Avalanche self-rescue breathing apparatus

Abstract

The present technical solution relates generally to the field of respiratory protection and breathing support for victims buried in a snow slide, and more particularly to avalanche self-rescue breathing apparatuses. The technical result includes increasing the autonomous working time of the technical equipment, permitting the breathing of atmospheric air, warming the victim, and more reliably protecting the airways. The present avalanche self-rescue breathing apparatus comprises: a body having a ventilation aperture and further having apertures for an autonomous breathing circuit, to which are mounted air tubes connected to containers containing chemical substances that provide for the regeneration of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide; a triggering shell designed to be capable of closing the ventilation aperture in the event of an emergency; and a locking mechanism designed to be capable of hermetically sealing off the area of the ventilation aperture in the event of a mechanical action on the triggering shell.

Description

AVALANCHE SELF-RESCUER AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This technical solution generally relates to the field of respiratory protection and breathing support for victims under avalanches, and in particular to avalanche self-rescuers. LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] People caught in an avalanche can die from severe injuries during the avalanche flow and from impacts with trees, rocks, and uneven terrain. However, in most cases, death occurs from suffocation. The snow mass blocks the airway and compresses the victim's chest. When the avalanche flow stops, the snow mass accumulates so densely that the person becomes helpless and cannot move their arms or legs. The only chance of saving the life of a person caught in an avalanche is rapid and properly organized rescue operations. The chances of survival for a person buried by an avalanche decrease rapidly as the time until their recovery increases. Research has documented cases of people buried by an avalanche surviving and being exhumed three or more days later, but these are exceptional.The main causes of suffocation are: 1) carbon dioxide poisoning, a byproduct of human activity, the removal of which is impeded by the snow mass surrounding the victim. A critical concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, causing rapid loss of performance and deterioration of a person's condition, is considered to be 6%, but hypercapnia can develop at lower concentrations. 2) oxygen starvation, a decrease in the oxygen concentration in the air from the normal 21% to 8% is critical for human life. In this regard, various devices known from the prior art are known as self-rescuers.

[0003] Currently, the state-of-the-art device features a compressed gas supply, a carbon dioxide purifier, and spring-loaded valves on the vest. This design has several significant drawbacks: it requires an oxygen cylinder and a breathing bag. Furthermore, activation is not automatic; all versions of the device require operator intervention. A mouthpiece serves as a mask, and it can be torn off by snow.

[0004] In general, various designs of devices for providing breathing in case of being caught in avalanches are known.

[0005] Thus, from American patent No. 4,365,628 “Avalanche survival vest” a breathing apparatus with a carbon dioxide absorber, a high-pressure oxygen cylinder, a mouthpiece and a breathing bag is known.

[0006] In document 5,490,501, the breathing device provides breathing with air contained in an air pocket without absorbing carbon dioxide. Inhaled air is collected in a zone away from the exhalation zone, thereby reducing the rate of carbon dioxide accumulation in the breathing circuit.

[0007] Publication WO 2017 / 077 074 A1 discloses an avalanche protection device having a breathing system with a valve device for supplying breathing air from the inhalation region and a valve device for releasing breathing air into the exhalation region.

[0008] CN206107521 is a known semi-closed breathing apparatus where the oxygen generator is connected to an upper carbon dioxide absorber.

[0009] Document US5036841 discloses a closed-circuit breathing apparatus comprising, among other things, a breathing reservoir, a carbon dioxide absorber, and a source of compressed breathing gas comprising oxygen at approximately 20% by volume.

[0010] Document US 11,583,710 presents a device that provides active circulation of air in an air pocket by means of an electric motor, with air intake at a location away from the respiratory tract.

[0011] However, they all have the following disadvantages: • there is no automatic system activation function; • the function of protecting the respiratory tract from snow mass is excluded; • if there is an oxygen cylinder, such a device is dangerous due to the possibility of some materials igniting upon contact with oxygen under pressure; • have a short operating time to provide protective action; • if there is a breathing bag, there is a high probability of compression of this breathing bag, which leads to the inability to provide a protective effect. ESSENCE OF THE TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] This technical solution is aimed at eliminating the shortcomings inherent in existing solutions.

[0013] Thus, the technical challenge or technical problem addressed by this solution is the creation of a self-contained breathing apparatus for avalanche victims who are buried under snow. This apparatus is safe, lightweight, and features automatic activation, protection of the airways from snow blockage, carbon dioxide absorption, oxygenation of the breathing air, and warming of the victim. The technical result achieved by solving this problem is increased battery life, the ability to breathe atmospheric air, warm the victim, and improved respiratory protection.

[0014] The said technical result is achieved by implementing an avalanche self-rescuer, which has a housing with a ventilation hole and openings of an autonomous breathing circuit, on which air ducts are installed, which are connected to containers with chemical substances that ensure the regeneration of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide, a descent frame made with the ability to close the ventilation hole in the event in the event of an emergency, and a locking mechanism designed to close the ventilation opening area to ensure tightness in the event of a mechanical impact on the trigger frame.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air duct is equipped with 5 an absorbent substance that, when in contact with exhaled air, absorbs carbon dioxide and releases heat

[0016] In some embodiments, a regenerative substance is installed in the air duct.

[0017] In some embodiments, the absorbent material is lithium hydroxide.

[0018] In some embodiments, the regenerative agent is potassium superoxide.

[0019] In some embodiments, the trigger frame is made of mesh or breathable material. 5

[0020] In some embodiments, the air ducts are secured to the person.

[0021] In some embodiments, hydrophobic membranes are installed on the air duct breathing valves, preventing melt water from entering the interior of the cartridges.

[0022] The essential features of a utility model are in a causal relationship with the achieved result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The features and advantages of this technical solution will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows the main components of the device (version with two cartridges).

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment with one cartridge - a pendulum gas exchange scheme.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a ring diagram of gas exchange.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a pendulum diagram of gas exchange.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows the shut-off mechanism on the ventilation opening in the open position, breathing is carried out with atmospheric air.

[0029] Fig. 6 shows the shut-off mechanism on the ventilation opening in the closed position, breathing is carried out through the air ducts through 5 cartridges.

[0030] Fig. 7 shows a cartridge: 6 - cartridge body, 8 - one-way breathing valve, 10 - regenerative or absorbent substance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNICAL SOLUTION 0

[0031] Below we will examine in detail the terms and their definitions used in the description of the technical solution, as well as the design of the device.

[0032] The device is designed as a permanently worn mask that fits snugly on the wearer's face. It can be secured to the head using an elastic element with hooks at the edges. The supporting frame has openings to adjust the elastic element's tension. In some embodiments, belt loops with buckles are attached to the outer frame at the level of the side openings. The ends of the outer headband strap are inserted into these buckles. The buckles allow the strap's length to be adjusted manually.

[0033] The mask design consists of a housing (1), shown in Fig. 1, with a ventilation hole and openings of the autonomous breathing circuit, as well as a locking mechanism (2) and a trigger frame (3). The housing is a supporting element on which other parts of the self-rescuer are fixed. In some embodiments, the housing of the device can be made of metal and / or composite material, polymer material. It is advisable that the device be equipped with a heat-insulating layer and / or heat-insulating elements. Air ducts (4) and (5) are installed on the openings of the autonomous breathing circuit, which are connected to containers with chemical substances (6, 7) (hereinafter referred to as cartridges), providing oxygen regeneration and Carbon dioxide absorption. The cartridge can be made, for example, as a cylinder made of a polymer material.

[0034] A shut-off mechanism (2) is installed on the ventilation opening. In the event of mechanical action on the trigger frame (3), it closes the ventilation opening, making it airtight. The ventilation opening can be made of a solid material (e.g., plastic) and has inlet and outlet openings through which incoming air passes and exhaust air is expelled.

[0035] Without any action on the trigger frame, the ventilation hole remains in the open position, which ensures free breathing of atmospheric air and does not interfere with the person’s communication with others.

[0036] In the event of an emergency, upon impact with the mask (for example, impact with a snow mass), the trigger frame (3) is pressed, causing the trigger mechanism to operate and the ventilation opening to close. Emergency situations may include, but are not limited to, being caught in an avalanche, being buried in snow, falling into snow due to loss of balance, and so on.

[0037] In some embodiments, if a person loses consciousness, an oxygen-generating cartridge may be automatically activated. This cartridge may contain a solid oxygen source and at least one filter, which may be chemical. The solid oxygen source may be made from alkali metal chlorates or perchlorates. Preferably, the solid oxygen source is based on sodium chlorate, cobalt oxide, and barium peroxide. This cartridge may be activated automatically by an oxygen level sensor located within the housing.

[0038] When the mask is sealed, a person breathes through an autonomous circuit (in a circular or pendulum pattern as shown in Fig. 5, 6).

[0039] In some embodiments, the device may include a communication sensor and a microphone for transmitting a signal, automatically or by audio communication, in the event of an emergency.

[0040] The first embodiment will be described in detail below: a ring circuit with regeneration and absorption (Fig. 3).

[0041] When exhaling through the tubular connection (4), gas (e.g., air) from the sub-mask space enters the cartridge (6), which contains a regenerative substance. The sub-mask space is the sealed space between the wearer's face and the mask body, defined by the obturator (the edge of the mask) that fits snugly against the wearer's face. Alkali metal superoxides, such as potassium superoxide, can be used as an example of a regenerative substance. Upon contact with exhaled air, the regenerative substance absorbs carbon dioxide, releasing additional oxygen and heat during this reaction.It is known that one of the challenges in operating self-contained breathing apparatus is maintaining the granulometric composition (granularity) of the regenerative product within specified limits. These limits determine the device's key performance characteristics: heat and mass transfer conditions in the regenerative product, the efficiency of its use, and breathing resistance, which is addressed in this technical solution. The amount of heat released may depend on the breathing rate, the humidity of exhaled air, the mass of the regenerative product itself, and the design. The air exiting the cartridge can have a temperature of 45 to 80 degrees Celsius. This reduces the likelihood of hypothermia, a cause of mortality, and ensures the operator remains warm while awaiting help.

[0042] The gas-air mixture then passes from cartridge (6) into the airspace near the person (the air pocket). Exhalation valves are designed to release the person's exhaled air into the airspace during exhalation and to prevent unfiltered air from entering the mouth and nose during inhalation.

[0043] The valve bodies are made of hard plastic, the valve membranes are made of elastic polymer material. To implement To ensure gas circulation in only one direction, an exhalation valve (8) is installed on the cartridge. An air pocket is the space between the victim's body and the snow mass filled with air. For example, any fold in clothing that creates additional volume not filled with snow functions as an air pocket.

[0044] Upon inhalation, gas from the air pocket enters the cartridge (7), which contains an absorbent substance, such as lithium hydroxide, which further removes carbon dioxide. The purified gas enters the sub-mask space through the nozzle (5), and the wearer inhales air purified from carbon dioxide and enriched with oxygen.

[0045] To ensure gas circulation in only one direction, an exhalation valve (9) is installed on the cartridge (7).

[0046] The second implementation option will be discussed in detail below: a ring circuit with absorption.

[0047] When exhaling through the nozzle (4), gas from the under-mask space enters the cartridge (6), which contains an absorbent material. Upon contact with exhaled air, the absorbent material absorbs carbon dioxide and releases heat. This reduces the risk of hypothermia, a leading cause of death, and ensures the operator remains warm while awaiting help.

[0048] Next, the gas from the cartridge (6) enters the airspace near the person (air pocket). To ensure gas circulation in only one direction, an exhalation valve (8) is installed on the cartridge.

[0049] Upon inhalation, gas from the air pocket enters the cartridge (7), which also contains an absorbent material that further removes carbon dioxide. The purified gas enters the sub-mask space through the nozzle (5), and the user inhales a mixture of carbon dioxide and air.

[0050] To ensure gas circulation in only one direction, an exhalation valve (9) is installed on the cartridge (7).

[0051] Next, the third implementation option will be described in detail: a pendulum circuit with oxygen regeneration (see Fig. 2, 4).

[0052] When exhaling through the nozzle (4), gas from the under-mask space enters the cartridge (6), which contains a regenerative substance (e.g., alkali metal superoxides). Upon contact with exhaled air, the regenerative substance absorbs carbon dioxide, releasing additional oxygen and heat.

[0053] The cartridge does not have a bypass valve (inhalation and / or exhalation valve) and gas flows from the cartridge into the air pocket.

[0054] When inhaling, gas from the air pocket enters the cartridge (6), and then through the pipe (4) into the sub-mask space.

[0055] In some embodiments, instead of a regenerative substance, an absorbent substance is installed in the cartridge (6).

[0056] Unlike self-rescuers, self-contained breathing apparatus, and rebreathers, this design lacks a breathing bag. The air pocket surrounding the victim serves as the breathing bag.

[0057] The system becomes a quasi-whip system, meaning breathing is provided by the gas mixture surrounding the person in the air pocket beneath the snow surface. Since snow has varying conditions, it can, under certain conditions, have a gas permeability, specifically oxygen permeability. This allows for a higher oxygen supply, as breathing utilizes not only the gas present in the system itself, but the entire volume of gas in the air pocket. Also, refusing to use a breathing bag eliminates the problem of squeezing the victim and, accordingly, the breathing bag, if there was one.

[0058] In case of accidental activation of the mask closing mechanism, its opening is ensured by acting on the locking mechanism (2).

[0059] A trigger frame (3), made of mesh or any breathable material, covers the ventilation opening (2) but does not significantly impede breathing due to its breathability. In some embodiments, this may be a frame with a breathable fabric stretched over it.

[0060] Ammunition can be secured to a person's chest, either externally, above clothing, or internally, under a jacket. Ammunition can also be stored in a backpack or elsewhere. Ammunition can be attached using a suspension system, like a backpack, or attached to the backpack's straps with straps. Ammunition can also be simply stowed separately in the jacket's internal or external pockets.

[0061] To ensure safety, hydrophobic membranes are installed on the breathing valves, preventing melt water from entering the interior of the cartridges.

[0062] In some implementations, valves may not be used. Valves are required to separate the airflow into inhalation and exhalation, but with a pendulum-type airflow system, this separation is not required.

[0063] Instead of cartridges, a system similar to AVALunng Pat. # 5,490,501 is installed. This eliminates the disadvantage of the lack of automatic activation of the mouthpiece, which must be inserted into the mouth and held with the teeth before entering an avalanche. The inhalation and exhalation ports are separated as far as possible (for example, exhalation at the chest, inhalation in the backpack, or exhalation directly behind the mask, even without an airway, inhalation at the chest or in the backpack). This ensures that inhalation is carried out with air from an area with a minimal carbon dioxide concentration, which in turn increases the victim's survival time.

[0064] The connection between the face mask and the filter cartridge should preferably be sealed to prevent snow from getting inside the mask. Once the filter is connected to the mask, the user can breathe purified air passing through the filter cartridge.

[0065] An activated carbon filter can be placed between cartridges (6) and (7). Alternatively, a multi-stage filter can be placed between the cartridges. Specifically, in addition to the activated carbon filter, a desiccant can be used to absorb moisture in the air and a substance that catalytically converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Although filters of varying strengths can be used within the present solution, In terms of design, filters designed to purify air with high carbon monoxide content, i.e., filters containing hopcalite and silica gel, are preferred. The filter cartridge of such a filter can be housed in a more compact, disk-shaped housing.

[0066] The elements of the proposed technical solution are functionally interconnected, and their combined use leads to the creation of a new and unique technical solution. Thus, all blocks are functionally interconnected.

[0067] A fairly detailed examination of specific implementation options for the technical solution does not limit the scope in any way. Essentially, the solution allows for various modifications to the options described above, obvious to specialists in the field. However, all these variations and modifications must remain within the framework of the basic concept of the device as outlined in the formula below.

Claims

CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. An avalanche self-rescuer, comprising a housing with a ventilation opening and openings for an autonomous breathing circuit, on which air ducts are installed that are connected to containers with chemicals that ensure the regeneration of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide, • a trigger frame designed to close the ventilation opening in the event of an emergency, and • a locking mechanism designed to close the ventilation opening area to ensure tightness in the event of mechanical impact on the trigger frame.

2. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that an absorbent substance is installed in the air duct, which, upon contact with exhaled air, absorbs carbon dioxide and releases heat.

3. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a regenerative substance is installed in the air duct.

4. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the absorbent substance is lithium hydroxide.

5. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the regenerative substance is potassium superoxide.

6. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the descent frame is made of mesh or breathable material.

7. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the air ducts are attached to the person.

8. An avalanche self-rescuer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that hydrophobic membranes are installed on the breathing valves of the air ducts, preventing melt water from entering the internal space of the cartridges.

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