Modular Breathing Apparatus Support With Adaptor-Bracket Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for self-contained breathing apparatuses require separate adjustments for single and twin cylinder configurations, necessitating specific universal or twinpack supports, which lack flexibility and efficiency in switching between configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system with an adaptor bracket that allows conversion between single and multiple cylinder configurations, enabling the use of a single support for both single and multiple cylinder setups by incorporating an adaptor bracket with mount portions that can be attached to both cylinder and component mounts, facilitating quick and easy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate universal cylinder support and twinpack cylinder support are used for single and twin cylinder configurations, then each configuration has dedicated support, but the user must choose different supports and cannot easily switch between configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate both single cylinder and twinpack cylinder configurations through the addition of different adaptor brackets. The base support includes mounting points that can interface with various adaptor types, allowing one support structure to serve multiple functions across different configuration needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into modular components: a base support structure and separate adaptor brackets. The adaptor brackets are further segmented into different types (single-cylinder adaptor, twinpack-cylinder adaptor) that can be independently selected and attached to the base support, enabling flexible reconfiguration without replacing the entire support system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single support is designed to accommodate both single and twinpack configurations without adaptors, then the structure must be complex, but this increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The base support is pre-equipped with standardized mounting points and interfaces that are prepared in advance to receive different adaptor brackets. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply attach the appropriate adaptor bracket without complex adjustments, making configuration switching straightforward and intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing support systems require separate adjustment procedures for single and twin cylinder configurations, then specific supports are chosen for each configuration, but this increases the time required to switch configurations and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The support system enables dynamic reconfiguration through the simple attachment and detachment of adaptor brackets. Users can quickly switch between single cylinder and twinpack configurations by removing one adaptor bracket and attaching another, without requiring time-consuming adjustments to the base support structure or cylinder positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular support system for a self-contained breathing apparatus, comprising: a support for a self-contained breathing apparatus, the support comprising a cylinder mount and a component mount, wherein the cylinder mount is for mounting a single cylinder of compressed gas to the support in a single cylinder configuration of the modular support system; and wherein the component mount is for mounting a functional component for the self-contained breathing apparatus in the single cylinder configuration; the system further comprising an adaptor bracket for mounting an assembly of multiple cylinders to the support in a multiple cylinder pack configuration; wherein the adaptor bracket has mount portions configured to be mounted to the component mount and the cylinder mount. There is also disclosed an adaptor bracket and a method of converting a single-cylinder support.