Aircraft Breathing Mask Pressure Control With a Remote Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing systems for aircraft cause discomfort due to forward loads, increased pipe diameter, pressure drops, and pressure oscillations, leading to poor user comfort during prolonged use, and lack automation in mode selection.
Innovation Solution
A remote regulator system with a chamber, pressure and flow sensors, and a control system that automates mode selection and regulates gas mixture delivery, including a damping device to prevent pressure oscillations, using small-diameter pipes for improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the regulator is moved to the other end of the pipe, then the forward load on the mask wearer's face is reduced, but the pipe diameter must be increased to provide suitable flow rate, creating forward load and shifting center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is extracted from the mask assembly and relocated to the oxygen source end of the system. This separation removes the heavy regulating device from the wearer's face, eliminating the forward load problem while maintaining suitable flow rates through the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the regulator is separated from the mask, with independent components for pressure regulation, flow control, and oxygen delivery. This modular arrangement allows optimization of each component without compromising the others.
2Ease of operation
If a second pipe is added to compensate for pressure drop, then breathing comfort is improved, but the off-center mass increases and system rigidity increases, reducing user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic pressure compensation mechanisms that automatically adjust to varying breathing conditions. The regulator dynamically compensates for pressure drops in real-time, eliminating the need for rigid second pipes while maintaining breathing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors and flow sensors provide continuous feedback to the regulator, which automatically adjusts oxygen flow and pressure to maintain optimal breathing conditions. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for additional rigid piping structures.
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic compensation is used to compensate for pressure drop, then breathing comfort is improved, but pressure oscillations occur in the pipe which are unpleasant for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful pressure oscillations into beneficial damping effects through strategically placed damping elements. These elements absorb and dissipate oscillatory energy, transforming a harmful phenomenon into a stabilizing mechanism that improves breathing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping elements are pre-installed in the breathing circuit to cushion and absorb pressure oscillations before they can reach the user. This preventive approach eliminates pressure oscillations at their source, ensuring smooth and comfortable breathing.
4Reliability
If an inhalation valve is mounted between the mask and the pipe to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is achieved, but additional pressure drop occurs, reducing user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The inhalation valve serves as an intermediary component that selectively allows airflow in the desired direction while blocking backflow. Positioned strategically in the circuit, it prevents harmful backflow without creating excessive pressure drops that would compromise breathing comfort.
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 adequate breathing comfort and wearing satisfaction by automating mode selection, reducing pipe diameter, and minimizing pressure oscillations, ensuring comfortable prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor adapted to measure a pressure in the internal space
Implementation Method 2
at least one flow sensor adapted to measure a flow rate of the gas mixture, delivered into the pipe or into the internal space of the mask
Implementation Method 3
a damping device, in particular a pneumatic damper, arranged in the chamber and adapted to filter out pressure oscillations in the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The regulator is capable of delivering a gas flow into a distribution member. The distribution member comprises at least one pipe suitable for allowing the circulation of the gas mixture comprising breathable gas
Data Source
AI summary
Breathing system, in particular for an aircraft, having a remote regulator which includes a chamber, a gas mixture inlet, leading into the chamber via an intake valve, a gas mixture outlet that is open to the chamber, and a regulating means for regulating a pressure in the chamber. The breathing system also includes a breathing mask having a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure in an internal space, a pipe connecting the gas mixture outlet to the mask, an inlet valve, adapted to deliver a diluent gas into the internal space, and a control system connected to the pressure sensor and to the regulating means and configured to control the intake valve and/or the diluent gas inlet valve.