Breathing Apparatus Coupling Device with Flow Check Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for breathing apparatuses do not facilitate rapid and safe switching between different breathing gas sources, particularly in scenarios where a new gas cylinder needs to be attached, such as in large chemical plants where the apparatus may need to be compact and lightweight for ease of use and safety.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a Y-shaped or T-shaped configuration, featuring inseparably connected couplers with male and female pieces, each equipped with a flow check valve, allowing for secure attachment to a regulator hose and enabling quick switching between gas sources while ensuring safety by flushing out potential harmful gases before full connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a coupling device is designed for rapid switching between gas sources, then the switching speed is improved, but the safety against harmful gas introduction may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow check valve is designed to perform a preliminary flushing action before full gas flow is established. When the coupling is first engaged, the valve allows a controlled initial flow that flushes harmful gases from the coupling area before the main gas flow begins, thus preventing harmful gas introduction while enabling rapid switching
Solution Approach 2:
The flow check valve acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the quick coupling mechanism and the gas flow. It mediates the gas flow by controlling the initial flushing phase and then allowing full flow only when the coupling is properly engaged, thus enabling rapid switching while maintaining safety
2Ease of operation
If the breathing apparatus is made compact and lightweight, then the ease of operation is improved, but the capacity for rapid gas source exchange may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into separate functional components: the quick coupling mechanism for rapid connection and the flow check valve for safety control. This segmentation allows the coupling action to be rapid while the valve provides necessary safety functions, enabling compact design without sacrificing exchange capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow check valve is merged with the coupling mechanism into a single integrated component. This merging allows the safety function to be incorporated without adding separate bulky components, maintaining compactness while enabling rapid gas source exchange through the combined quick-coupling-and-safety-system
3Reliability
If a flow check valve with lifter is used to prevent harmful gas flow, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow check valve is designed as a self-regulating mechanism that automatically responds to gas flow conditions. The lifter and spring mechanism automatically opens to allow flushing flow when needed and closes to prevent harmful gas backflow, providing safety without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flow check valve utilizes pneumatic principles where gas pressure differential drives the lifter mechanism. The spring provides a counterforce that is overcome by incoming gas flow, automatically opening the valve to allow flushing and then closing to prevent backflow. This pneumatic actuation provides reliable safety control without mechanical complexity
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
Enables rapid and safe exchange of breathing gas sources, preventing the introduction of harmful gases into the system, thus ensuring continuous operation and user safety during industrial applications like in petrochemical plants.
Implementation Method 1
a conical section of the lifter is pressed by a spring against an also conical section of the housing
Implementation Method 2
an annular seal is arranged in the conical section of the lifter
Implementation Method 3
the male coupling piece has a flow check valve, the flow check valve comprises a housing of the male coupling piece, and the flow check valve has a lifter supported by a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A coupling device for a breathing apparatus, characterized in that a connecting device is inseparably connected to the regulator hose, and can be coupled with at least two couplers, each having a flow check valve, for connection to a breathing gas source. Other aspects are described and claimed.