Aircraft Emergency Oxygen Power Backup Using a Single Harness

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of two independent power harnesses in aircraft for emergency oxygen supply systems is cumbersome and expensive, and existing systems are not reliably operable in case of failure of the electric power supply system.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft emergency oxygen supply device with a backup electric power supply system, including an electric power storage device and a controller, that allows operation independent of the primary power supply, eliminating the need for an additional emergency power harness and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two independent power harnesses are installed for emergency oxygen supply systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of emergency oxygen supply deviceVSAvoidnumber of power harnesses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the emergency power supply function with the existing primary power supply system by integrating a backup power storage device into the same power harness infrastructure. This merging approach eliminates the need for a completely separate emergency power harness while ensuring operational reliability during primary system failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power harness is designed to serve dual functions: it operates as the primary power supply during normal conditions and automatically switches to backup power storage mode when primary power fails. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate harnesses while maintaining reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two independent power harnesses are installed for emergency oxygen supply systems, then reliability is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of emergency oxygen supply deviceVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the emergency power supply function with the existing primary power supply system by integrating a backup power storage device into the same power harness infrastructure. This merging approach eliminates the need for a completely separate emergency power harness while ensuring operational reliability during primary system failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power harness is designed to serve dual functions: it operates as the primary power supply during normal conditions and automatically switches to backup power storage mode when primary power fails. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate harnesses while maintaining reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If existing power supply is used for charging backup power storage device, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply system configurationVSAvoidoperability of emergency oxygen supply device

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backup power storage device is charged in advance during normal operation when the primary power supply is functional. This preliminary charging action ensures that sufficient energy is stored before any potential failure occurs, enabling immediate switch to backup power without compromising reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains a charged backup power storage device as a cushion against potential primary power failures. By continuously or periodically charging the backup storage during normal operation, the system prepares in advance to cushion against future power supply disruptions, ensuring operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures reliable operation of emergency oxygen supply devices even in power supply failures without additional harnesses, reducing complexity and cost by using existing power for charging and providing backup power as needed.

Implementation Method 1

a backup electric power supply system, which includes at least one electric power storage device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4279144A1Aircraft emergency oxygen supply device, aircraft comprising such an emergency oxygen supply device, and method of operating an aircraft emergency oxygen supply device

Publication Date: 2023.11.22 BE AEROSPACE SYST GMBH

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AI summary

An aircraft emergency oxygen supply device (2) comprises an oxygen source (20) for supplying oxygen gas; a backup electric power supply system (28), comprising at least one electric power storage device (29); and a controller (26) for controlling the operation of the aircraft emergency oxygen supply device (2). The aircraft emergency oxygen supply device (2) is electrically connectable to an aircraft electric power supply system (34) for being supplied with electric power provided by the aircraft electric power supply system (34); the at least one electric power storage device (29) is chargeable by electric power provided by the aircraft electric power supply system (34); and the aircraft emergency oxygen supply device (2) is operational with electric power provided by the backup electric power supply system (28).