Modular Breathing Valve Assembly for Tool-Free Mask Maintenance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breathing masks require partial disassembly and the use of tools for replacing inspiration valves, making the process time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when the valve seat is damaged, necessitating the replacement of the entire connection housing.

Innovation Solution

A modular breathing valve assembly unit with a snap-in connection that can be inserted and removed from the side of the mask, featuring a handle for easy access and a diaphragm element fastened on one side for improved flow, allowing for replacement without disassembling the mask.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the connection housing is removed for valve replacement, then the breathing valve can be replaced, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires partial disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing valve replacementVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The breathing valve is segmented from the connection housing, allowing the valve to be independently removed and replaced without disconnecting the entire connection housing from the mask body. The valve includes a valve body with diaphragm and a valve housing that forms a separable module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breathing valve is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the connection housing assembly. The valve can be individually removed from the mask body through the freely accessible breathing connection, eliminating the need to remove the entire connection housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the connection housing is removed for valve replacement, then the breathing valve can be replaced, but the process requires use of tools and partial disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing valve replacementVSAvoidreplacement procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The breathing valve is segmented from the connection housing, allowing the valve to be independently removed and replaced without disconnecting the entire connection housing from the mask body. The valve includes a valve body with diaphragm and a valve housing that forms a separable module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breathing valve is designed for self-service replacement by the end user without requiring technical expertise or special tools. The valve can be easily grasped via the handle and removed by simple pulling motion, making maintenance accessible to ordinary users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the inspiration valve is poorly accessible, then the mask structure remains compact, but valve replacement becomes difficult and may require tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve accessibilityVSAvoidvalve replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The breathing valve is positioned asymmetrically within the connection housing such that the handle protrudes toward the outer side of the mask where it is freely accessible. This asymmetric arrangement allows easy access for valve replacement while maintaining a compact overall mask structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

A handle is introduced as an intermediary element that extends from the breathing valve to the outer accessible surface of the mask. This handle serves as a mediator that allows users to grasp and manipulate the internally located valve without direct access to the valve mechanism itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of repair

If the valve seat is damaged, then the valve must be replaced, but the entire connection housing must be replaced in prior art

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve seat replacementVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The breathing valve is segmented from the connection housing, allowing the valve to be independently removed and replaced without disconnecting the entire connection housing from the mask body. The valve includes a valve body with diaphragm and a valve housing that forms a separable module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the damaged breathing valve component is discarded and replaced, while the connection housing and mask body are recovered and retained for continued use. This selective replacement minimizes material waste compared to replacing the entire connection housing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables simple and tool-free replacement of breathing valves, improving accessibility and reducing the complexity of maintenance by allowing both inspiration and expiration valves to be replaced without disassembling the mask, enhancing usability and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The breathing valve may be fastened in the breathing gas channel with a snap-in connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSnap-in connection: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7770581B2Breathing mask

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA

AI summary

A breathing mask shall has an inspiration valve (4) that can be replaced in a simple manner. The breathing valve (4) is designed for this purpose as a modular assembly unit that can be inserted into the breathing gas channel (3) from the outer side (10) of the mask.