Charging device for self-contained breating apparatus console and method of use

Abstract

A charging device for a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) console is presented that comprises a housing including a cavity configured to receive the SCBA console, a power source, a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing to charge the SCBA console and a mounting assembly to mount the charging device onto a surface. The charging assembly is configured to receive power from the power source. The charging assembly is also configured to provide the received power to a battery of the SCBA console when the SCBA consols is proximate the charging assembly.

Description

[0001] CHARGING DEVICE FOR SELF-CONTAINED BREATING APPARATUS CONSOLE AND

[0002] METHOD OF USE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a critical piece of equipment used in industries and applications where hazardous gases, smoke, or lack of oxygen pose a threat to human safety. SCB As provide a continuous supply of breathable air, enabling users to operate in these hazardous environments. They are widely used in firefighting, hazardous material handling, industrial maintenance, mining, and rescue operations. Firefighters rely on SCBAs to protect themselves from smoke, toxic gases, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Workers in chemical plants, refineries, and confined spaces also use SCBAs to safeguard against exposure to hazardous substances and oxygen- depleted environments. SCBAs consist of key components such as a facepiece, harness, air cylinder, regulator, air supply system, and optional communication system. These components work together to deliver breathable air and ensure user safety. SCBAs play a crucial role in enabling workers and responders to operate safely in hazardous conditions, protecting their health and facilitating the execution of critical tasks.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] SCBA systems encompass various components, including SCBA consoles, sensor modules, and communication systems, which often necessitate periodic charging.

[0007] The SCBA console, an integral part of the SCBA system, consists of a pneumatic connection to the high-pressure air cylinder, an electronics connection to the sensor module, a display component, and abattery. Traditionally, the batteries in these SCBA consoles could either be rechargeable, requiring removal for separate charging, or disposable, necessitating replacement with new batteries. However, both approaches present challenges, such as battery wastage or the need to wait for charging or have multiple batteries on hand to avoid delays.

[0008] To address these issues, a solution is proposed: charging the SCBA console batteries while the SCBA is stored. By utilizing an SCBA console charger, the SCBA console batteries can be charged when the SCBA is not in use. This approach saves time and eliminates the need to remove the SCBA console battery for charging. Instead, the batteries can be conveniently charged while the SCBA is stored, ensuring they are ready for use when needed.

[0009] By implementing this solution, the wastage of batteries is minimized, and the inconvenience of waiting for batteries to charge or managing multiple batteries is eliminated. The SCBA console charger provides a practical and efficient method for charging the SCBA console batteries, optimizing the overall functionality and usability of the SCBA system.

[0010] In broad summary, herein is disclosed a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system that includes a backframe configured to support a high-pressure air cylinder, a sensor module mounted to the backframe, and a SCBA console coupled to the SCBA. The SCBA console comprises a pneumatic connection coupled to the high-pressure air cylinder, an electronics connection coupled to the sensor module, a display component, and a battery. A charging device is presented that comprises a housing and a cavity to receive the SCBA console, a power source, a charging assembly, and a mounting assembly.

[0011] These and other aspects will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should this broad summary be construed to limit the claimable subject matter, whether such subject matter is presented in claims in the application as initially filed or in claims that are amended or otherwise presented in prosecution.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary self-contained breathing apparatus system environment in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary self-contained breathing apparatus system in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a charging device for a SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a charging device receiving an SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates different examples of a charging device in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of charging an SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates components of an example SCBA console and an example charging device in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary locations where a charging device could be mounted in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0022] Like reference numbers in the various figures indicate like elements. Some elements may be present in identical or equivalent multiples; in such cases only one or more representative elements may be designated by a reference number but it will be understood that such reference numbers apply to all such identical elements. Unless otherwise indicated, all figures and drawings are not to scale and are chosen for the purpose of illustrating different embodiments of the invention. In particular the dimensions of the various components are depicted in illustrative terms only, and no relationship between the dimensions of the various components should be inferred from the drawings, unless so indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment in which systems and methods herein may be used. FIG. 1 illustrates an example storage arrangement for self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs). Firetrucks often store SCBAs such that a user can easily don the harness straps 102 before standing up. A firetruck seat 101 may have a spring-loaded or other mechanical mechanism that releases in response to force (e.g. a user standing up or pulling away from seat 10). An SCBA, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, includes a pressurized air cylinder 104 mounted to a backframe 106. SCBA systems often include a number of sensors configured to sense signals relevant to the environment, SCBA functionality, or a wearer status (e.g. air pressure sensor, motion sensor, accelerometer, temperature sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, some SCBA sensors are built into a sensor module 108.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary self-contained breathing apparatus system in accordance with embodiments herein. However, it is expressly contemplated that other SCBA configurations may also benefit from systems and methods described herein. SCBA system 200 includes an SCBA with a harness assembly 202 which a firefighter wears during a fire or other hazardous environment. SCBA system 200 also includes a pressurized air cylinder 204 configured to provide an air source to a respirator or mask (not shown) worn by firefighter.

[0025] SCBA system 200 also includes a backframe 220. Backframe 200 is a physical structure to which other components can be mounted, such as pressurized air cylinder 204. There may also be a sensor module 230 coupled to backframe 220.

[0026] SCBA system 200 may also include a device interface 240, which may enable wireless communication. Wireless communication may include communication using any suitable wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to, WiFi™, ZigBee, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth LTE™, radio, or another suitable protocol.

[0027] Embodiments herein provide an SCBA console 210 that interfaces with SCBA system 200, the SCBA console having both a pneumatic connection, for coupling to pressurized air cylinder 204, and an electronics connection that receives sensor signals from the sensor module and couples to a communication component, such as interface 240.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrate an exemplary SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein. As illustrated, in some embodiments an SCBA console is a handheld console, e.g. is sized and shaped to be held by an individual. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example SCBA console 300. SCBA console 300 includes an analog pressure gauge 304 that couples to the air circulation system associated with the pressurized air cylinder 204 using pneumatic connection 312. SCBA console 300 receives sensor signals, e.g. from a sensor module associated with an SCBA system associated with console 300. SCBA console 300, may include a number of digital components as well.

[0029] SCBA console 300 may include a display 306 which may display a number of communicated or sensed information on a display 306. Information for display 306 may come from a sensor module, such as sensor module 230, for example, associated with SCBA console 300, from a sensor module associated with another firefighter, from a separate device using a wireless communication protocol, or another suitable source. Sensed signals or information may be received using an electrical connection 314 to a sensor module of the SCBA.

[0030] The SCBA console may comprise a transmission coil 316, herein referred to as second transmission coil, to enable wireless charging; may comprise metal contacts 318, herein referred to as second metal contacts, to enable contact charging; or may comprise a combination of the second transmission coil 316 and the second metal contacts 318 for both wireless and contact charging of the SCBA battery.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a charging device for a SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein. The charging device 400 comprises a housing 402 comprising a cavity 403, wherein the cavity 403 is configured to receive an SCBA console, such as SCBA console 300, for example. The housing 402 and the cavity 403 may be of any suitable shape capable of receiving the SCBA console.

[0032] The charging device 400 may be powered by any suitable power source such as a wall power or shore power or power from a vehicle. The charging device 400, may have a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing 402 and the cavity 403. The charging assembly may comprise a first transmission coil 406 configured to receive power from the power source and to wirelessly transmit the received power. The first transmission coil 406 is configured to align with a second transmission coil such as second transmission coil 316, for example of the SCBA console and to wirelessly transmit the received power to the second transmission coil to charge the battery of the SCBA console.

[0033] The charging assembly may be housed in a second housing 408 positioned relative to the housing 402 of the charging device, or in another suitable location.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a charging device receiving an SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein. The charging device may receive an SCBA console 500, such as SCBA console 300, for example, within the housing cavity 508 with the help of an alignment mechanism 502. Alignment mechanism 502 may include a spring-loaded mechanism, a sleeve, a magnet, a threading to align the SCBA console within housing cavity 508, or any other suitable alignment mechanism 502. The alignment features 502 may be configured to receive the SCBA console in a charging position, wherein first transmission coil 510 of charging device 500 and a second transmission coil (not shown in FIG. 5) of the SCBA console are aligned to optimally transfer power received from the power source by the first transmission coil 510 of charging device 500 to the second transmission coil of the SCBA console. The second transmission coil of the SCBA console in turn charges the battery of the SCBA console. The alignment mechanism 502 may be configured to receive the SCBA console in a position, wherein the first metal contact 512 on the charging device is aligned with the second metal contacts of the SCBA console to transfer power received from the power source from the charging device to the SCBA console to charge the battery of the SCBA console. The charging device 500 may be mounted on to a surface using a mounting assembly 504, wherein the mounting assembly may be bolt on mount, a magnetic mount or similar mounting options.

[0035] The first transmission coil 510 and the second transmission coil may also be configured to transmit and receive data between the charging device and the SCBA console. The first transmission coil 510 may be configured to transmit power in addition to transmitting and receiving data. The second transmission coil may be configured to receive power in addition to transmitting and receiving data.

[0036] The charging assembly on the charging device may comprise a second set of transmission coils, herein referred to as third transmission coil, to transmit and receive data. The SCBA console may also comprise a second set of transmission coils, herein referred to as fourth transmission coil.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates different examples of a charging device in accordance with embodiments herein. The charging device 610 includes a housing 602 and a cavity 603 that may receive an SCBA console, such as the SCBA console 300 for example. The charging device 610 may have a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing 602 comprising physical contacts such as first metal contacts 608, configured to receive power from a suitable power source. The first metal contact 608 is configured to align with second metal contacts (not shown in FIG. 6) on the SCBA console to physically (contact) charge a battery of the SCBA console.

[0038] The charging device 620 includes a housing 622 and a cavity 623 that may receive an SCBA console, such as SCBA console 300 for example. The charging device 620 may have a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing 622 that may comprise a combination of a first transmission coil (not shown in FIG. 6) and a first metal contacts 628, configured to receive power from a suitable power source. The first transmission coil is configured to align with a second transmission coil on the SCBA console and to wirelessly transmit the received power to the second transmission coil (not shown in FIG. 6B) to wirelessly charge the battery of the SCBA console, as indicated by wireless charging field 626. The first metal contact 628 is configured to align with a second metal contacts on the SCBA console to physically (contact) charge a battery of the SCBA console. The first transmission coil 626 and the first metal contact 628 are configured to align with the second transmission coil of the SCBA and the second metal contacts of the SCBA respectively to wirelessly charge and physically (contact) charge the battery of the SCBA console. The charging assembly, at least in part is housed in a second housing 630 positioned relative to the housing 622 of the charging device, or in another suitable location. FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of charging an SCBA console in accordance with embodiments herein. Method 700 may be used to wirelessly charge SCBA console models such as SCBA console 300, for example illustrated in FIGS. 3 A or other suitable SCBA console configurations.

[0039] At block 710 the SCBA console battery is coupled to a power source. In accordance with embodiments herein, an SCBA battery is coupled to a power source while still coupled to the SCBA, as indicated in block 712. In some embodiments, a SCBA console is removed from the SCBA and charged separately, as indicated in block 714. Other suitable charging arrangements are also possible, as indicated in block 716.

[0040] At block 720, one or more transmission coils associated with an SCB A console, such as SCBA console 300, for example are aligned with corresponding transmission coils associated with a charging device, such as charging device 400, for example. It is preferred that a transmission coil of the SCBA console are aligned with a transmission coil of the charging device. Therefore, a position and / or alignment feature may be provided to ensure a preferred position and / or orientation is achieved and maintained during charging. For example, a magnet may be used to align and maintain alignment of a battery transmission coil with a corresponding power source transmission coil during charging, as indicated in block 722. In some embodiments, a mechanical alignment feature may be used, as indicated in block 724, such as the protrusion / aperture described in FIGS. 3A-3D, for example. In some embodiments, a mechanical “lock” may be used to ensure alignment, such as a 90° turn. It is expressly contemplated that other partial or complete turns (e.g., 360° or more) may be used as a “lock.” Other position / orientation mechanisms are also envisioned. For example, a magnet may be used in conjunction with a partial or complete rotation of an alignment feature.

[0041] At block 730, the battery undergoes a wireless charging procedure. Charging may entail directly charging the battery, as indicated in block 732, such that the battery in the battery compartment is directly coupled to the transmission coils, and such that power flows from the power source to the battery directly. In some embodiments, recharging may entail indirectly charging the battery, as indicated in block 734. For example, the charging device may charge the SCBA console directly, which then charges the battery. Indirect charging may be preferred in some situations as directly charging a battery may cause unwanted heat to accumulate.

[0042] As used herein, wireless charging may refer to any power transfer operation that recharges a battery without the use of physical contact between corresponding transmission coils. Some example charging mechanisms include, but are not limited to: magnetic resonance charging, magnetic inductive charging, including near-field magnetic induction charging, uncoupled radio frequency wireless charging, radiative electromagnetic resonant charging and / or tightly coupled electromagnetic inductive charging. The battery and / or sensor module may physically touch a power source in embodiments herein, but a transmission coil associated with the battery does not contact a transmission coil associated with the power source.

[0043] At block 740, in some embodiments, data is transferred from the SCBA console to a charging device, such as a data log file from the SCBA, as indicated in block 742, from the charging device to the SCBA console, as indicated in block 742, or both. Configuration changes, firmware updates or new sensor settings may be communicated to the SCBA console, for the example. Sensor signals relevant to SCBA function may be communicated to a computing device associated with the charging device. In some embodiments, the charging device includes at least two transmission coils, a first charges the SCB A console while the second may be used to transfer data to a sensor associated with the SCB A console or the SCB A. The SCB A console includes at least two transmission coils, a first charges the SCBA console battery while the second may be used to transfer data to a computing device associated with the charging device. Each of the two transmission coils, in some embodiments, can serve as either the power transfer coil or the data transfer coil. In some embodiments more transmission coils are present, e.g., such that a recharging operation goes faster, so more data can be transferred, or both. However, it is expressly contemplated that the charging device may have more than two transmission coils in some embodiments herein.

[0044] In some embodiments, the charging device includes a set of metal contacts, that charges the SCBA console and transfers data to a sensor associated with the SCBA console or the SCBA. The SCBA console includes at least a set of metal contacts that charges the SCBA console battery and transfers data to a computing device associated with the charging device. In some embodiments more sets of metal contacts are present, e.g., such that a recharging operation goes faster, so more data can be transferred, or both.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates components of an example SCBA console and an example charging device in accordance with embodiments herein. A SCBA console 800 includes one or more sensors 802 powered by a battery 806. As used herein, the term “battery” is intended to include embodiments using a single battery, a battery pack, or other rechargeable power source. SCBA console 800 may also include, or be communicably coupled to, a datastore 804 that stores, for example, sensor signals from sensors 802. Datastore 804 may also store an identifier for SCBA console 800. Datastore 804 may also include other information.

[0046] The charging device 850 is configured to communicably couple to SCBA console 800 such that power and / or data may transfer therebetween. Charging device 850 may have, or be coupled to, a datastore 852. Datastore 852 may include configurations for one or more sensors 802, firmware updates for one or more sensors 802 and / or SCBA console 800, or other information.

[0047] A transmission coil 820 of the SCBA console 800 is configured to align with transmission coil 870 of charging device 850. A first alignment mechanism 810 may help maintain alignment between transmission coils 820, 830. In some embodiments, first alignment mechanism 610 couples to, or contacts, second alignment mechanism 860. In some embodiments, one of first and second alignment mechanisms 810, 860 is a protrusion and the other alignment mechanism is an aperture. In some embodiments, one of first and second alignment mechanisms 810, 860 is rotatable such that a proper position and / or orientation is achieved when one of first and second alignment mechanisms is rotated with respect to the other.

[0048] While a single pair of transmission coils 820, 870 are illustrated, it is expressly contemplated that an additional pair of transmission coils may be present. Additionally, while transmission coil 820 is illustrated as having separate functionality than data transmission coil 830, it is expressly contemplated that, in some embodiments, a transmission coil may serve as either a data transmission coil or a power transmission coil. In some embodiments, a first pair of transmission coils (e.g. 820, 870) is used for charging based on a detected better orientation between coils 820 and 870 than between coils 830, 880. Multiple transmission coil pairs may help to ensure that charging of the SCBA console 800 is possible if a correct position and / or alignment is not achieved.

[0049] Transmission coil 820 may couple to recharging circuitry of battery 806 directly in some embodiments. However, such an arrangement may generate unwanted heat. In some embodiments, transmission coil 820 couples to recharging circuitry of the SCBA console 800, which then recharges battery 806.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary locations where a charging device could be mounted in accordance with embodiments herein. The charging device may be mounted at a position on a seat within a firetruck as shown in Fig. 9 which may be a front mount 902, a side mount 904, a side mount positioned below a seat belt 906, an inside mount to avoid the seat belt 908 or any other favorable position on the seat. The charging device may be mounted at any position on a wall, vehicle body or any surface capable of receiving the charging device. However, other suitable mounting positions are expressly contemplated.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific exemplary embodiments, elements, structures, features, details, arrangements, configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified and / or combined in numerous ways. In summary, numerous variations and combinations are contemplated as being within the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof), are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language (e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives thereof). Although various theories and possible mechanisms may have been discussed herein, in no event should such discussions serve to limit the claimable subject matter. To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document that is incorporated by reference herein but to which no priority is claimed, this specification as written will control.

[0052] A charging device for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) console is presented that includes a housing including a cavity configured to receive the SCBA console, a power source, a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing to charge the SCBA console and a mounting assembly to mount the charging device onto a surface. The charging assembly is configured to receive power from the power source. The charging assembly is also configured to provide the received power to a battery of the SCBA console when the SCBA consols is proximate the charging assembly.

[0053] The charging device may be implemented such that the charging device includes an alignment feature.

[0054] The charging device may be implemented such that the alignment feature includes a spring- loaded mechanism.

[0055] The charging device may be implemented such that the alignment feature includes a sleeve.

[0056] The charging device may be implemented such that the alignment feature includes a magnet.

[0057] The charging device may be implemented such that the alignment feature includes a threading.

[0058] The charging device may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes a first transmission coil configured to wireless provide the received power from the power source.

[0059] The charging device may be implemented such that the first transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a second transmission coil of the SCBA console, charge the rechargeable console.

[0060] The charging device may be implemented such that the first transmission coil, when aligned with the second transmission coil of the SCBA console, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

[0061] The charging device may be implemented such that the second transmission coil, when aligned with the first transmission coil of the charging device, is configured to transmit and receive data between the charging device and the SCBA console.

[0062] The charging device may be implemented such that the charging device includes a third transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a fourth transmission coil of the SCBA console, transmit data between the SCBA console and the device.

[0063] The charging device may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes metal contacts.

[0064] The charging device may be implemented such that the metal contacts configured to, when aligned with a second metal contacts of the SCBA console, charge the rechargeable console.

[0065] The charging device may be implemented such that the mounting assembly includes a bolt on mount.

[0066] The charging device may be implemented such that the mounting assembly includes a magnetic mount.

[0067] The charging device may be implemented such that the surface includes a wall, vehicle body or any surface capable of receiving the charging device.

[0068] An SCBA console configured to couple to an SCBA is presented that includes a pneumatic connection coupled to a pressurized air cylinder, an electronics connection coupled to a sensor module, a display component, a battery, and a wireless charging assembly. The SCBA console is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor module using the electronics connection, wherein a pressure of the pressurized air cylinder is measured using the pneumatics connection, wherein a charging device is configured to receive the SCBA console and provide power to the SCBA console by coupling to the wireless charging assembly. The SCBA console is intrinsically safe.

[0069] The SCBA console may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes a second transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a first transmission coil of the charging device, wirelessly receive power from the charging device.

[0070] The SCBA console may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes metal contacts configured to, when aligned with a first metal contacts of the charging device, receive power from the charging device.

[0071] The SCBA console may be implemented such that the second transmission coil, when aligned with the first transmission coil of the charging device, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

[0072] The SCBA console may be implemented such that the first transmission coil, when aligned with the second transmission coil of the SCBA console, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

[0073] The SCBA console may be implemented such that the SCBA console includes a fourth transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a third transmission coil of the charging device, transmit data between the SCBA console and the device.

[0074] A method of charging an SCBA console is presented, the method includes coupling the SCBA console to a charging device, the charging device comprising a charging device transmission cable configured to receive power from a power source, wherein coupling includes the SCBA console in physical proximity to the power source, aligning the SCBA console in an alignment position, wherein the alignment position includes a SCBA console transmission cable aligned with the charging device transmission cable, and charging the SCBA console, wherein charging includes the SCBA console receiving power through the SCBA consol transmission cable.

[0075] The method may be implemented such that wirelessly charging the SCBA console includes the transmission cable receiving power from the charging device transmission cable. Wirelessly charging may include a physical space between the transmission cable and the charging device cable.

[0076] The method may be implemented such that the wirelessly charging includes: magnetic resonance charging, magnetic inductive charging, uncoupled radio frequency wireless charging, radiative electromagnetic resonant charging and or tightly coupled electromagnetic inductive charging.

[0077] The method may be implemented such that charging includes the transmission cable and the charging device transmission cable physically in contact.

[0078] The method may be implemented such that the SCBA console includes a battery within the console. The method may be implemented such that the SCBA console includes a second component transmission cable. Aligning may include aligning the second SCBA transmission cable with a second charging device transmission cable.

[0079] The method may be implemented such that method further includes: transferring data between the SCBA console and the charging device, using the second SCBA transmission cable.

[0080] A system is presented that includes a SCBA. The SCBA includes a back frame configured to support a pressurized air cylinder, a sensor module mounted to the back frame; and a SCBA console coupled to the SCBA. The SCBA console includes a pneumatic connection coupled to the pressurized air cylinder, an electronics connection coupled to the sensor module, a display component, a battery, and an SCBA console charging assembly configured to charge the battery. The SCBA console is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor module using the electronics connection, wherein a pressure of the high-pressure air cylinder is measured using the pneumatics connection, wherein a charging device is configured to receive the SCBA console, and wherein the SCBA console is intrinsically safe. The system includes an SCBA charging device that includes a housing comprising a cavity configured to receive the SCBA console, a power source, a mounting assembly to mount the charging device onto a surface, and a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing to charge the SCBA console, the charging assembly being configured to receive power from a power source, the charging assembly also being configured to provide the received power to the SCBA console charging assembly when the SCBA console is proximate the charging assembly.

[0081] The system may be implemented such that the charging device is intrinsically safe. In some embodiments, "Intrinsically safe" refers to equipment and circuitry designed so that it cannot release sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal conditions to ignite a hazardous or explosive atmosphere. Such equipment incorporates internal safeguards — like current-, voltage-, and temperature-limiting measures — to ensure that even in the event of a fault, the energy released remains below ignition-causing thresholds.

[0082] The system may be implemented such that the SCBA console is a handheld console.

[0083] The system may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes a second transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a first transmission coil of the charging device, wirelessly receive power from the charging device.

[0084] The system may be implemented such that the charging assembly includes metal contacts configured to, when aligned with a first metal contacts of the charging device, receive power from the charging device.

[0085] The system may be implemented such that the second transmission coil, when aligned with the first transmission coil of the charging device, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device. The system may be implemented such that the first transmission coil, when aligned with the second transmission coil of the SCBA console, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

[0086] The system may be implemented such that the SCBA console includes a fourth transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a third transmission coil of the charging device, transmit data between the SCBA console and the device.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A charging device for a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCB A) console comprising: a housing comprising a cavity configured to receive the SCBA console; a power source; a charging assembly positioned relative to the housing to charge the SCBA console, the charging assembly being configured to receive power from the power source, the charging assembly also being configured to provide the received power to a battery of the SCBA console when the SCBA consols is proximate the charging assembly; and a mounting assembly to mount the charging device onto a surface.

2. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the charging device further comprises an alignment feature.

3. The charging device of claim 2, wherein the alignment feature comprises spring loaded mechanism.

4. The charging device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging assembly comprises a first transmission coil configured to wireless provide the received power from the power source.

5. The charging device of claim 4, wherein the first transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a second transmission coil of the SCBA console, charge the rechargeable console.

6. The charging device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first transmission coil, when aligned with the second transmission coil of the SCBA console, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

7. The charging device of claim 6, wherein the second transmission coil, when aligned with the first transmission coil of the charging device, is configured to transmit and receive data between the charging device and the SCBA console.

8. The charging device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device comprises a third transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a fourth transmission coil of the SCBA console, transmit data between the SCBA console and the device.

9. The charging device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging assembly comprises metal contacts, wherein the metal contacts configured to, when aligned with a second metal contacts of the SCBA console, charge the rechargeable console.

10. An SCBA console configured to couple to an SCBA comprising: a pneumatic connection coupled to a pressurized air cylinder;an electronics connection coupled to a sensor module; a display component; a battery; and a wireless charging assembly, wherein the SCBA console is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor module using the electronics connection, wherein a pressure of the pressurized air cylinder is measured using the pneumatics connection, wherein a charging device is configured to receive the SCBA console and provide power to the SCBA console by coupling to the wireless charging assembly, and wherein the SCBA console is intrinsically safe.

11. The SCBA console of claim 10, wherein the charging assembly comprises a second transmission coil configured to, when aligned with a first transmission coil of the charging device, wirelessly receive power from the charging device.

12. The SCBA console of claim 10 or 11, wherein the charging assembly comprises metal contacts configured to, when aligned with a first metal contacts of the charging device, receive power from the charging device.

13. The SCBA console of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second transmission coil, when aligned with the first transmission coil of the charging device, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

14. The SCBA console of any of claims 11-13, wherein the first transmission coil, when aligned with the second transmission coil of the SCBA console, is configured to transmit and receive data between the SCBA console and the charging device.

15. A method of charging an SCBA console, the method comprising: coupling the SCBA console to a charging device, the charging device comprising a charging device transmission cable configured to receive power from a power source, wherein coupling comprises the SCBA console in physical proximity to the power source; aligning the SCBA console in an alignment position, wherein the alignment position comprises a SCBA console transmission cable aligned with the charging device transmission cable; and charging the SCBA console, wherein charging comprises the SCBA console receiving power through the SCBA consol transmission cable.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein wirelessly charging the SCBA console comprises the transmission cable receiving power from the charging device transmission cable, and whereinwirelessly charging comprises a physically space between the transmission cable and the charging device cable.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein wirelessly charging comprises: magnetic resonance charging, magnetic inductive charging, uncoupled radio frequency wireless charging, radiative electromagnetic resonant charging and or tightly coupled electromagnetic inductive charging.

18. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein charging comprises the transmission cable and the charging device transmission cable physically in contact.

19. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the SCBA console comprises a battery within the console.

20. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the SCBA console comprises a second component transmission cable, and wherein aligning also comprises aligning the second SCBA transmission cable with a second charging device transmission cable.

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