Breathing Equipment Training Device Diaphragm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current training methods for breathing equipment, such as SCBA, lack realistic simulations for preparing individuals to operate these devices in hostile environments, and they are costly due to the use of air or oxygen tanks, which waste breathable air during training.

Innovation Solution

A breathing equipment training device comprising a shell with a diaphragm that simulates the resistance of on-demand breathing by impeding airflow, allowing users to train without an air supply, using a shell with first and second openings and a diaphragm that traverses between them to mimic the effort required for on-demand breathing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air or oxygen tanks are used for training, then realistic breathing simulation is achieved, but cost increases and breathable air is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealistic breathing simulationVSAvoidwaste of breathable air

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the breathing apparatus that replicates the essential resistance characteristics without requiring actual air supply. The training device uses a diaphragm mechanism to simulate the effort of breathing against resistance, providing a realistic training experience while eliminating the need for costly air tanks and preventing waste of breathable air.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, resource-consuming air tanks with a simple, inexpensive mechanical device. The training apparatus uses basic mechanical components (diaphragm, shell, openings) that can be used repeatedly without consuming valuable resources, making training both affordable and environmentally friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If air tanks are used for training, then breathing equipment operation can be practiced, but training costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing equipment operation trainingVSAvoidtraining cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive air tank systems with an inexpensive mechanical alternative. The training device consists of simple components (diaphragm, shell, openings) that are much cheaper to manufacture and maintain, thereby reducing training costs while preserving the ability to practice breathing equipment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a functional copy of the breathing resistance experience without the expensive air supply infrastructure. By replicating the essential mechanical resistance of breathing apparatus using simple diaphragm mechanics, the device provides versatile training capability at a fraction of the cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If a diaphragm is added to simulate breathing resistance, then realistic training is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealistic training simulationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the diaphragm mechanism only where needed - within the shell structure at the breathing opening - rather than complicating the entire system. The diaphragm is positioned specifically to create resistance at the point of air intake, providing realistic training feedback while keeping the rest of the device simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a flexible diaphragm membrane as the core resistance mechanism. This thin, flexible component naturally provides breathing resistance through its elastic properties, achieving realistic training simulation with minimal structural complexity. The diaphragm's flexibility allows it to respond naturally to breathing efforts without requiring complex mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device provides realistic training for on-demand breathing without the need for an air supply, reducing costs and allowing for increased stamina and preparedness for using breathing equipment in hazardous conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The diaphragm is configured to impede airflow into the shell through the second opening and to traverse along an axis between the first and second openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS10328293B2Breathing equipment training

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 BLAST MASK LLC

AI summary

A breathing equipment training device and a method for breathing training using a breathing equipment training device. The breathing equipment training device includes a shell and a diaphragm. The shell includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening configured to be inserted into a breathing opening in a mask to form a connection with the breathing opening of the mask, and the second opening configured to be exposed to ambient air. The diaphragm is positioned in an inner cavity of the shell about the second opening, and configured to impede airflow into the shell through the second opening and to traverse along an axis between the first and second openings.