Inflatable Harness for Quick Respiratory Mask Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory equipment for aircraft pilots is not practical or comfortable for preventive use at high altitudes or in specific geographical areas, such as high mountains, due to complexity and discomfort, which can hinder quick access and safety during critical tasks.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory equipment design featuring a head armature with an occipital member and front cradle for easy mask placement, an inflatable harness for quick and secure application, and integrated audio communication components, ensuring comfort and ease of use across various anthropometric and hairstyle variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional respiratory equipment is used, then the mask can be applied to the pilot's face, but the process is slow and complex, reducing pilot availability for critical tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is pre-positioned in a waiting position on the front cradle of the head armature, ready for immediate deployment. The inflatable harness is pre-attached to the head armature, so that upon inflation, it automatically propels the mask onto the pilot's face without requiring manual manipulation of straps or positioning adjustments during the emergency donning process.
Solution Approach 2:
An inflatable harness connected to a gas source is used to propel the mask onto the pilot's face. When activated, the inflation of the harness creates a cushion that pushes the mask into position and secures it on the pilot's face, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening systems and significantly reducing donning time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional respiratory equipment is used, then the mask can be secured to the pilot's face, but the equipment is uncomfortable and does not accommodate various anthropometrics and hairstyles
Solution Approach 1:
The head armature includes adjustable components that can be dynamically adapted to different pilot head sizes and shapes. The inflatable harness provides dynamic adaptation by conforming to the pilot's face shape when inflated, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit across various anthropometrics without requiring multiple sizes or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask and harness utilize flexible materials that can conform to different face shapes and hairstyles. The inflatable harness acts as a flexible cushion that adapts to the pilot's anatomy, providing comfort and secure retention regardless of head shape, size, or hairstyle variations.
3Productivity
If the mask is kept accessible for quick donning, then the pilot can quickly access it, but the mask may not be securely retained in the waiting position
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is pre-positioned in a waiting position on the front cradle, securely held by retention means that prevent accidental displacement. The retention means are designed to hold the mask firmly during normal operations but allow for rapid release and deployment when the pilot needs to don the mask quickly, thus maintaining both security and accessibility.
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 equipment provides quick, safe, and comfortable mask application, enhancing pilot availability for critical tasks by simplifying the placement process and accommodating diverse user anatomies and hairstyles, while maintaining audio communication functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable harness configured to be coupled to a pressurized gas source, an inflation of the inflatable harness causing an extension of the inflatable harness such that the respiratory mask can be brought opposite the mouth and nose of a user
Implementation Method 2
a purge of the inflatable harness causing a constrained application of the inflatable harness against the mouth and nose of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory equipment for an aircraft, a pilot or first officer of the aircraft forming a user of the respiratory equipment, the respiratory equipment comprising a head armature, configured to be worn on the user's head, a respiratory mask configured to be applied, in a use position around the mouth and nose of a user, an inflatable harness configured to be coupled to a pressurized gas source, an inflation of the inflatable harness causing an extension of the inflatable harness such that the respiratory mask can be brought opposite the mouth and nose of a user, and a purge of the inflatable harness causing a constrained application of the inflatable harness against the mouth and nose of a user, wherein the head armature comprises at least an occipital member, and a front cradle for receiving and lodging the respiratory mask in a waiting position, wherein the inflatable harness is fixed to the occipital member and the inflatable harness is coupled to the respiratory mask.