Aircraft Oxygen Generator with Pyroelectric Ignition and Gas-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen generators in aircraft are mechanically coupled to passenger oxygen masks, allowing passengers to access and potentially damage or manipulate them, necessitating installation in viewable and reachable areas, which complicates operation and increases risk.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen generator system with a pyroelectric igniter activated by an electric trigger, allowing installation out of sight and reach of passengers, using sodium chlorate and sodium monoxide for efficient oxygen production, and glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal sealings to maintain moisture-free conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the oxygen generator is mechanically coupled with the oxygen masks to allow mechanical activation, then the oxygen generator can be activated by passenger interaction, but the oxygen generator must be located in viewable and reachable areas, allowing unauthorized access and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling and mechanical activation system with an electrical activation system. The oxygen generator is activated by an electrical signal through an electrical conductor that passes through the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling between the oxygen generator and oxygen masks. This allows the oxygen generator to be positioned away from passenger reach while maintaining activation capability through electrical means.
2Reliability
If the oxygen generator is positioned away from passengers to prevent access, then safety from tampering is improved, but the complexity of maintaining gas-tight sealing while allowing electrical conductor passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or diaphragm that separates the internal chamber from the external environment while allowing electrical conductors to pass through. This flexible barrier maintains gas-tight sealing while accommodating the electrical conductor pathway, enabling the oxygen generator to be positioned away from passengers without compromising sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates composite construction with integrated sealing elements and electrical conductor passages. The housing combines structural materials with gas-tight sealing materials and electrical insulation properties, creating a multi-functional component that maintains gas-tight sealing while allowing controlled passage of electrical conductors.
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
Enhances reliability and simplifies installation by eliminating mechanical coupling, reducing production costs, and ensuring oxygen generation is not tampered with, while maintaining efficient and sustainable oxygen supply.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric igniter for igniting the activating substance upon receiving an electric trigger input
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen generating substance for generating oxygen gas after being activated; an activating substance for activating the oxygen generating substance in order to produce oxygen gas
Implementation Method 3
at least one of a gas-tight glass-to-metal sealing and a gas-tight ceramic-to-metal sealing, sealing the at least two electric conductors with respect to the housing at the passage
Implementation Method 4
at least one of a gas-tight glass-to-metal sealing and a gas-tight ceramic-to-metal sealing, sealing the at least two electric conductors with respect to the housing at the passage
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen generator for use in a passenger aircraft comprises an oxygen generating substance for generating oxygen gas after being activated; an activating substance for activating the oxygen generating substance; a pyroelectric igniter for igniting the activating substance upon receiving an electric trigger input; a housing defining a gas-tight chamber, accommodating the oxygen generating substance, the activating substance and the pyroelectric igniter; at least two electric conductors, coupled to the pyroelectric igniter and extending through a passage in the housing between an interior of the gas-tight chamber and an exterior of the gas-tight chamber; and at least one of a gas-tight glass-to-metal sealing and a gas-tight ceramic-to-metal sealing, sealing the at least two electric conductors with respect to the housing at the passage.