic oxygen sensor and a control unit.

[0032] The control unit is designed to organize, monitor, control or regulate a process of metrological monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air or breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices.

[0033] The monitoring system is assigned a catalytic gas measuring device with at least one catalytic gas sensor and an evaluation unit.

[0034] The control unit is also designed to coordinate the operation of monitoring systems and the catalytic gas measuring device. For this purpose, the control unit can activate and / or deactivate the catalytic gas measuring device or components of the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0035] The combination of monitoring system and catalytic gas measuring device has at least one module P M1 for gas transport. At least one module P M1 For gas transport, a sample gas line is used to supply quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture as a gas sample from a measuring location, in particular from the pilot's breathing mask and / or from the cabin or cockpit, and to convey it to the monitoring system.

[0036] For this purpose, the module P M1For gas transport, the sample gas line is pneumatically and / or fluidically connected to the measurement location. The gas sample can reach the paramagnetic oxygen sensor through a gas inlet on the monitoring system. The gas sample is then fed to the catalytic gas measuring device and the catalytic gas sensor, where it is ready for analysis.

[0037] The at least one module P M1 for gas transport can be designed by means of the same measuring gas line or by means of a further measuring gas line for supplying quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture from a measuring location to the catalytic gas measuring device with the at least one catalytic gas sensor.

[0038] The at least one module P M1 for gas transport or another module P M2For gas transport, the same measuring gas line, the further measuring gas line or a calibration gas line can be used to flow defined quantities of a test gas to the catalytic gas measuring device with the at least one catalytic gas sensor.

[0039] The monitoring system is designed with the paramagnetic oxygen sensor and the control unit to carry out a qualitative and quantitative measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the supplied quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture.

[0040] The catalytic gas measuring device is designed with the at least one catalytic gas sensor and the evaluation unit for a metrological determination of at least one further fluid, gas or gas mixture selected as target gas in the supplied quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture.

[0041] The evaluation unit is designed to determine a target gas identifier which indicates the presence of the target gas in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture and is further designed to provide the target gas identifier as an output signal.

[0042] For this purpose, an output signal from the catalytic gas sensor is evaluated by the evaluation unit.

[0043] According to the invention, at least one calibration interface is arranged in or on the monitoring system or the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0044] The calibration gas interface is configured to provide predetermined amounts of calibration gas to the catalytic gas sensor.

[0045] The calibration interface can be designed in different ways, for example in the form of a slide-in opening or in the form of a drawer.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the calibration interface can be configured to connect, insert, or accommodate a calibration medium, for example, in the form of a cassette. The calibration medium can comprise a flow chamber or an evaporation chamber with a defined volume. The calibration medium can be configured to connect or couple a container filled with a calibration gas. In an optional embodiment, the calibration medium can also comprise means for supplying quantities of a calibration gas into the flow chamber or evaporation chamber.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit can be further designed to carry out the metrological determination of a presence of the further fluid, gas or gas mixture selected as the target gas in the supplied quantities of respiratory gas or respiratory gas mixture, taking into account a specific conversion factor.

[0048] The specific conversion factor is specifically assigned to the at least one other gas, fluid, gas mixture or group of gases, fluids or gas mixtures selected as a target gas.

[0049] The specific conversion factor is representative, specific and / or typical for at least one target gas.

[0050] In this preferred embodiment, a data storage device is connected to the evaluation unit. At least one specific conversion factor for the at least one calibration gas, associated with the selected target gas, is stored in the data storage device. The specific conversion factor is used by the evaluation unit to scale the output signal of the catalytic gas sensor, which is generated upon contact between the catalytic gas sensor and the selected target gas, according to the selected target gas, and to incorporate it into the target gas identification.

[0051] The target gas identifier can include a concentration, a volume concentration, a volume fraction, a volume ratio, a molar concentration (molarity), a weight fraction, or a partial pressure of the target gas in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture. Further conversions of the concentration, for example, into volume or pressure ratios, can be integrated into the specific conversion factor and thus also be included in the determination of the target gas identifier.

[0052] In this way, the specific conversion factor can advantageously enable the evaluation unit to carry out various conversions into the target gas identification during operation of the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0053] Embodiments may further demonstrate how the inclusion of the specific conversion factor can be implemented in practice through the interaction of the monitoring system with the control unit and the catalytic gas measuring device with the evaluation unit. For example, the evaluation unit may be configured to provide the output signal of the catalytic gas sensor, the target gas identifier, or the output signal to the monitoring system, in particular to the calculation and control unit.

[0054] Embodiments can show how calibration means can be designed in cooperation with the calibration interface or as an element of the calibration interface. Calibration means can be designed as calibration containers for storing a depot or a quantity of a calibration fluid in fluid or gaseous form, or as evaporation trays for evaporating the calibration fluid.

[0055] Suitable designs of the container for storing the calibration gas can be as a tank, a cartridge, a bottle, or a compressed gas cylinder. Calibration containers can be designed as calibration gas cylinders or calibration gas bottles to store a reservoir of calibration gas at a pressure level above ambient pressure, comparable to the designs of a tank in a liquid gas lighter.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, an evaporation chamber is arranged in or at the calibration interface as a calibration means. The calibration interface is designed to accommodate a calibration gas cylinder. The calibration gas cylinder is designed to store quantities of a calibration gas at a pressure level above ambient pressure.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a receptacle for an evaporation chamber serving as a calibration medium is arranged in or on the calibration interface. A container filled with calibration gas can be designed as an evaporation tray to store a reservoir of calibration gas as a fluid in liquid or gaseous form. The evaporation tray can be designed to hold a reservoir of calibration fluid at ambient pressure. The evaporation chamber or the calibration interface can be configured to accommodate an evaporation tray.

[0058] The evaporation tray is designed to store quantities of a calibration fluid. A further module P is located in or at the calibration interface or in or at the evaporation chamber. k for gas transport, which is designed to transport quantities of calibration gas from the evaporation chamber to the catalytic gas sensor.

[0059] In alternative embodiments, the calibration interface can also be configured for connection via a calibration gas line, thereby establishing a connection between the catalytic gas measuring device and the container containing a supply of calibration gas, and enabling the provision of calibration gas to the catalytic gas measuring device. The calibration gas line is connected at the other end directly or indirectly, for example, in a serial arrangement with switching devices, valves, or conveying devices, to a container in which a depot of a quantity of calibration gas is stored. The calibration interface can be configured as a pneumatic interface, for example, consisting of a pneumatic plug element and a pneumatic socket as a detachable pneumatic connecting element.

[0060] Further embodiments may show how the catalytic gas measuring device can be connected to the monitoring system. For example, the catalytic gas measuring device can be integrated as a module in the monitoring system or arranged as a further, additional module at the gas outlet of the monitoring system.

[0061] Embodiments can demonstrate how the initiation and / or control of the supply of the gas sample to the catalytic gas measuring device can be configured. Such embodiments relate, for example, to switching or toggling valves and / or switching valves, as well as activations or deactivations of the gas transport module and other gas conveying means arranged in the gas measuring device, for example, pumps, in order to convey the quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture as a gas sample from the monitoring system to the catalytic gas measuring device via the sample gas lines, as well as quantities of calibration gas via the calibration gas lines, and thus provide the catalytic gas sensor for metrological detection according to the catalytic reaction principle.The supply of the breathing gas sample as well as the supply of calibration gas to the catalytic gas measuring device can be controlled by the control unit, for example, through an actively switched valve. In alternative embodiments, gas samples from the face mask and / or the cockpit can be supplied in parallel to both the monitoring system with the paramagnetic measuring system and the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0062] The use of calibrations with calibration gases in the catalytic gas measuring system simplifies the search and identification of specific gases, vapors or gas mixtures during flight operations in preparation for flight operations by allowing the user to carry out an on-site calibration before flight operations using a calibration gas that has been suitably selected with regard to the target gas being sought.

[0063] The following describes the application of on-site calibrations in a simplified step-by-step sequence: • First, a user, for example maintenance personnel at an air base, selects a target gas which may be present as a component in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture during flight operations. • The calibration gas that best matches the target gas is then selected, for which a suitable specific conversion factor is available for scaling the measured values ​​of the catalytic gas sensor with regard to the target gas. • The gas measuring device is then calibrated on-site using the selected calibration gas. • The specific conversion factor is then calculated for the selected pairing of target gas, calibration gas and the monitoring system and / or the catalytic gas measuring device or taken from tables and provided to the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0064] To provide the conversion factor, a data storage device can be arranged on or in the evaluation unit or assigned to the evaluation unit. At least one specific conversion factor associated with the at least one other gas, gas mixture, or group of gases or gas mixtures selected as the target gas is stored in the data storage device as a data set.

[0065] The catalytic gas measuring system is thus suitably equipped to measure the desired target gas qualitatively and quantitatively during subsequent flight operations, to determine the target gas identification and to provide it as an output signal.

[0066] Knowing the auxiliary and operating materials used in the aircraft or flying vehicle in different configurations, the catalytic gas sensors can be advantageously calibrated to known auxiliary or operating materials.

[0067] This allows the user to precisely calibrate the catalytic gas sensors for the upcoming deployment directly on-site to an expected target gas using on-site calibration, without requiring specific information on auxiliary or operating materials for the design, development, and deployment of the monitoring system or requiring this information to be disclosed to the monitoring system manufacturer. Examples of auxiliary or operating materials include fuels, coolants, lubricants, anti-friction agents, coatings, or paints.

[0068] The operator of the aircraft or flying device can thus calibrate catalytic gas sensors for substances prior to use without having to provide a manufacturer of the monitoring system, gas measurement device, or catalytic gas sensors with information about the type of substances in question. This type of on-site calibration allows the operator to comply with any existing confidentiality requirements vis-à-vis third parties regarding specific target gases, for example, if the auxiliary materials or operating fluids for aircraft are considered to be the source of the target gases and these auxiliary materials or operating fluids are based on special and possibly not publicly available formulations.

[0069] The at least one catalytic gas sensor is preferably closely coupled to the monitoring system via a data connection, for example in the form of a bus system, and preferably also connected to its power supply. Since the monitoring system is preferably mobile and independent of the aircraft and is mounted on the pilot's clothing, e.g., in a vest or jacket pocket, it is essential to use the amount of energy carried in the monitoring system as economically as possible.

[0070] It makes sense for only those components of the monitoring system and / or the catalytic gas measuring device to be continuously in operation and / or supplied with electricity that are absolutely necessary for the respective task. Due to the measuring principle with the heated measuring element, catalytic gas sensors cannot necessarily be implemented as low-power sensors. To ensure careful use of the stored electrical energy, which is only available for a limited time over the service life, it is therefore advantageous not to supply a gas sample to the other sensors, nor to carry out measuring operations, data acquisition, or data storage continuously, but rather only when an exceptional situation occurs that is determined by the monitoring system or based on a special situation, such as an activity by aircraft personnel.For this purpose, in the event of an unusual or special situation, the control unit in the monitoring system can activate a valve arrangement and / or pump arrangement in the catalytic gas measuring device in such a way that gas quantities are conveyed to the further sensor system with the catalytic gas sensor by means of the measuring gas lines.

[0071] At the same time, the additional sensors are activated, and the gas sample is analyzed in relation to the unusual or specific situation. Activating the sensors with the catalytic gas sensor also allows the control unit in the monitoring system to switch on the power supply to the additional sensors and / or the catalytic gas sensor as needed.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine, depending on the target gas identifier provided by the catalytic gas measuring device, whether a current health-critical situation exists for a pilot during operation of the aircraft's breathing gas supply. If a health-critical situation exists for the pilot, the control unit is configured to activate a vibration alarm arranged in or on the monitoring system or a vibration alarm assigned to the monitoring system.

[0073] The vibration detector can be integrated into a housing of a monitoring system designed as a mobile unit or a mobile gas detection device. Alternatively, the vibration detector can also be configured as a component in a wristwatch or other mobile device mounted on the wrist of a pilot or co-pilot. In addition to the vibration detector, the wristwatch or other mobile device mounted on the wrist of a pilot or co-pilot can also include elements for a visual or acoustic alert of a health-threatening situation and thus be configured to provide an acoustic, visual, and / or tactile alarm.

[0074] In further preferred embodiments, components of the monitoring system and the catalytic gas measuring device can be connected to one another via power and / or data interfaces and line connections. The control unit can also be configured, for example, to coordinate the operation of the catalytic gas measuring device and the monitoring system using the power and / or data interfaces and the line connections.

[0075] If, for example, the control unit in the monitoring system in conjunction with the paramagnetic oxygen sensor has detected a condition through a special evaluation of thermal conductivity situations - as described, for example, in DE 10 2023 121 409.8 - that a gas, fluid or gas mixture other than oxygen, nitrogen, moisture or water vapor as well as carbon dioxide may be present in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture, the control unit can, on the one hand, activate the gas measuring device, i.e. put it into measuring mode, and / or activate switching or changeover means in the monitoring system and / or catalytic gas measuring device in such a way that a gas sample of breathing gas can be fed to the catalytic gas sensor.

[0076] In particularly preferred embodiments, the control unit can be designed to carry out at least one of the following actions when carrying out the coordination of the monitoring system and the catalytic gas measuring device: • Activation of switching means or switching means to start the supply of quantities of calibration gas to the catalytic gas measuring device; • Deactivation of switching means or switching means to terminate the supply of quantities of calibration gas to the catalytic gas measuring device; • Activation of switching means or switching means to start the supply of quantities of breathing gas to the catalytic gas measuring device; • Deactivation of switching means or switching means to terminate the supply of quantities of breathing gas to the catalytic gas measuring device; • Activation of components of the catalytic gas measuring device such as evaluation unit, catalytic gas sensor, components for energy supply; • Deactivation of components of the catalytic gas measuring device such as evaluation unit, catalytic gas sensor, components for energy supply; • Connecting the electrical power supply to the monitoring system and / or gas measuring device or individual components of the monitoring system and / or catalytic gas measuring device; • Switching off the electrical power supply of the monitoring system and / or gas measuring device or individual components of the monitoring system and / or catalytic gas measuring device.

[0077] If the additional sensor technology is designed as a standalone module with its own power supply, the control unit in the monitoring system can activate the catalytic gas measuring device from a low-power standby or idle mode into a measuring mode, in which the catalytic gas sensor is then also supplied with electrical power. Such energy management and control measures by the control unit in the monitoring system allow the energy storage devices required for flight operation of the monitoring system and / or the additional sensor technology to be dimensioned as small as possible in terms of weight, volume, and size.This offers significant advantages, particularly for mobile equipment worn on or close to the body, for example, in terms of comfort, space requirements on clothing, and minimal restrictions on the pilot's mobility at their workplace. It is also advantageous to largely avoid any unnecessary weight on the pilot's clothing and restrictions on the pilot's mobility while parachuted in the event of an unplanned exit from the cockpit.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, one or more data interfaces can be provided on the monitoring system and / or on the catalytic gas measuring device, which can enable initiation or control of on-site calibrations by the monitoring system or other systems. This can also enable the selection of a calibration gas.

[0079] In further preferred embodiments, these data interfaces may be provided to enable the provision of special information from the monitoring system or other systems to the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0080] The special information may include, for example, information on the target gas, the calibration gas, the specific conversion factor, the calibration gas container, alarm limits, and threshold values ​​for toxicity or explosiveness.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, an input unit can be provided on the monitoring system and / or on the catalytic gas measuring device, which enables an input or a selection of a selected gas or gas mixture as target gas and / or a calibration gas and / or the specific conversion factor.

[0082] The input unit can also enable operation, initiation, or control of on-site calibrations. This can also allow the user to enter or select a calibration gas or a calibration gas container. The input unit can also be configured as an interface for wireless data exchange, for example, using NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, or RFID technology.

[0083] By providing the special information via data interfaces or by selecting a target gas on the input unit, the catalytic gas measuring device is prepared for a measuring operation in which a qualitative and / or quantitative measurement of the target gas is possible.

[0084] In further preferred embodiments, conversion factors for various fluids, gases, or gas mixtures as target gases, in conjunction with suitable calibration gases or calibration fluids, can be stored in data sets in the data storage device. The data sets containing the conversion factors can be stored in a sortable manner in tables, data sets, or database systems. The data storage device can also be configured as an external data storage device, for example, a USB stick, so that during on-site calibration of the catalytic gas measuring device, information tailored to the subsequent use is imported from the external data storage device into the evaluation unit of the catalytic gas measuring device, and the data storage device itself is no longer required during subsequent operation.

[0085] This type of on-site calibration allows for a robust design of the operation of the catalytic gas measuring system with regard to possible confidentiality requirements with regard to the potentially expected target gases, as well as the calibration gases or calibration fluids.

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, an output unit can be arranged in or on the monitoring system and / or in or on the catalytic gas measuring device, which is designed to provide and / or a visual output with respect to the selected target gas and / or the selected calibration gas and / or to output status information with respect to the catalytic gas measuring device.

[0087] This allows both measured values ​​or gas concentration values ​​of the target gas as well as status information during operation of the catalytic gas measuring device, such as stand-by or idle mode, active measuring operation, current energy consumption, alarm states as well as a charge level of the energy storage devices to be output to the user as visual messages, such as alphanumeric, textual or graphical form (GUI).

[0088] The invention will be explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the Fig. 1 to 4. Identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals. In the description of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 provides an explanation of the overall functionality of the breathing mask, monitoring system, and catalytic gas detection device. It shows: Fig. 1: a representation of a state-of-the-art monitoring system, Fig. 2: a representation of a catalytic gas measuring device, Fig. 3: a representation of an alternative catalytic gas measuring device, Fig. 4: a representation of another alternative catalytic gas measuring device.

[0089] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a monitoring system 100 according to the prior art according to US20210405008 A1. The monitoring system 100 is connected to a person 99 via a measuring gas line 10 and a breathing mask 20. The person 99 represents an aircraft pilot. The breathing mask 20 has a gas connection 21, a connection element 23, and hose lines 24, 25. The hose lines 24, 25 serve to discharge and supply breathing gases to the person 99. The monitoring system 100 has operating and input elements 40, display elements 44, at least one module P Mfor gas production 50, a sensor system 60 with at least one sensor 66. The at least one sensor 66 is designed as a paramagnetic gas sensor 60, in particular as a paramagnetic oxygen sensor 60. The module P M for gas production 50 is preferably designed as a pump P M In addition, the monitoring system 100 has a control unit 70.

[0090] The operating and input elements 40, the display elements 44, the sensors 60, the module P M for gas production 50 are connected to the control unit 70 via - in the Fig. 1 to 2 are connected to signal and data lines or control lines not shown. These control lines or signal and data lines can be configured, for example, as a bus system or network.

[0091] The control unit 70 is designed and intended to control the module P Mfor gas delivery 50 in such a way that respiratory gases or respiratory gas mixtures 10 are delivered from the breathing mask 20 through the measuring gas line 10 and a gas inlet 51 to the sensor system 60. Thus, a quantity or partial quantity of respiratory gas mixture 10 is then available to the at least one sensor 66 in order to measure and / or analyze this and provide it to the control unit 70 as measured values. The control unit 70 makes it possible to evaluate and process the measured values ​​and to display them on display elements 44. A quantity of respiratory gas 10 is passed on to a gas inlet 53 of a catalytic gas measuring device 72 via a schematically illustrated gas outlet 52 and a connecting line 11. The control and input elements 40 enable configuration of the monitoring system 100 and / or the gas measuring device 72 of the monitoring system 100 and the gas measuring device 72.

[0092] In addition, a data interface 46 is provided on the gas measuring device, which enables control and / or configuration of the operation 900 of the monitoring system 100 and the gas measuring device 72.

[0093] The Fig. 2 shows the monitoring system 100 after the Fig. 1 in combination with a catalytic gas measuring device 72. The catalytic gas measuring device 72 has a catalytic gas sensor 65. Quantities of the breathing gas mixture 10 can flow as a gas sample via the connecting line 11 from the monitoring system 100 via a gas inlet 53 to the catalytic gas measuring device 72 and, with the aid of switching means and / or switching means 88, which can be designed, for example, in the form of valves or 2 / 3-way valves, to the catalytic gas sensor 65.

[0094] An evaluation unit 73 is according to this Fig. 2 is designed as a sub-module of the control unit 70 of the monitoring system 100 by means of at least one data interface 46 to carry out coordination 900 and cooperation between the monitoring system 100 and the gas measuring device 72, as well as an exchange of data and / or instructions with the evaluation unit 73 via a data interface 46. The evaluation unit 73 is assigned a data memory 77. Conversion factors 79 for one or a plurality of constellations of gases, gas mixtures, and fluids as target gases can be stored in the data memory 77 as data sets 78.

[0095] The catalytic gas measuring device 72 is designed with the catalytic gas sensor 65 and the evaluation unit 73 for a metrological determination of at least one further gas, fluid or gas mixture selected as a target gas in the supplied quantities of breathing gas or breathing gas mixture 10.

[0096] The evaluation unit 73 is further configured to perform the metrological determination of the presence of the at least one further gas, fluid, or gas mixture selected as the target gas in the supplied quantities of respiratory gas or respiratory gas mixture 10, taking into account the specific conversion factor 79 assigned to the at least one further gas, fluid, gas mixture, or group of gases, fluids, or gas mixtures selected as the target gas and stored as a data record 78 in the data memory 77. Finally, the evaluation unit 72 is configured to determine a target gas identifier 200, which indicates the presence of the target gas in the respiratory gas mixture 10, and to provide it as an output signal 908 to the output unit 44 and / or the data interface 46.

[0097] A calibration interface 55 is arranged as a further gas inlet on the catalytic gas measuring device 72. Sealing elements 47 are shown, which are intended to schematically illustrate the gas-tight coupling of the calibration interface 55 to the evaporation chamber 58. In or on the calibration interface 54 according to this Fig. 2 are an evaporation chamber 58 and another module P K 59 for gas delivery. The evaporation chamber 58 is designed to accommodate an evaporation tray 56. The evaporation tray 56 is designed and prepared to hold a defined amount of a calibration gas as a calibration fluid in liquid form at ambient pressure.

[0098] The evaporation chamber 58 is provided with a cover element 54. The cover element 54 allows the evaporation chamber 58 to be closed after the evaporation tray 56 has been filled with a defined amount of a specific calibration fluid. Amounts or partial amounts of the calibration fluid evaporate in a defined manner in the evaporation chamber 58—preferably until saturation in the volume of the evaporation chamber 58—and thus form the calibration gas with a defined concentration.

[0099] In this Fig. 2 shows, by way of example, an opening as a gas access 49 to the environment 5 as an element of the cover element 54; in optional embodiments, such openings can also be formed as part of the evaporation chamber 58.

[0100] The further module P K59 for gas conveyance is designed to supply defined quantities of air from an environment 5 indirectly through the gas inlet 49, the evaporation chamber 58, and via the evaporation tray 56, the calibration interface 55, and the switching means 88, 89 to the catalytic gas sensor 65. With the aid of switching means 89, which may be configured, for example, in the form of valves, quantities of calibration gas can be released, activated, or deactivated for inflow via the calibration interface 55 to the catalytic gas sensor 65.

[0101] The further module P K58 for gas conveyance can be designed, for example, as a blower or as a pump, which allows defined amounts of air from the environment 5 to flow into the evaporation chamber 58 for a predetermined period of time. In the evaporation chamber 58, this amount of air is enriched with evaporated calibration fluid from the evaporation tray 56. This results in an amount of air enriched with the calibration fluid, which is then, by means of the further module P K 58 is supplied to the catalytic gas sensor 65 as calibration gas for gas production.

[0102] This means that the catalytic gas sensor 65 has a defined calibration gas of defined concentration available for calibration.

[0103] In addition, the control unit 70 or the evaluation unit 73 is able to incorporate special states 700 into the control and coordination of the module P M50 for gas conveyance, the switching or changeover means 88 in the supply of quantities of breathing gas mixture 10 to the gas measuring device 72 to the catalytic gas sensor 65.

[0104] Such situations include, for example, conditions 700 in which it may be assumed that a gas, fluid or gas mixture other than oxygen, nitrogen, moisture or water vapor as well as carbon dioxide may be present in the breathing gas mixture 10.

[0105] Such special situations 700 can serve as a trigger event for the control unit 70 or the evaluation unit 73 to activate the switching means or switching means 88, 89 as well as components of a power supply 86 of the gas measuring device 72 in such a way as to enable the supply of quantities of breathing gas mixture 10 to the catalytic gas sensor 65 and to initiate analysis and metrological determination of the target gas. By means of the switching means or switching means 88, 89, for example, quantities of calibration gas can be supplied, and quantities of breathing gas mixture 10 can be distributed and / or divided as a gas sample between the catalytic gas sensor 65 and a passage or discharge via a connecting line 12 into the environment 5, for example, a cockpit of an aircraft.

[0106] The Fig. 3 shows the monitoring system 100 after the Fig. 1 in combination with an alternative catalytic gas measuring device 72. The catalytic gas measuring device 72 has a catalytic gas sensor 65. The function of the catalytic gas measuring device 72 in measuring mode with the associated functions of data memory 77, data sets 78, conversion factors 79, evaluation unit 73, data interface 46, connecting line 11, gas inlet 53, switching means, switching means 88, output unit 44 results in the same way as for the Fig. 2 described.

[0107] The same elements are found in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0108] In contrast to Fig. 2 is in this Fig. 3, the catalytic gas measuring device 72 is designed with a calibration interface 55 with an alternative embodiment of the evaporation chamber 58. Sealing elements 47 are shown, which are intended to schematically illustrate the gas-tight coupling of the calibration interface 55 to the evaporation chamber 58. The evaporation chamber 58 is designed to accommodate a calibration gas cylinder or a calibration gas bottle 57. The calibration gas bottle 57 can be designed in the form of a cylinder, a cartridge, or a cartridge and can be provided to hold a defined volume of a calibration gas as a calibration fluid in gaseous or liquid form at a pressure level above the ambient pressure. Sealing elements 48 are shown, which are intended to schematically illustrate the gas-tight coupling of the calibration gas bottle 57 to the evaporation chamber 58.

[0109] The Fig. 4 shows the monitoring system 100 after the Fig. 1 in combination with another alternative catalytic gas measuring device 72. The catalytic gas measuring device 72 has a catalytic gas sensor 65.

[0110] The function of the catalytic gas measuring device 72 in the measuring mode with the associated functions of data memory 77, data sets 78, conversion factors 79, evaluation unit 73, data interface 46, connecting line 11, gas inlet 53, switching means, switching means 88, output unit 44 results in the same way as for the Fig. 2. Identical elements are shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and the Fig. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0111] In contrast to Fig. 2 and to Fig. 3 is in this Fig. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the calibration interface 55 on the catalytic gas measuring device 72, which instead of receiving the evaporation chamber 58 ( Fig. 2) is designed to directly accommodate a calibration gas bottle 57.

[0112] The calibration gas cylinder 57 can be designed in the form of a cylinder, a cartridge, or a cartridge, and is intended to hold a defined volume of a calibration gas as a calibration fluid in gaseous or liquid form at a pressure level above ambient pressure. Sealing elements 48 are shown, which are intended to schematically illustrate the gas-tight coupling of the calibration gas cylinder 57 to the calibration interface 55. A supply direction 45 is shown schematically to illustrate the establishment of a direct connection between the calibration interface 55 and the calibration gas cylinder 57.

[0113] In the Fig. 4 shows two further optional design variants of the catalytic measuring device 72 and the calibration interface 55.

[0114] One shows an additional sample gas line 13, through which, if necessary, another sample gas can be supplied to the catalytic gas sensor 65. This allows, for example, a parallel, alternating supply of gas samples from the cockpit and the breathing mask.

[0115] Furthermore, a calibration gas line 14 is shown, which enables a spatially remote connection of an alternative calibration gas cylinder 57' to the calibration interface. Application using a spatially remote calibration gas cylinder 57' with an exemplary length of the calibration gas line 14 of 1.5 to 2.5 meters is advantageous over a direct connection of the calibration gas cylinder 57 in situations where a calibration fluid must be heated or vaporized before use.

[0116] The Fig. 2 to 4 thus show how calibrations can be designed for the catalytic measuring device 72 in a variety of adaptations to the respective boundary conditions (ambient temperature, type of calibration gas, availability of the calibration gas, state of aggregation of the calibration gas / fluid) and situations (aircraft type, outdoor use on the airfield, indoor use in the hangar or in the maintenance hall). LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 5 Surroundings 10, 13 Sample gas line 14 Calibration gas line 11, 12 connecting lines 20 breathing mask 21 Gas connection to breathing mask 24, 25 hose lines 40 controls 44 display elements 45 Feed direction, feed 46 data interfaces 47, 48 Sealing elements 50 first module for gas production, pump P M1 49, 51, 53 Gas inlet 52 Gas outlet 54 Cover element, lid, flap 55 Calibration interface, insert, cassette 56 Evaporation tray 57, 57' calibration gas cylinder, calibration gas bottle 58 Evaporation chamber 59 additional module for gas extraction, blower, pump P K 60 Sensors 65 catalytic gas sensor 66 Gas sensor, paramagnetic oxygen sensor 70 Control unit 72 catalytic gas measuring device 73 Evaluation unit 77 data storage 78 data sets, data sets 79 Conversion factor 86 components of the energy supply 88, 89 Switching devices, valves 99 Person, Pilot, Copilot, Aircraft Commander 100 surveillance system 200 Target gas identification 700 special condition, situation 900 Operation, control and coordination of operations 908 Output signal QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11,033,762 B2

[0003] US 2021 405 008 A2

[0004] EP 2 788 751 B1

[0005] US 11,401,945

[0006] US 2021 405 008 A1 [0007, 0016] DE 10 2023 121 409.8 [0009, 0075] US 20210405008 A1

[0089]

Claims

[1] Monitoring system (100) for monitoring a gas composition of breathing gases or breathing gas mixtures in aircraft, comprising a paramagnetic oxygen sensor (60, 66), a gas transport module (50) and a control unit (70) with an associated catalytic gas measuring device (72) with at least one catalytic gas sensor (65) and an evaluation unit (73), - wherein the control unit (70) is designed to organize, monitor, control or regulate a process of metrological monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air, breathing gases or breathing gas mixtures in aircraft or flying devices and to coordinate the operation of monitoring systems and catalytic gas measuring devices, - where the module P M(50) for gas transport by means of a measuring gas line (10) for supplying quantities of respiratory gas or respiratory gas mixture from a measuring location (20) through a gas inlet (51) on the monitoring system (100) to the paramagnetic oxygen sensor (60, 66) and further to the catalytic gas measuring device (72) with the at least one catalytic gas sensor (65), - wherein the monitoring system (100) with the paramagnetic oxygen sensor (60, 66) and the control unit (70) is designed to carry out a qualitative and a quantitative measurement of a concentration of oxygen in the respiratory gas or respiratory gas mixture, - wherein the catalytic gas measuring device (72) with the at least one catalytic gas sensor (65) and the evaluation unit (73) is designed for a metrological determination of at least one further selected gas or gas mixture as a selected target gas, - wherein the evaluation unit (73) is designed to carry out the metrological determination of a presence of the target gas in the supplied breathing gas or breathing gas mixture, to determine a target gas identifier and to provide it as an output signal which indicates a presence of the selected target gas in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture, - wherein at least one calibration gas interface (55) is arranged on the catalytic gas measuring device (72), wherein the calibration gas interface (55) is designed to provide predetermined quantities of calibration gas to the catalytic gas sensor (65). [2] Catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to claim 1, wherein a data memory (77) is connected to the evaluation unit (73), wherein at least one specific conversion factor for the at least one calibration gas associated with the selected target gas is stored in the data memory (77), wherein the evaluation unit (73) is designed to carry out the determination of a proportion of the selected target gas in the breathing gas or breathing gas mixture by taking into account the specific conversion factor and to carry out a scaling according to the selected target gas and to include it in the determination of the target gas identification. [3] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an evaporation chamber (58) is arranged in or on the calibration interface (55) as a calibration means, wherein the evaporation chamber (58) or the calibration interface (55) is designed to accommodate a calibration gas cylinder (55), wherein the calibration gas cylinder (55) is designed to store quantities of a calibration gas at a pressure level above the ambient pressure (5). [4] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a receptacle for an evaporation chamber (58) is arranged in or on the calibration interface (55), wherein the evaporation chamber (58) is designed to accommodate an evaporation tray (56), wherein the evaporation tray (56) is designed to store quantities of a calibration fluid, wherein in or on the calibration interface (55) or in or on the evaporation chamber (58) a further module P k for gas transport (59), which is designed to transport quantities of calibration gas from the evaporation chamber (58) to the catalytic gas sensor (65). [5] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a data interface (46) is provided on the monitoring system (100) and / or on the catalytic gas measuring device (72), which data interface indicates a provision of information on a target gas, on a calibration gas and / or on the specific conversion factor (79) and enables this to be provided to the catalytic gas measuring device (72). [6] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (70) determines, depending on the target gas identifier provided by the catalytic gas measuring device (72), whether a current health-critical situation for an aircraft pilot (99) exists during operation of the breathing gas supply of the aircraft and, in the event that a health-critical situation for the aircraft pilot (99) currently exists, activates a vibration alarm arranged in or on the monitoring system (100) or a vibration alarm assigned to the monitoring system (100). [7] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein components of the monitoring system and catalytic gas measuring device (72) are connected to one another by means of data interfaces (73) and line connections (76) and the control unit (70) is designed to carry out a coordination of the catalytic gas measuring device (72) and the monitoring system by means of the data interfaces (73) and the line connections (76). [8] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (70) is designed, when carrying out the coordination (900) of monitoring system (100) and catalytic gas measuring device (72): activating switching means or switching means (88, 89) to start the supply of quantities of calibration gas (14) and / or breathing gas (10) to the catalytic gas measuring device (72) or deactivation of switching means or switching means (88, 89) to terminate the supply of quantities of calibration gas (14) and / or breathing gas (10) to the catalytic gas measuring device (72) to execute or Activation of components (88, 89, 59) of the catalytic gas measuring device (72), such as evaluation unit (73), catalytic gas sensor (65), components for energy supply (86) or deactivation of components (88, 89, 59) of the catalytic gas measuring device (72), such as evaluation unit (73), catalytic gas sensor (65), components for energy supply (86) to execute or a connection of the electrical power supply of the monitoring system (100) and / or gas measuring device (72) or individual components of the monitoring system (100) and / or catalytic gas measuring device (72) or to switch off the electrical power supply of the monitoring system (100) and / or gas measuring device (72) or individual components of the monitoring system (100) and / or catalytic gas measuring device (72). [9] Monitoring system (100) as well as catalytic gas measuring device (72) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an input unit (40) is provided on the monitoring system (100) and / or on the catalytic gas measuring device (72), which enables an input or a selection of a selected gas or gas mixture as target gas and / or a calibration gas and / or the specific conversion factor (79). [10] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an output unit (40) is arranged in or on the monitoring system (100) and / or in or on the catalytic gas measuring device (72), or wherein an output unit (40) is assigned to the monitoring system (100) and / or the catalytic gas measuring device (72), which output unit is designed to provide and / or a visual output with respect to the selected target gas and / or the selected calibration gas and / or to output status information with respect to the catalytic gas measuring device (72).

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