Aircraft Oxygen System Electrical Testing Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen supply systems in aircraft are complex and time-consuming to maintain, requiring manual testing and multiple mechanical components, which increases maintenance lead times and costs.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen supply system with an electrically operated release mechanism and a thermal fuse integrated into a surveillance circuit, allowing for remote monitoring and testing through an external signaling means, reducing the need for manual latch systems and simplifying the harness design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing and mechanical latch systems are used, then the oxygen supply system can be tested and maintained, but the maintenance lead time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated electrical test system. The test button (202) activates an electrical circuit that automatically tests the release mechanism (104) and triggers the signaling light (204), eliminating the need for manual manipulation of mechanical components and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen supply system performs self-testing through the integrated test circuit. When the test button is pressed, the system automatically activates the release mechanism and provides visual feedback through the signaling light, allowing the system to monitor its own functionality without requiring external manual intervention for each test parameter.
2Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical components and manual testing procedures are implemented, then the oxygen supply system can be maintained, but the system complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing procedures with a simplified electrical test circuit. The test button (202) connected through circuit elements (R1, C1, R2) to the release mechanism (104) and signaling light (204) provides an easier maintenance interface that requires minimal manual intervention compared to traditional mechanical testing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The test circuit serves multiple functions: it tests the release mechanism functionality, provides visual feedback through the signaling light, and can indicate system status. This multi-functional test system reduces the need for separate testing devices and procedures, simplifying overall maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If manual closing and resetting of containers is required after testing, then the containers can be returned to service, but considerable time is spent on this process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electrical actuation system to replace manual container closing and resetting operations. The release mechanism (104) can be electrically activated through the test circuit to open the container, and the same electrical system can facilitate closing and resetting operations, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual procedures.
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
This solution enables easier and more efficient maintenance by allowing continuous monitoring and reduced weight in aircraft systems, lowering maintenance times and costs while quickly identifying faulty components.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal fuse (F) integrated into a surveillance circuit, the thermal fuse (F) being configured to detect whether an excessive temperature has been reached in the oxygen generator (G)
Implementation Method 2
The function tester (8) may be formed with a shunting device (9a) connected in parallel to a signaling device (9b)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An PAX-oxygen supply system, in particular for a passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft as well with courier area, includes a container housing (1) having a container door (7), and oxygen supply equipment (4) held within the container housing (1) and configured to be released through the container door (7). The oxygen supply system either comprises a electromechanical actuator (5) coupled to a latch (6) of the container door (7) and configured to actuate the latch (6) to releasable open the container door (7), and a function tester (8) coupled in series to the electromechanical actuator (5) and configured to test the functionality and operability of the electromechanical actuator (5) and the condition of the test to a user. Alternatively, the oxygen supply system comprises an oxygen generator (G) held in a gas generator housing and configured to supply oxygen to the oxygen supply equipment, a thermal fuse (F) attached to the oxygen generator or the generator housing, the thermal fuse (F) having a fusible link which blows upon exceeding a predefined fusing temperature, and a function tester (8) coupled in series to the thermal fuse (F) and configured to test whether the fusible link of the thermal fuse (F) is blown, and to signal a result of the test to a user.