Lung Demand Regulator Cam Lockout Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lung demand regulators for breathing apparatuses require additional user intervention to disable breathing gas flow when not in use, leading to potential gas wastage due to forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
A lung demand regulator with a flow regulation mechanism and a lockout mechanism that automatically disables breathing gas flow when the regulator is disconnected from a face mask, using a cam element and cam follower arrangement to translate user input into a locking action, and can be reactivated by inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a manual shutoff mechanism is used to conserve breathing gas, then gas conservation is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to additional intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically disables gas flow when the mask is removed by detecting the disconnection event, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The regulator self-regulates the gas flow state based on mask connection status, improving both gas conservation and user convenience simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If automatic lockout mechanism is implemented to eliminate manual shutoff, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism is integrated into the existing connection mechanism between the regulator and mask. The same physical connection that delivers gas also triggers the automatic lockout when disconnected, merging two functions into one unified system and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A cam element and cam follower are used as mechanical intermediaries to translate the radial movement of the connection mechanism into axial movement that actuates the lockout lever, providing a simple and reliable transmission path without complex control systems
3Extent of automation
If cam element and cam follower are used to translate user input, then automation is improved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element and cam follower are specifically designed with appropriate materials and surface treatments to optimize the friction characteristics during operation, balancing the need for reliable force transmission with the need to minimize wear and energy loss over repeated use cycles
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
Automatically disables breathing gas flow when the regulator is disconnected from the face mask, reducing gas wastage and enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual shutoff, while allowing easy reactivation through normal inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one release element comprises a cam element and the lockout actuator comprises a cam follower configured to engage with the cam element, such that the lockout actuator is actuated by movement of the at least one release element
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a lung demand regulator for a breathing apparatus comprising: a flow regulation mechanism having a closed configuration; a connection mechanism for releasably connecting the lung demand regulator to a face mask; and a lockout mechanism for locking the flow regulation mechanism in the closed configuration, the lockout mechanism configured to be activated by at least one release element, the movement of the at least one release element being translated to the lockout mechanism via a cam element and cam follower arrangement. Also disclosed is a face mask comprising a lung demand regulator and a breathing apparatus comprising a lung demand regulator.