Compact PAPR Layout for Hot-Swappable Battery Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) face issues with size, weight, and inconvenience due to battery replacement, especially in confined spaces, and often require users to stop working to replace discharged batteries.
Innovation Solution
A compact PAPR design with a blower unit between battery sockets, a filter extending across one face, and a control system managing battery power, allowing seamless battery replacement and operation in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the PAPR is made body wearable to increase size capacity, then battery capacity and filter size can be increased, but the unit becomes large and unwieldy causing discomfort and tangling in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple smaller battery units that can be independently replaced, allowing extended operational capacity without requiring a single large battery pack that would increase the overall device size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is positioned on the front face of the housing rather than on the top or side, allowing it to extend across the blower unit and sockets in a compact arrangement that maintains a low profile without increasing the width of the PAPR.
2Ease of operation
If the PAPR is made compact to improve portability, then ease of wear is improved, but battery capacity is reduced limiting operation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple smaller battery units that can be independently replaced, allowing extended operational capacity without requiring a single large battery pack that would increase the overall device size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery units are pre-installed in the housing, allowing the user to immediately switch to a charged battery when one is depleted, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
3Quantity of substance
If the filter is positioned to maximize filtration area, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the unit becomes unwieldy and tangled in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned on the front face of the housing rather than on the top or side, allowing it to extend across the blower unit and sockets in a compact arrangement that maintains a low profile without increasing the width of the PAPR.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is nested within the housing structure, extending across the blower unit and sockets in a compact arrangement that maintains a low profile without increasing the width of the PAPR.
4Ease of repair
If the PAPR requires stopping to replace batteries, then battery replacement is simple, but productivity is reduced due to work interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple smaller battery units that can be independently replaced, allowing extended operational capacity without requiring a single large battery pack that would increase the overall device size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery units are pre-installed in the housing, allowing the user to immediately switch to a charged battery when one is depleted, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
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
Enables continuous operation during battery replacement, reduces size and weight, and allows flexible wearing positions without disrupting work, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a blower unit mounted within the housing between the sockets for drawing air in through the inlet via the filter and directing air out through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a filter mounted within the housing so that air entering through the inlet must pass through the filter before it passes through the outlet
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the pair of sockets having a battery releasably retained therein
Data Source
AI summary
A powered air purifying respirator comprises a housing having an inlet for admitting air from the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing and an outlet for emitting air from the interior of the housing to a face mask connected to the housing. The inlet and outlet are on opposite edges of the housing. A filter is mounted within the housing so that air entering through the inlet must pass through the filter before it passes through the outlet. A pair of sockets extend along opposite sides of the housing. At least one of the sockets has a battery releasably retained therein. Optionally, there is one battery in each socket. A blower unit is mounted within the housing between the sockets for drawing air in through the inlet via the filter and directing air out through the outlet. A control system connects the batteries to power the blower unit. One face of the housing defines a sub-housing for locating the filter on the face of the housing so as to extend across the blower unit and sockets and across substantially all of the face of the housing. and further comprises a removable cover for closing the sub-housing and allowing replacement of the filter The cover also defines the air inlet.