Waist-Mounted Breathing Manifold With Multi-Orientation Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breathing apparatus equipment, such as waist mountable manifolds, are inflexible, pose snagging hazards, and are difficult to clean or decontaminate, limiting their adaptability and usability in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A breathing apparatus equipment featuring a symmetrical fluid distribution manifold with a waist belt and holder that allows the manifold to be removably located in multiple orientations, along with a valve assembly for controlling gas flow and a fluid adapter for versatile gas delivery, enhancing flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-side waist mountable manifold is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the adaptability to different body positions and working conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed with asymmetrical features including a non-circular cross-section and an offset central axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis. This asymmetry allows the manifold to be oriented in different positions (left side, right side, or center) while maintaining proper connection orientations, enabling adaptability to different body positions without requiring multiple different manifold designs
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a universal component that can function in multiple positions and configurations. The asymmetrical design combined with the ability to rotate and reposition the manifold within the holder system allows a single manifold design to serve multiple functions and positions, eliminating the need for position-specific manifold variants
2Ease of operation
If the manifold is fixed in a specific orientation, then the manufacturing and assembly are straightforward, but the ease of repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder system incorporates dynamic repositioning capabilities through sliding mechanisms and rotatable joints that allow the manifold to be moved from one position to another during use. The holder can slide along the waist belt and the manifold can rotate within the holder, providing dynamic adaptability without complicating the basic manufacturing of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: the waist belt, the holder, and the manifold. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, while the standardized connection interfaces between segments enable easy assembly and repositioning without requiring complex integrated manufacturing
3Reliability
If a conventional waist mountable manifold is used, then the gas delivery function is achieved, but the snagging hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is extracted from the traditional fixed waist-mounted position and repositioned into a holder system that can be positioned optimally on the waist belt. This extraction allows the manifold to be moved away from areas where it might snag on equipment or obstacles, reducing the snagging hazard while maintaining gas delivery function
4Ease of repair
If the manifold is permanently mounted, then the assembly is simple, but the ease of cleaning and decontamination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into removable components where the manifold can be easily detached from the holder and waist belt. This segmentation enables the manifold to be removed for cleaning and decontamination without disassembling the entire apparatus, making maintenance straightforward while the modular design keeps the overall assembly structure relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed breathing apparatus equipment which may be in the form of a waist mountable manifold. The breathing apparatus equipment comprises a manifold having a manifold inlet port for a source of breathable gas and at least one manifold outlet port for delivering breathable gas to a user. The equipment further comprises a strap arranged to be worn by the user, and a holder coupled to the strap and having a socket. The socket is configured such that the manifold can be removably located within the socket in multiple orientations.