Movable Connecting Unit for Respiratory Fan Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan devices for respiratory protection systems lack mobility and have inefficient connections between the ventilation unit and the breathing mask unit, leading to suboptimal air supply and mobility issues.

Innovation Solution

A fan device with a connection unit that is partially movable and arranged within the ventilation unit, providing a robust, compact, and separable connection between the transfer unit and the ventilation unit, ensuring an airtight seal and improved mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed connection between the transfer unit and ventilation unit is used, then connection stability is improved, but mobility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting unit is designed with movable mounting on the ventilation unit, allowing it to change position and orientation dynamically. This enables the system to adapt to different user movements and positions while maintaining a secure connection, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and mobile adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separable components: the connecting unit with mounting on the ventilation unit, and the transfer unit with its own connection interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the connecting unit provides stable mounting while the transfer unit provides mobility, eliminating the need for a completely fixed rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a complex connection system is used to ensure airtight connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairtight connectionVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting unit integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural connection, mounting attachment, and airtight sealing simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, achieving reliable airtight connection while minimizing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting unit acts as an intermediary element between the ventilation unit and transfer unit, providing the airtight seal and mechanical connection through its design. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by consolidating connection and sealing functions in one element rather than requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the connecting unit is mounted outside the ventilation unit, then accessibility is improved, but device compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting unit is arranged at least partially inside the ventilation unit housing, nesting the connection mechanism within the existing device structure. This eliminates the need for external mounting space while maintaining full functionality, achieving compact integration without sacrificing accessibility or connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3915646B1Fan device for a respiratory protection system
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 OPTREL HOLDING AG
  • EP3915646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915646B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a blower device (10) for a respiratory protection system (50), comprising at least one ventilation unit (14) for supplying air to a breathing mask unit (12), and a transfer unit (16) for transferring air from the ventilation unit (14) to the breathing mask unit (12). It is proposed that the blower device (10) has a connecting unit (44) that is at least partially movably mounted on the ventilation unit (14), connecting the transfer unit (16) to the ventilation unit (14), in particular in a substantially airtight manner, and which is at least partially arranged within the ventilation unit (14).