Aircraft Oxygen Circuit Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory gas supply circuits for aircraft deliver excessive oxygen due to open-loop control, leading to unnecessary oxygen consumption and increased mass and fuel costs, as they do not accurately match the actual oxygen needs of passengers and crewmembers.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory gas supply circuit with a regulating device driven by a control signal based on the actual breathable gas content, using sensors to adjust oxygen flow dynamically, ensuring that only the necessary oxygen is supplied, reducing onboard oxygen requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open-loop control is used to supply oxygen based on cabin altitude, then the oxygen supply system is simple to operate, but excessive oxygen is consumed leading to increased onboard oxygen mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system using a sensor to detect the actual breathable gas content (FiO2) in the respiratory gas supplied to the user. This measured value is fed back to a regulator that adjusts the oxygen flow rate dynamically to maintain the desired FiO2 level, preventing both oxygen deficiency and excessive oxygen consumption. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling precise oxygen dosing that matches actual physiological needs while keeping the system automated and easy to operate.
2Quantity of substance
If demand regulators with feedback loops are used to control inhaled flowrate, then oxygen consumption is optimized, but the device complexity increases with multiple sensors and regulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygen flow regulation function and the breathable gas content measurement function into an integrated system. The sensor measuring FiO2 is positioned to detect the actual gas composition in the user's breathing zone, and this information directly controls the oxygen flow regulator. By merging these functions and using a single measurement point to control a single flow source, the system achieves demand-regulator-level oxygen optimization without the complexity of multiple independent sensors and regulators.
3Reliability
If conservative oxygen supply is used to ensure safety, then passenger safety is maintained, but fuel consumption increases due to heavier oxygen sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, conservative oxygen supply (fixed flow rates based on cabin altitude) to dynamic oxygen supply that continuously adapts to the user's actual breathable gas content. The system automatically adjusts oxygen flow in real-time based on sensor feedback, ensuring safety margins are maintained while avoiding excessive oxygen delivery. This dynamic adjustment reduces the total oxygen mass required onboard, thereby reducing weight and fuel consumption without compromising passenger safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a respiratory gas supply circuit (1) for an aircraft carrying passengers and crewmembers (30), comprising a source of breathable gas (R1 , R2), at least one supply line (2) connected to said pressurized source, a regulating device (12) provided on said supply line for controlling the supply of breathable gas, a mixing device (9) provided on said supply line, said mixing device further comprising an ambient air inlet (10) for mixing said ambient air with said breathable gas to provide to at least one passenger or crewmember a respiratory gas corresponding to a mixture of said breathable gas and ambient air, wherein said regulating device is driven by a control signal (F1O2