Breathing Gas Backup Regulator With Pneumatic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing gas regulation systems in aircraft face issues such as overpressure or underpressure at the mask, discomfort for the user, and inefficiencies in backup systems that do not extend flight missions or provide user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic pressure regulator is used as an auxiliary backup system to regulate gas pressure based on altitude and user demand, replacing the traditional calibrated orifice, and incorporating an altitude sensor and manual/automatic control mechanisms to ensure comfortable and reliable oxygen supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a calibrated orifice is used as a backup system, then the system is simple and reliable, but it causes overpressure or underpressure at the mask level leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional calibrated orifice (mechanical flow restriction) with an electromechanical regulating valve that can actively control gas flow based on sensor feedback. This substitution allows the backup system to maintain reliable operation while dynamically adjusting pressure to prevent overpressure or underpressure conditions, thereby eliminating user discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using pressure sensors and flow sensors that continuously monitor the gas delivery system. When the calibrated orifice causes improper pressure conditions, the feedback signal triggers the electromechanical regulating valve to adjust the gas flow, ensuring pressure remains within comfortable ranges for the user while maintaining backup system reliability.
2Reliability
If a continuous flow backup system is used, then flight safety is ensured, but user comfort is not optimized and flight missions are not extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static continuous flow backup system into a dynamic responsive system. The electromechanical regulating valve adjusts gas flow in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing the backup system to maintain flight safety while adapting to user breathing patterns and environmental conditions, thereby optimizing comfort and extending mission capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If electromechanical regulating valves are used in the main line, then precise pressure regulation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas delivery system into separate main line and backup line pathways, each with their own regulating mechanisms. The main line uses electromechanical regulating valves for precise pressure control, while the backup line uses a calibrated orifice for simple reliable operation. This segmentation allows precise pressure regulation where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical regulating valve serves multiple functions: it provides precise pressure regulation during normal operation and can be activated by feedback signals during backup operation to prevent improper pressure conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining precision.
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 system provides pressure-regulated oxygen supply, enhancing user comfort and extending flight missions by adapting to user needs without increasing power consumption, and eliminating the need for electrical power in the backup system.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary regulating organ of the secondary line is a pneumatic pressure regulator
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A device for regulating breathing gas delivered to a user, comprising a gas circuit comprising a main line (2) having at least an upstream end intended to be connected to at least one gas source (6, 5) and a downstream end intended to be connected to at least one user station (7) such as a mask (7), the main line (2) comprising at least one electromechanical control valve (3) configured to regulate the gas pressure between the upstream and the downstream, the circuit comprising a secondary line (8) comprising an upstream end intended to be connected to at least one gas source (6, 5) and a downstream end intended to be connected to the same user station(s) (7), the secondary line (8) comprising at least one auxiliary member (10) for regulating the gas flow, the device comprising a switching system (11, 4) configured to control the flow of gas between the upstream and the downstream of the circuit via the main line (2) or via the secondary line (8), characterised in that the auxiliary member (10) for regulating the secondary line (8) is a pneumatic pressure regulator.