Breathing Apparatus Connector Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detachable connector between a face piece and a filter of a breathing apparatus, utilizing a bayonet connection mechanism, is prone to accidental disconnection due to user error, as the male side member can be pushed into and twisted in the releasing direction by mistake.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism is integrated with the bayonet connection mechanism, where a pin fits into a hole in an elastic member, requiring two independent releasing motions to disconnect, ensuring the filter is securely locked during connection and requires a specific action to unlock, preventing accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bayonet connection mechanism is used for connecting the filter to the face piece, then the connection can be established by simple pushing and twisting operation, but the connector is prone to accidental disconnection by user error
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines two different connection mechanisms (bayonet connection and lock mechanism) into a unified system, where each mechanism serves a specific function: the bayonet connection enables easy attachment while the lock mechanism prevents accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process is divided into two independent stages: first the bayonet connection establishes the basic connection through pushing and twisting, then the lock mechanism separately secures the connection through pin insertion into the hole, requiring distinct operational actions for each stage
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is integrated with the existing bayonet connection mechanism rather than being a completely separate system. The elastic member with the hole is incorporated into the connector structure, and the pin interacts with the existing moving parts, merging the locking function into the overall connector assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically returns to its original position after the pin is inserted, self-locking the connection without requiring additional user actions. The spring-loaded nature of the elastic member provides automatic engagement and disengagement of the pin from the hole
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 design effectively prevents accidental disconnection of the filter from the face piece by requiring a deliberate and complex action to release the lock, ensuring the filter remains securely attached unless intentionally disconnected.
Implementation Method 1
a lock mechanism for locking a connection between a pair of members by fitting a pin in a hole provided in an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
[Object of the Invention] An object of the present invention is to provide a detachable connector between a face piece and a filter of a breathing apparatus comprising a bayonet connection mechanism for connecting a pair of members by pushing and twisting operation, wherein detaching of the filter from the face piece by accident or user error is effectively prevented.[Disclosure of the Invention] A detachable connector between a face piece and a filter of a breathing apparatus is provided with a bayonet connection mechanism for connecting a pair of members by pushing and twisting operation, and a lock mechanism for locking a connection between the pair of members by fitting a pin in a hole provided in an elastic member, wherein connecting motion of the bayonet connection mechanism synchronizes with locking motion of the lock mechanism so that connection of the filter and locking of the connection are carried out simultaneously when the filter is connected to the face piece, while unlocking motion of the lock mechanism precedes disconnecting motion of the bayonet connection mechanism so that unlocking of the connection precedes disconnection of the filter when the filter is disconnected from the face piece.