Aircraft Oxygen Module Segmentation for Flexible Layout Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen supply systems in aircraft are difficult to assemble and maintain, require excessive effort to test, and are not easily adaptable to changing seat layouts, leading to potential assembly errors and inefficient oxygen mask inspection.
Innovation Solution
A flexible oxygen supply system with a modular design featuring quick connect and release interfaces, automatic locking mechanisms, and a cover that prevents masks from falling during assembly and testing, allowing for easy adaptation to different seat configurations and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container flap is electrically controlled with automatic opening mechanism, then oxygen delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and testing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: the container flap mechanism is separated from the oxygen module itself, allowing independent testing and maintenance of each component. The electrical control system is integrated into the aircraft's existing control architecture, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A test mode intermediary state is introduced where the container flap can be partially opened without fully releasing the masks. This intermediary state allows verification of the automatic opening mechanism's functionality while maintaining mask containment, enabling safe testing of the reliable opening function.
2Ease of operation
If the container flap is fully opened during testing, then mask functionality can be verified, but masks fall off completely making inspection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The test mode implements partial opening action where the container flap is opened only to a limited extent during testing, sufficient to verify mask functionality and accessibility but not enough to cause masks to detach completely. This partial action enables inspection while maintaining mask containment.
3Reliability
If decentralized oxygen systems are used with masks in containers, then oxygen delivery is ensured, but installation must be adjusted when seat layout changes
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen supply system is segmented into independent, modular oxygen modules that can be individually positioned and installed. Each module is self-contained with its own container, masks, and tubing, allowing flexible arrangement to match different seat layouts without requiring system-wide reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adaptability where oxygen modules can be repositioned and reinstalled according to changing seat configurations. The modular design with standardized interfaces enables easy adaptation to different aircraft layouts while maintaining reliable oxygen delivery functionality.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual flap opening is used for mask inspection, then assembly errors can be prevented, but testing effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-testing capability where the automatic opening mechanism can be activated during testing to verify its own functionality. The electrical control system automatically manages the opening sequence, reducing the need for manual intervention and extensive testing effort while ensuring assembly correctness through automated verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible oxygen supply system that can be easily adaptable to different seating layouts and significantly improved with respect to opportunities for testing and maintenance. An oxygen module according to the invention generally comprises an oxygen source, a mask, and a hose between the oxygen source and a mask. The oxygen module further comprises fastening elements for fastening in a supply channel of an aircraft, and a locking element by means of which the cover of the oxygen module can be locked.