Elastomeric Duct Isolates Blower Vibration in PAPR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) experience vibrations due to the motion of the blower, which are transmitted to the wearer, causing discomfort and annoyance, regardless of being helmet- or belt-mounted.
Innovation Solution
A blower assembly is vibrationally isolated from the filtering device shell using a duct made of elastomeric material, which connects the blower assembly to the filtering device shell, effectively dampening vibrations and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the blower assembly is rigidly attached to the filtering device shell, then structural stability is improved, but vibrations and noise increase causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary component between the blower assembly and the filtering device shell. This elastomeric material serves as a vibration isolator that absorbs and dampens mechanical vibrations generated by the blower, preventing their transmission to the shell and reducing noise while maintaining the structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the blower assembly and the filtering device shell is changed from a rigid connection to a flexible connection using elastomeric material. This parameter change in the connection rigidity allows the system to maintain structural stability while accommodating vibrations and reducing noise transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the blower assembly is isolated using elastomeric material, then vibrations and noise are reduced, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system uses a composite approach combining the rigid blower assembly housing with a flexible elastomeric mounting material. This composite structure leverages the strength of the rigid components while using the elastomeric material's damping properties to reduce vibrations, achieving both vibration isolation and adequate connection strength.
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 use of an elastomeric duct significantly reduces vibrations and noise, enhancing user comfort by isolating the blower assembly from the filtering device shell, thereby improving the wearing experience for both helmet- and belt-mounted PAPRs.
Implementation Method 1
A blower assembly is vibrationally isolated from the filtering device shell using a duct made of elastomeric material, which connects the blower assembly to the filtering device shell, effectively dampening vibrations and reducing noise
Data Source
AI summary
Air filtering devices may be helmet-mounted or belt-mounted. The air filtering devices include a filtering device shell and a filtering unit. The filtering unit includes a contaminated-air inlet, a filter assembly in fluid communication with the contaminated-air inlet, a blower assembly in fluid communication with the filter assembly via a duct, and containing a filtered-air outlet, and a filtered-air passageway in fluid communication with the blower assembly outlet and leading to breathing headgear. The blower assembly is vibrationally isolated from the filtering device shell by being only attached to the filtering device shell by the duct. The duct includes an elastomeric material.