Oxygen Mask Extension Arm Guide Block Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in aircraft may not have easy access to oxygen masks due to limited overhead space, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for masks to be within reach without obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A passenger oxygen mask extension mechanism using a guide block to direct the rotation of an extension arm, which telescopes outward to deploy a pull flag that passengers can grab to retrieve the oxygen mask, ensuring accessibility even when seated far from overhead compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passengers are removed from overhead utilities to increase passenger capacity, then passenger capacity increases, but accessibility to oxygen masks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the oxygen mask delivery system from the traditional overhead compartment location to a lower position near the passenger seat using an extension arm mechanism. This dimensional change in mask placement allows masks to be accessible to passengers even when overhead compartments are removed or when passengers are seated far from overhead locations, thus resolving the contradiction between increased passenger capacity and maintained mask accessibility
2Volume of stationary object
If overhead space is utilized more efficiently, then space utilization improves, but accessibility to oxygen masks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension arm mechanism as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the overhead compartment and the passenger seat. This intermediary structure allows the oxygen mask to be delivered from the overhead location to a lower, more accessible position near the passenger, enabling efficient overhead space utilization while maintaining easy mask accessibility
3Ease of operation
If extension mechanism is added to reach passengers, then accessibility to oxygen masks improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic extension arm mechanism that can rotate and extend to different positions based on passenger location and emergency conditions. The guide block with defined channels provides controlled rotational movement, allowing the system to adapt to various seating arrangements and reach different passengers while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a rotating extension arm, a guide block with channels for controlled movement, and a telescoping arm mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while achieving the goal of improved mask accessibility
Data Source
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AI summary
An extension mechanism for a passenger oxygen mask includes a guide block (202) with defined channels (206) to guide the rotation of a telescoping extension arm mechanism. After rotation, a rotating sleeve latch releases an internal telescoping arm (316) that extends a pull flag for the passenger to grab and release the oxygen mask. A pull flag release mechanism releases the pull flag when the extension arm mechanism is fully extended. Combined spring biasing elements keep the pull flag secured in place while stowed and retract a pull flag retention pin at full extension.