Handheld Breathable Gas Delivery Device for Emergency Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
In emergency situations such as smoke-filled rooms, underwater accidents, or toxic chemical spills, individuals often cannot hold their breath long enough to escape safely due to elevated stress levels and the need for immediate action, leading to potential smoke inhalation or asphyxiation, with existing solutions being inadequate in providing timely breathable air.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable device containing a compressed gas cylinder capable of delivering 6-10 full breaths of breathable gas, with a mask-less mouth delivery system and an actuator for on-demand gas flow, along with additional features like a battery-powered LED light, smoke detector, glass breaking component, and seat belt cutter, designed for single-use disposability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a person relies on their natural breath-holding capacity in emergency situations, then no additional equipment is needed, but they cannot survive long enough to escape hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by storing compressed breathable gas in a portable container before the emergency occurs. The gas is pre-compressed and ready for immediate delivery, eliminating the need for external compression equipment during the emergency. This allows the user to have extended breath-holding capability prepared in advance, directly resolving the contradiction between natural breath-holding limits and survival reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a portable compressed gas device is provided, then breath-holding time is extended, but the device must be small enough to be handheld
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies parameter changes by compressing the breathable gas to high pressure (e.g., 200-300 atmospheres) before storage. This compression dramatically reduces the volume required to store sufficient gas for multiple breaths. The compressed gas state allows enough gas for 6-10 full breaths to be contained in a handheld container, resolving the contradiction between extended breath-holding duration and compact device volume.
3Ease of operation
If a mask-based delivery system is used, then gas delivery is controlled, but the device becomes more complex and harder to use quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and eliminates the mask component from the gas delivery system, using direct mouth-to-mouthpiece delivery instead. This simplification removes the complexity of mask fitting, sealing, and adjustment while maintaining effective gas delivery control through a simple mouthpiece design. The user simply places the mouthpiece in their mouth to receive compressed gas, greatly improving ease of operation during emergency situations.
4Reliability
If the device is designed for single-use disposability, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies segmentation by dividing the product into two parts: a reusable delivery mechanism (mouthpiece, valve, housing) and a disposable compressed gas cartridge. The reusable portion can be manufactured once and used multiple times, while the disposable cartridge contains the compressed gas and is replaced after use. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing costs compared to completely disposable devices while maintaining reliability through consistent performance of the reusable components.
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 device provides users with controlled, efficient delivery of breathable gas, potentially extending their survival time by 5-10 minutes, enhancing their ability to escape hazardous environments safely.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder filled with compressed, breathable, gas
Implementation Method 2
at least one battery-powered LED light configured to illuminate the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel, handheld devices for delivering breathable gas. In particular, the present invention relates to novel, handheld devices for delivering lifesaving oxygen to a user when during an emergency such a in a smoke-filled room during a fire, underwater during an automobile accident, a toxic chemical spill and the like.