Ceramic Oxygen Generator for Aircraft Passenger Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft oxygen supply systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to reliance on pressurized cylinders and chemical oxygen generators, which increase weight, maintenance costs, and hazard potential, while existing on-board oxygen generators like molecular sieve and ceramic systems do not provide promptly available oxygen during emergencies or high altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating ceramic oxygen generators with solid electrolyte oxygen separation technology, along with pressurized cylinders and chemical oxygen generators, to provide regulated, pulsed oxygen delivery based on altitude and physiological needs, minimizing weight, volume, and combustion risk, and conserving oxygen by using excess generated oxygen for future reserves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressurized cylinders of oxygen enriched gas are used to supply oxygen to aircraft passengers, then oxygen can be stored and distributed, but significant weight is added and hazard potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
Oxygen is generated on-board the aircraft before it is needed, using atmospheric air as feedstock. The oxygen generation system is activated in advance of potential emergency situations, allowing oxygen to be produced and stored in lightweight tanks rather than transporting heavy pressurized cylinders from the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft carries its own oxygen supply capability through on-board generation systems that convert atmospheric air into oxygen using electrical energy. This self-sufficient approach eliminates dependence on ground-based pressurized cylinder refilling operations and reduces the need for heavy external oxygen storage.
2Quantity of substance
If pressurized cylinders of oxygen enriched gas are used, then oxygen supply is available, but hazard potential increases due to proximity to illumination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous element of storing large quantities of pressurized oxygen in cylinders near passenger compartments and illumination systems is removed. Instead, oxygen is generated on-demand or stored in smaller quantities in safer locations, with the generation process occurring in dedicated equipment bays away from ignition sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and storage parameters of oxygen are changed from high-pressure gaseous storage in large cylinders to lower-pressure storage or on-demand generation. This parameter change reduces the energy content and hazard potential while maintaining oxygen availability for passenger safety.
3Weight of moving object
If chemical oxygen generators are used, then weight of pressurized cylinders is reduced, but they are limited to shorter duration flights under 22 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board oxygen generation system operates continuously or intermittently throughout the flight duration, converting atmospheric air into oxygen as needed. This continuous generation capability extends oxygen supply duration far beyond the limitations of chemical oxygen generators, supporting flights of any length while maintaining reduced weight compared to pressurized cylinder systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical oxygen generators are used, then hazard potential is decreased, but maintenance costs increase due to single-use devices that must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board oxygen generation system is a reusable, regenerative system that continuously produces oxygen from atmospheric air during flight. This eliminates the need to replace single-use chemical oxygen generators after each flight, reducing maintenance costs and operational disruptions while maintaining low hazard potential.
5Ease of operation
If conventional oxygen distribution systems are used, then oxygen can be delivered to passengers, but flow regulation requires complex pressure sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen delivery system incorporates pressure sensors and control mechanisms that monitor oxygen flow and pressure conditions in real-time. This feedback control enables automatic adjustment of oxygen delivery parameters to match passenger needs while simplifying operation for flight crew and ensuring consistent performance across different flight conditions.
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 ensures prompt and efficient oxygen supply during emergencies and high altitudes, reduces maintenance costs by minimizing the need for refilling cylinders and replacing generators, and optimizes oxygen usage by matching supply to demand, thereby enhancing safety and reducing weight and volume of oxygen generators.
Implementation Method 1
The on-board oxygen generator is configured to supply highly enriched oxygen at pressure suitable for breathing at high altitudes greater than 9,144 metres (30,000 feet). The solid electrolyte oxygen separator includes a ceramic material inside of which oxygen is catalytically separated from the supply stream of air.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for supplying, generating, conserving, and managing oxygen that is ideally suited for use on-board an aircraft for supply of breathable oxygen to passengers and flight crew. The system includes several components that together optimize oxygen utilization while reducing costs from maintenance and added weight of traditional pressurized gaseous cylinders. Components of the system include a pressurized cylinder of oxygen enriched gas or a chemical oxygen generator for rapid use in emergency situations, an on-board oxygen generator (OBOG) of the ceramic oxygen generator (COG) type incorporating solid electrolyte oxygen separation (SEOS) technology, a controller, a pulsed oxygen supplier, a crew/passenger breathing mask, and one or more sensors including sensors that detect inhale/exhale phases and communicate with the controller so that flow of oxygen may be regulated for conservation and to adapt to physiological needs.