Adjustable PAPR Hose Routing for Low-Profile Respirator Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) systems are bulky and difficult to wear, especially in confined spaces, and do not easily accommodate varying mission-specific equipment configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular, adjustable PAPR system with a low-profile design, featuring a blower unit, filter rail chassis, and hose system that can be customized for different configurations, allowing easy attachment and detachment of components and flexible positioning to fit various environments and equipment setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PAPR systems are used, then they provide effective breathable air filtration, but they are bulky and difficult to wear in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The PAPR system is divided into separate modular components including a blower unit, filter cartridges, battery pack, and hose system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible configuration to reduce overall system volume while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose system features an ovular outer tube containing circular air carrying conduits, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach reduces the overall hose profile while maintaining adequate air flow capacity, directly addressing the volume reduction goal.
2Power
If traditional PAPR systems are used, then they provide adequate air flow, but they are heavy and fatiguing to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power-intensive blower function from the filtration and power source components. This allows the blower to be optimized for air flow performance while other components are minimized in weight, and enables flexible power source selection (battery or AC/DC) based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system offers variable power configurations including battery pack operation and AC/DC power source connections. This parameter change capability allows the system to adjust its power and weight characteristics based on the specific operational environment and duration requirements.
3Reliability
If a single PAPR configuration is used, then it provides standard protection, but it cannot accommodate varying mission-specific equipment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The modular component structure (blower unit, filter cartridges, battery pack, hose system) enables operators to assemble and disassemble the system in different configurations to match specific mission requirements and equipment setups, directly enhancing adaptability while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design incorporates universal connection interfaces and multiple configuration options that allow the same basic PAPR system to serve multiple mission types and equipment configurations, achieving versatility without sacrificing core protection functionality.
4Strength
If the hose system uses a circular cross-section, then it maintains structural integrity, but it creates a bulky profile when routed across the body
Solution Approach 1:
The hose system places circular air carrying conduits inside an ovular outer tube, creating a nested structure. The inner circular conduits maintain structural integrity and prevent kinking, while the outer ovular tube provides a flat profile for comfortable body routing. This nested configuration resolves the contradiction between strength and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose system combines different geometric shapes (circular inner conduits within an ovular outer tube) to achieve properties that neither shape alone could provide. The circular cross-sections provide structural strength and kink resistance, while the ovular outer shape reduces profile volume for body contact applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a modular, adjustable, low profile PAPR system allowing customized configuration to meet an operator's weight and space requirements. The system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis that is removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, and a hose system that is removably attachable to the outlet of the blower. The blower unit is adjustable to enable a user or wearer to modify the position of the blower unit outlet, and thus the point of connection of the hose system, in order to allow the user or wearer to route the hose as may be most desirable for their then-current gear configuration, all while maintaining an air-tight airflow conduit extending from the filter rail chassis holding the filter cartridges through the PAPR to the outlet port, and ultimately into the hose system for delivery to the user's mask.