Aircraft Cockpit Emergency Mask Storage with Movable Stud

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices for emergency breathing masks in aircraft cockpits are not intuitive to use and can be difficult to deploy quickly during emergency situations, as they require delicate operation and may become tangled or blocked, leading to potential delays in accessing the mask.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a cylindrical stud and a base that allows the harness to be easily extended and retracted, featuring a magnetic retention system and a human-head shaped design to facilitate intuitive positioning and quick release of the mask, ensuring it is securely stored and easily accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the storage device uses a traditional fixed structure, then the mask is securely stored, but the deployment becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mask deploymentVSAvoidstorage device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device employs a movable stud that can extend and retract, transforming a static storage structure into a dynamic one. When retracted, the stud allows easy mask placement; when extended, it secures the mask firmly. This dynamic mechanism simplifies deployment while maintaining secure storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is divided into separate functional components: a base, a movable stud, and a magnetic retention system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system simpler to operate while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If the storage device is placed in a predefined location for quick retrieval, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of tangling or blocking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to retrieve maskVSAvoiddeployment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic retention system acts as an intermediary between the mask and the storage device. It provides a reliable holding force that secures the mask during storage, yet allows easy release when needed, preventing both accidental displacement and tangling while ensuring quick retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device automatically maintains the mask in the correct position through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for manual securing. This self-service mechanism ensures the mask remains ready for deployment without requiring user intervention, reducing both time and risk of error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the harness is tightly secured during storage, then the mask remains in position, but the deployment becomes difficult and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask positioning stabilityVSAvoidease of mask release
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harness attachment mechanism transitions from a tightly secured state during storage to a easily released state during deployment. The movable stud and magnetic system provide strong retention when stationary, but allow rapid release when activated, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If the storage device uses a simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the mask may become tangled or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage device fabricationVSAvoiddeployment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic retention system serves as an intermediary that adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving reliability. It prevents tangling and blocking by maintaining proper mask positioning without requiring complex mechanical constraints, balancing ease of manufacture with deployment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables rapid and intuitive deployment of the breathing mask, reducing the risk of delays in emergency situations by ensuring the mask is properly stored and easily accessible, with automatic release mechanisms enhancing user safety.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a magnetic retention system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3355996B1Aircraft cockpit, assembly comprising a respiratory mask and a storage device, as well as storage method and method for use of such an assembly
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 ZODIAC AEROTECHNICS
  • EP3355996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355996B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355996B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Assembly (4) intended in particular to be arranged in an aircraft cockpit (2) having a pressurised cabin, in order to supply a respiratory gas to a crew member, said assembly (4) comprising a respiratory mask (5) having an oronasal face cover (11) and a harness (7), the oronasal face cover (11) having a respiratory cavity and being suitable for applying on the face of the crew member around the mouth and nose, the harness (7) forms a loop (9) capable of extending around the head of the user on the opposite side from the oronasal face cover (11) in order to hold the oronasal face cover (11) on the face of the user, and a storage device (1), said storage device (1) comprising a base (15) and a platform (19), the platform (19) is mounted movable with respect to the base (15) between a retracted position and an extended position, the platform (19) having a receiving surface (35), the receiving surface (35) of the platform (19) is capable of receiving the respiratory mask (5) in a storage position in which the harness (7) holds the oronasal face cover (11) against the receiving surface (35) of the platform (19) by encircling the platform (19) by forming a loop (9) extending around the platform (19), on the opposite side from the oronasal face cover (11), the respiratory mask (5) being releasable from the storage device (1).