Breathing Regulator Pressure Reduction Without Spring Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-reducing systems for breathing apparatuses, such as those used in diving, require calibration and testing due to the presence of springs, leading to increased costs and production time, and suffer from issues like bothersome venting and potential valve malfunction during depressurization or pressurization.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-reducing system for a breathing apparatus that utilizes a shutter mechanism without an elastic spring in the balancing chamber, using a movable balancing chamber and a movement system to ensure proper valve operation, including a manual actuator for emergency situations, and an overpressure relief valve to prevent unwanted gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helical spring is used in the balancing chamber to maintain valve closure, then the valve can reliably prevent gas passage, but calibration and testing become necessary which increases costs and production time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the helical spring from the balancing chamber, extracting the problematic component that required calibration. The valve closure function is achieved through the pressure differential created by the movable balancing chamber itself, eliminating the need for spring-based force application and subsequent calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable balancing chamber automatically adjusts its position based on pressure differential to maintain valve closure without external calibration. The system self-regulates by moving the balancing chamber to balance forces, eliminating the need for manual spring calibration and testing.
2Ease of operation
If the shutter is left open during depressurization to allow gas flow, then breathing is enabled, but seawater can enter during rinsing causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing chamber is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on pressure conditions. During normal operation, it permits gas flow for breathing; during depressurization and rinsing, it automatically shifts to close the valve, preventing seawater ingress while maintaining breathing functionality when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter is kept closed to prevent seawater entry, then corrosion is avoided, but gas flow to the mouthpiece is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The movable balancing chamber responds dynamically to pressure differential changes. When positive pressure exists, it maintains valve closure to prevent seawater entry; when negative pressure occurs during breathing, it automatically opens to allow gas flow, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and functionality.
4Reliability
If intermediate pressure increases to ensure valve closure force, then valve sealing improves, but bothersome venting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of balancing chamber position rather than increasing intermediate pressure. By moving the balancing chamber to optimize the pressure balance, adequate valve sealing is achieved without the need to increase intermediate pressure, thereby avoiding the harmful venting effect.
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 reduces assembly complexity and costs, minimizes pad wear, prevents bothersome venting, ensures reliable valve closure, and enhances breathing comfort by maintaining consistent gas flow without spring-induced resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Negative pressure induced by the user's breathing brings about a deformation of a diaphragm which in turn induces the shifting of a lever
Implementation Method 2
the force resulting from the pressure differential between the inlet of the valve and the balancing chamber is such as to push the shutter towards the inlet of the valve
Implementation Method 3
an overpressure relief valve to prevent unwanted gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure-reducing system for a breathing apparatus including: i) a supply conduit for supplying a pressurised breathable gas; ii) a suction mouthpiece for a user to breathe in the breathable gas; and iii) a valve operatively interposed between the supply conduit and the suction mouthpiece. The valve includes: —an inlet, —an outlet; —a shutter permits or prevents the passage of the breathable gas from the inlet to the outlet; and—a pressure balancing chamber, the shutter being interposed between the inlet of the valve and the balancing chamber; the shutter defining a conduit that places the inlet of the valve and the pressure balancing chamber in fluid communication. The pressure-reducing system further includes iv) a movement system for moving the pressure balancing chamber towards the inlet for the breathable gas to push the shutter from the first position to the second position.