Magnetic Breathing Apparatus Connector With Safe Breakaway Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for breathing apparatuses are not robust enough to handle the hazards and demands of emergency services environments, particularly in terms of data and power transfer, and are not suitable for hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring magnetically attractive elements and permanent magnets for secure power and data transfer, with non-conductive material covering the magnetically attractive elements to prevent exposure and reduce sparking hazards, and inclined peripheral surfaces to facilitate easy disconnection, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connectors are used for non-safety-critical applications, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with magnetic attraction forces. The magnetically attractive element and magnet create a secure connection through magnetic force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocks while maintaining robustness in hazardous environments. This substitution provides both ease of operation (simple magnetic attraction) and reliability (strong magnetic holding force resistant to environmental hazards).
2Ease of operation
If magnetically attractive elements are exposed on the connector surface, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to snagging hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conducting material as an intermediary layer between the magnetically attractive element and the external environment. This coating allows the magnetic field to pass through while preventing direct exposure of the magnetic element, thereby eliminating snagging hazards while preserving the magnetic attraction function for easy connection.
3Reliability
If the connector system is designed for robust connection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates inclined peripheral surfaces that create a dynamic disconnection mechanism. When force is applied to disconnect the connectors, the inclined surfaces convert the disconnection force into a lifting action that overcomes the magnetic attraction, providing easy disconnection. During normal operation, the magnetic force maintains a secure connection, thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If conductive electrical contacts are used for power and data transfer, then electrical conductivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to sparking hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-conducting material as an intermediary covering for the magnetically attractive elements. This non-conductive layer prevents direct exposure of conductive surfaces that could generate sparks, while still allowing magnetic field penetration for connection purposes, thus eliminating sparking hazards while maintaining power and data transfer capabilities through separate electrical contacts.
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 connector system provides a robust, reliable, and safe means for data and power transfer, preventing snagging hazards and maintaining performance in high-temperature conditions, while ensuring easy disconnection to prevent short circuits and electrical issues.
Implementation Method 1
The second connector comprises a magnet for attracting the magnetically attractive element so as to magnetically secure the first and second connector to one another
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are connector systems for power and/or data transfer in breathing apparatus. The connector systems may comprise magnetically attractive elements and magnets. The connector systems may comprise protrusions and complimentary recesses which are aligned perpendicularly to a cable axis of the connector or connectors. Also disclosed are breathing apparatus comprising the connector systems, and breathing apparatus charging systems.