Conductive Plastic Case for Emergency Breathing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency escape breathing apparatuses face challenges in balancing visibility, durability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring readiness for emergency situations, often compromising on one aspect due to design constraints such as storage space, weight, and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A case with a substantially rigid hollow shell formed from conductive plastics, featuring interlocking shell parts that securely house a cylinder of breathable gas and a delivery device, with an access panel and activation key for easy operation, and a strap for user convenience, allowing secure storage and quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a high visibility bag is used to contain the apparatus, then visibility and ease of carrying are improved, but durability and protection against damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining a rigid protective shell (providing strength and durability) with high-visibility coloring or markings on the shell (providing visibility). This composite approach allows the case to simultaneously achieve both visibility and durability, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Reliability
If dedicated storage units are supplied to house the apparatus, then protection and organization are improved, but space occupation and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function with the apparatus itself by integrating a dedicated case that houses both the breathing apparatus and the gas cylinder. This combination eliminates the need for separate storage units, reducing space occupation while maintaining reliable protection for the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed to nest the delivery device and gas cylinder within its housing, creating a compact integrated storage solution. The rigid shell contains all components in a space-efficient manner, avoiding the need for additional external storage space.
3Strength
If the apparatus is made robust to withstand rigorous movement, then durability is improved, but weight and ease of carrying deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rigid shell design that provides robust protection while being optimized for weight efficiency. The shell is constructed to withstand rigorous movement and potential accidental damage during storage and use, yet remains light enough for easy carrying by users in physical distress.
4Reliability
If the apparatus remains in storage for extended periods, then availability for emergency use is improved, but susceptibility to damage and operational readiness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid protective case serves as beforehand cushioning and protection for the apparatus during extended storage periods. The case shields the breathing apparatus and gas cylinder from potential accidental damage, environmental factors, and handling impacts, ensuring the apparatus remains in operational readiness when needed for emergency evacuation.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a case 2 for emergency escape breathing apparatus, comprising a substantially rigid hollow shell 4 defining a cylinder housing portion for retaining a cylinder of breathable gas and a delivery device housing portion for removably housing a delivery device for the breathable gas supplied by the cylinder. An access opening is provided which provides access to the interior of the delivery device housing portion through which a delivery device, such as a hood or mask, can be inserted and removed.