Chemical Oxygen Generator Parallel Core Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical oxygen generators for aircraft require increased weight or length to extend operation duration, which is not suitable for the limited space in aircraft, and the honeycomb type separators occupy substantial volume and increase weight, making them unsuitable for aviation use.
Innovation Solution
A chemical oxygen generator with a chemical core assembly comprising multiple parallel sections, where a high reactivity section and transition sections are used to prolong the reaction time without increasing the length or weight, utilizing a stainless steel housing and thermal insulation to control the reaction front propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the length of the chemical core is increased to extend operation duration, then the duration of operation is improved, but the length of the generator increases which is not suitable for limited aircraft space
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical core is divided into multiple discrete sections (first section, second section, third section) with different reactivity characteristics. Each section contributes to oxygen generation at different rates, allowing the system to achieve extended duration without proportionally increasing length by optimizing the spatial arrangement and reactivity distribution of segmented sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear reaction path to a multi-dimensional reaction structure by arranging chemical sections in a configuration that utilizes radial and axial dimensions. The reaction front propagates through multiple sections simultaneously or sequentially in different spatial directions, effectively increasing the reaction path length without proportionally increasing the external generator dimensions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If heavier cores are used to increase operation duration without increasing length, then the duration of operation is improved, but the weight of the generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the chemical core are assigned different reactivity qualities - the first section has high reactivity for initial oxygen surge, while subsequent sections have progressively lower reactivity for sustained oxygen generation. This local differentiation allows optimization of material distribution, achieving extended duration without uniformly increasing core mass throughout the entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reactivity parameter along the length of the chemical core by using different chemical compositions or configurations in different sections. The high reactivity section provides initial oxygen generation, while lower reactivity sections extend duration, allowing the system to achieve long operation times without requiring uniformly heavy materials throughout the core.
3Reliability
If the reaction front linear velocity is increased to maintain stability, then the stability of the reaction is improved, but the operation duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical core is segmented into sections with different reactivity characteristics arranged to control reaction front propagation. The high reactivity section at the ignition end ensures stable reaction initiation and propagation, while subsequent sections with progressively lower reactivity extend the overall duration. This segmentation allows different parts of the core to serve different functional purposes in the reaction sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction proceeds through multiple stages or periods as the reaction front sequentially passes through different chemical sections. Each section provides a distinct phase of oxygen generation with characteristic reaction rates, creating a periodic or staged action pattern that maintains stability during transition between sections while extending total operation duration.
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 solution effectively doubles the operation duration of the chemical oxygen generator without increasing its length or weight, providing a stable and efficient oxygen supply that meets the high initial flow rate requirements of aircraft descent profiles.
Implementation Method 1
Chemical oxygen generating compositions based upon the decomposition of alkali metal chlorates or perchlorates have long been used as an emergency source of breathable oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a first thermal insulation layer disposed in the chemical oxygen generator housing between the first end of the second parallel chemical core section and the chemical core ignition plate, and between the body of the second parallel chemical core section and the body of the first parallel chemical core section
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A chemical oxygen generator includes multiple parallel sequentially connected chemical core sections that extend the duration of operation of the chemical oxygen generator. An end of a first core section is contiguous with a chemical core high reactivity section, and a thermal insulation layer is disposed between an end of a second core section and the chemical core ignition plate, as well as between the bodies of the first and second core sections. A chemical core transition section is disposed between the other end of the first core section and the second core section, to insure that the reaction front propagates properly.