Breathing Apparatus Coupling Throttling and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-contained breathing apparatuses face challenges in quickly and safely connecting and disconnecting compressed-air tanks to regulators, with risks of pressure buildup and foreign matter penetration, and require simple yet secure handling to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling system with a throttling device controlled by a plug, which provides high flow resistance when disconnected to prevent pressure buildup and includes design features to prevent foreign matter infiltration and ensure safe, easy connection and disconnection, utilizing a guide sleeve arrangement, plunger, and biasing mechanisms for secure sealing and airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coupling is disconnected to allow quick refilling, then refilling speed is improved, but foreign matter can penetrate into the coupling parts
Solution Approach 1:
The closing sleeve is positioned in advance to seal the annular gap between the guide sleeve arrangement and plunger head before disconnection occurs. This preliminary sealing action prevents foreign matter from entering the coupling parts during the refilling operation, while still allowing quick connection and disconnection of the tank.
2Productivity
If the tank valve is opened quickly to refill, then refilling efficiency is improved, but pressure can build up dangerously in the coupling device
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling function is extracted from the main coupling mechanism and implemented separately through the annular gap between the guide sleeve arrangement and plunger head. This gap provides controlled ventilation that extracts excess pressure from the coupling device, allowing rapid refilling while preventing dangerous pressure build-up.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism is simplified for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but safety control mechanisms may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism performs multiple functions automatically: the plunger head movement automatically controls the closing sleeve to seal the annular gap, and the same movement controls the throttling effect. This self-service mechanism provides safety control without requiring additional manual operations, maintaining ease of use while ensuring reliable protection against inadvertent valve actuation.
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 coupling system effectively limits pressure buildup and airflow when disconnected, ensures safe connection without pressure hazards, and prevents foreign matter entry, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in connecting compressed-air tanks to regulators.
Implementation Method 1
The closing piece is biased into the closed position in the plug by a biasing device
Implementation Method 2
When the plug is pulled out, the throttling device exhibits a high flow resistance, but without blocking the flow path through the coupling part
Implementation Method 3
if necessary not only a seal against foreign matter but also a pressure-tight seal is produced
Data Source
AI summary
A socket part actuated without pressure for a fluid coupling is provided with a mechanism for mechanically sealing, to a large extent, the insertion space of a plug against the penetration of foreign matter. In addition, a throttling device is provided, which practically does not obstruct the fluid connection for an inserted plug, while a high flow resistance is produced for a plug that has been pulled out, without, however, completely blocking the flow path. The associated plug also has a sealing device in order to protect the flow channel against the penetration of particles when the plug is removed. In case the plug is connected to a compressed-air tank, this is provided with a throttling device, which practically does not obstruct flow for an inserted plug, but forms considerable flow resistance for a removed plug without completely blocking the flow.