External SCBA Storage Compartment with Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals deposited on their personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when these are stored in the cabin of emergency vehicles, as the chemicals can off-gas and contaminate the enclosed space, posing health risks during transport after a fire.
Innovation Solution
A sealed storage compartment for SCBA is designed to be accessed externally, with a deployment mechanism that moves the SCBA from an elevated position within the vehicle to a lower, ergonomic position outside, ensuring containment of off-gassing chemicals and convenient access for firefighters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If SCBA is stored in the cabin of the firetruck, then firefighters can quickly access it during emergencies, but chemicals deposited on the SCBA can off-gas and contaminate the cabin space, exposing firefighters to harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage space into two separate compartments: a sealed external compartment for storing SCBA and a separate internal cabin space for firefighters. This segmentation prevents chemicals from the SCBA from contaminating the cabin while maintaining quick access through the external compartment's design.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCBA storage function is extracted from the internal cabin space and placed in a separate external compartment. This extraction removes the source of chemical contamination from the protected space while maintaining the storage and quick access functions through the external mounting and door mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If SCBA is stored in a sealed external compartment, then chemicals are contained and firefighters are protected from exposure, but access to the SCBA becomes less convenient and requires opening external doors
Solution Approach 1:
The SCBA is pre-positioned in the external compartment in an upright orientation during normal storage. When the compartment door is opened, the SCBA is already in position for immediate removal, eliminating the need for additional handling or repositioning actions and maintaining operational convenience despite the external storage location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the external dimension of the firetruck body for storage, moving the SCBA from internal three-dimensional cabin space to an external mounted compartment. This dimensional change allows sealed containment while maintaining accessibility through the external door and positioning mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the SCBA storage compartment is integrated into the seat structure, then space is efficiently utilized, but no additional storage is provided for SCBA after returning from a call
Solution Approach 1:
The external compartment serves multiple functions: it provides secure sealed storage for SCBA during and after calls, acts as a protective enclosure during transport, and maintains space efficiency by utilizing the firetruck's external structure. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate storage locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a storage compartment for self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) are provided. The storage compartment includes a deployment mechanism to facilitate efficient and ergonomic donning of the SCBA. Advantageously, the storage compartment is closed off from the cabin of a firetruck and is accessed from the exterior of the firetruck so that any chemicals that off-gas from the SCBA are contained in their own compartment separate from the interior of the firetruck's cabin. The SCBA are able to be deployed from the storage compartment in a variety of different ways. Each embodiment of the deployment mechanism is configured to deploy the SCBA from an elevated position within the storage compartment to an exterior position that is roughly at the level of a firefighter's back.