Breathing Apparatus Support Frame With Perpendicular Adjustment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable support frames for breathing apparatuses, such as SCBAs, are difficult to adjust during use, leading to potential accidental adjustments and hindering quick response in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support frame with an adjustment mechanism featuring actuating elements on a surface perpendicular to the user-facing side, allowing easy access and adjustment of the frame's longitudinal dimension, even when worn, and a locked configuration to prevent accidental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adjustment mechanism is made difficult to adjust, then accidental adjustments are prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces actuating elements as intermediary components that mediate between the user and the adjustment mechanism. These elements provide a controlled interface that requires deliberate action to activate, preventing accidental adjustments while enabling intentional adjustments when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The mechanism is biased toward the locked configuration for stability, but can be transitioned to an unlocked state through deliberate actuation, providing both reliability and operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating elements are provided on the user-facing side, then the adjustment is easily accessible, but the risk of accidental adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are positioned on a surface substantially perpendicular to the user-facing side, effectively moving the adjustment interface to a different spatial dimension. This allows the elements to be accessible for intentional adjustment while being less exposed to accidental activation from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The perpendicular surface acts as an intermediary plane that provides controlled access to the adjustment mechanism. This spatial arrangement creates a deliberate access path that reduces the likelihood of accidental activation while maintaining usability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support frame is made adjustable during use, then the adaptability improves, but the stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The biased locked configuration provides stability during use, while the ability to deliberately unlock allows for adaptation when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be adjusted before use or during brief pauses, with the locked configuration maintaining stability during active use. The preliminary adjustment ensures proper fit before the apparatus is activated, preventing the need for adjustments during critical operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustable support frame for a breathing apparatus having an adjustable longitudinal dimension and a user-facing side configured to substantially overlay a user's back in use, the adjustable support frame comprising: a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the first and second frame portions being moveable relative to each other so as to adjust the longitudinal dimension; an adjustment mechanism having a locked configuration which inhibits relative movement of the first and second frame portions and an unlocked configuration which permits relative movement of the first and second frame portions; wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more actuating elements which are operable to actuate the adjustment mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the one or more actuating elements being provided on a surface which is substantially perpendicular to the user-facing side of the support frame.