Distributed Breathable Air Storage for Pressure-Safe Rescue Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In enclosed structures like tunnels and mines, emergency personnel face challenges with limited breathable air due to contamination and depletion, leading to increased risk of injury or death, as existing portable breathable air apparatuses are heavy, short-lasting, and often not regularly inspected or maintained, resulting in potential tampering and pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
A safety system with a supply unit, fill station, and air distribution structure that includes pressure regulators, gauges, and valves to maintain safe pressure, a fire-rated enclosure, and an air monitoring system to track contaminants, ensuring reliable and safe delivery of breathable air, with automatic shut-down features and tamper detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If portable breathable air apparatuses are used by emergency personnel, then breathable air supply is provided, but the apparatuses are heavy and provide breathable air for only a short duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the breathable air supply into multiple distributed storage units located throughout the structure, allowing emergency personnel to access air at different locations rather than carrying heavy apparatuses for the entire duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixed installation points and distribution infrastructure as intermediaries between the breathable air source and emergency personnel, eliminating the need for personnel to carry heavy portable apparatuses while ensuring continuous supply
2Reliability
If spare portable breathable air apparatuses are stored throughout the structure, then emergency personnel can replace depleted apparatuses, but this takes up space and causes severe handicap to rescue tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the breathable air storage function from portable apparatuses and integrates it into the building's fixed infrastructure, allowing personnel to access air at installation points without carrying or managing portable devices
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed installation points serve multiple functions: storing breathable air, providing rapid refilling capability, and eliminating the need for personnel to manage portable apparatuses, thereby improving both availability and ease of operation
3Reliability
If spare portable breathable air apparatuses are stored in the structure, then replacement is possible, but pressure loss and tampering occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates monitoring mechanisms that provide feedback on the status of breathable air supplies, enabling detection of pressure loss or tampering and allowing for timely maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed installation points are designed to be self-regulating with automatic pressure maintenance and protection mechanisms that prevent tampering and contamination without requiring manual intervention
4Ease of operation
If emergency personnel walk or climb to perform rescuing work, then they can reach particular locations, but their portable breathable air apparatus may be depleted before arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable air supply is segmented into multiple distributed locations throughout the structure, allowing emergency personnel to refill at intermediate points during their movement to reach distressed persons
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary breathable air supply at multiple locations along the path emergency personnel may take, ensuring air availability before personnel reach their destination
Data Source
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AI summary
A breathable air safety system and method having an air storage sub-system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a safety system of a structure includes a supply unit of a building structure to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an air distribution system of the building structure, a distribution structure that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the building structure, and an air storage sub-system to provide an additional supply of air to the building structure in addition to the source of compressed air.