Breathing Apparatus Back Plate With Resilient Valve Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) face issues with damage to critical components due to impact, misalignment of pressure reduction valve and gas cylinder connections, and inefficiencies in shock absorption, particularly in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A back plate with a resiliently deformable element that supports the pressure reduction valve, allowing relative movement and shock absorption, enhancing alignment and reducing damage by providing a robust yet flexible connection between the gas cylinder and valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connection is used between the pressure reduction valve and gas cylinder, then the alignment precision is improved, but the shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient mounting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressure reduction valve and the back plate frame. This element absorbs shock and impact forces while maintaining the pneumatic connection, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the valve and cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element changes the mechanical parameters of the connection from rigid to compliant, allowing relative movement and deformation under impact loads. This parameter change enables the system to absorb shock while maintaining functional alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the pressure reduction valve and back plate frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the alignment ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element introduces dynamic flexibility to the otherwise rigid structure, allowing the pressure reduction valve to move relative to the back plate frame during assembly for easier alignment, while maintaining structural stability during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible pneumatic connection (flying lead) is used between the gas cylinder and pressure reduction valve, then the impact performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mounting element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides shock absorption, maintains pneumatic connection, and allows relative movement. This merges the benefits of a flexible connection without requiring separate flying lead components.
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
The resiliently deformable element absorbs shock, reduces damage to components, facilitates easier alignment, and maintains a reliable pneumatic connection, improving the durability and usability of the breathing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable element configured to support the pressure reduction valve on the back plate frame so as to permit relative movement between the pressure reduction valve and the back plate frame
Data Source
AI summary
A back plate for a breathing apparatus comprises a back plate frame for supporting a cylinder of breathable gas; and a pressure reduction valve configured to receive breathing gas from a cylinder of breathable gas; and a resiliently deformable element configured to support the pressure reduction valve on the back plate frame so as to permit relative movement between the pressure reduction valve and the back plate frame.