Adjustable Low Pressure Warning Device for Encapsulated Suits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Encapsulated protective suits require adjustable low pressure warning devices to maintain a positive pressure differential, but existing devices are not adjustable after assembly, leading to significant inventory costs for manufacturers due to the need for multiple calibrated devices for different environments and suits.

Innovation Solution

A low pressure warning device with an adjustable indication threshold, featuring a piston and spring mechanism within a tubular component structure, allowing the user to adjust the threshold by moving the tubular components relative to each other, enabling the same device to indicate low pressure differential conditions at different thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing low pressure warning devices are made with fixed calibration thresholds, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration thresholdVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an adjustable stop mechanism that can be moved to different positions along the piston rod, transforming the fixed calibration into a dynamic, user-adjustable system. This allows the same device to be calibrated for different pressure thresholds depending on the environmental conditions and suit requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the calibration parameter from a fixed manufacturing specification to an adjustable field parameter. By allowing users to modify the stop position, the device enables parameter changes after manufacturing, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple calibrated devices are produced for different environments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure threshold indicationVSAvoidinventory variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to perform multiple calibration functions within a single unit. By incorporating an adjustable stop mechanism, one device can serve the function of multiple previously required calibrated devices, allowing users to adjust the pressure threshold indication to match different environmental conditions and suit requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable stop transforms a static, single-function device into a dynamic, multi-functional instrument. The same physical device can be configured for different pressure thresholds, eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce and manage inventories of multiple calibrated device variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable components are added to the device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration adjustabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct, simple components: a piston rod, an adjustable stop, and a spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The stop can be independently adjusted without affecting other parts of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces minimal dynamic elements (the adjustable stop and spring mechanism) to achieve adaptability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple. The spring provides automatic reset functionality, reducing the need for complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the same low pressure warning device to be calibrated for various environments and suits, reducing inventory costs and improving operational efficiency by allowing users to adjust the air flow based on real-time pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a spring located inside the device and configured to bias the piston to a position based on a position of the adjustable stop and based on a pressure differential between the first opening and the second opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2653194B1Adjustable low pressure warning device
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2653194B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2653194B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2653194B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

A low pressure warning device that comprises a piston located inside the device, where the piston partitions the device into a first chamber communicating with a first opening and a second chamber communicating with a second opening, an adjustable stop, and a spring located inside the device and configured to bias the piston to a position based on a position of the adjustable stop and based on a pressure differential between the first opening and the second opening, wherein a low pressure differential warning state is associated with a position of the piston.