Compact Respirator Blower Assembly Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bulky and complex respirator blower assemblies hinder user mobility and are inefficient, with increased manufacturing errors and costs due to their spatial inefficiency and complex geometries, which limit the provision of breathable air in hazardous environments.

Innovation Solution

A compact blower assembly design that minimizes spatial footprint by integrating blower scroll components into the respirator housing, reducing the number of parts and optimizing airflow paths to enhance efficiency and reduce thickness, while maintaining desired output parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional blower assembly is used, then the respirator can deliver breathable air, but the assembly is bulky and complex, hindering user mobility and increasing manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower assembly spatial footprintVSAvoiddelivery of breathable air

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blower scroll is integrated with the respirator housing, merging two previously separate components into a unified structure. The housing serves dual functions as both the respirator enclosure and the blower scroll, eliminating the need for a separate blower scroll component and reducing overall assembly volume while maintaining air delivery functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The respirator housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the structural enclosure for the respirator and simultaneously functions as the blower scroll that directs airflow. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies the overall assembly while ensuring reliable breathable air delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a conventional blower assembly with separate components is used, then the design is straightforward, but the number of parts increases manufacturing complexity and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost and error rateVSAvoidnumber of blower assembly parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the blower scroll functionality into the respirator housing, the invention reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation decreases manufacturing complexity and potential error sources while maintaining the necessary airflow functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If a compact blower assembly design is used, then user mobility is improved, but the airflow path optimization becomes more challenging to maintain efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower assembly thicknessVSAvoidairflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet is configured to extend through the thickness of the housing, utilizing the z-dimension (depth dimension) rather than only the x-y plane. This allows the airflow path to be optimized in three dimensions, maintaining efficient airflow despite the reduced overall thickness of the blower assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated blower scroll design incorporates curved surfaces and optimized flow paths that guide air efficiently through the compact housing structure, minimizing turbulence and pressure losses despite the constrained space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 compact design improves user mobility, reduces manufacturing costs, and increases blower assembly efficiency by minimizing back pressure and system errors, ensuring reliable delivery of breathable air in hazardous environments.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller configured to pull a volume of air into the blower assembly through a blower assembly air inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a blower scroll configured to receive the volume of air at a blower scroll air inlet and direct the volume of air toward a blower scroll air outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20240299779A1Compact respirator assembly

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC

AI summary

Various embodiments are directed to a compact respirator assembly comprising a respirator housing; and a compact blower assembly, the compact blower assembly comprising an impeller configured to pull a volume of air into a blower assembly air inlet; a blower scroll configured to receive the volume of air and direct the volume of air toward a blower scroll air outlet, the blower scroll comprising: a first blower scroll component comprising at least a portion of a blower frame element comprising a portion of the respirator housing; a second blower scroll component comprising a scroll cover secured to the blower frame element so as to define an internal scroll flow chamber, wherein the internal scroll flow chamber comprises a cavity positioned between the scroll cover and the blower frame element; and wherein the blower scroll air inlet comprises an opening that extends through a thickness of the respirator housing.