Aircraft Oxygen Pressure Regulator With Sensor-Based Demand Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft oxygen systems face inefficiencies in delivering oxygen as altitude increases, as existing pressure regulators provide continuous flow regardless of user demand, wasting oxygen and not adjusting flow rates effectively with altitude changes.
Innovation Solution
A smart pressure regulator system with a valve module, controller, and sensors that adjust gas flow based on feedback from pressure and temperature sensors, using an electric motor and O-ring seal to maintain steady oxygen pressure by increasing flow area in response to altitude increases, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous flow oxygen delivery is used, then oxygen is always available to users, but oxygen is wasted when users are not inhaling and flow rates do not adjust to altitude changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic demand-actuated flow delivery instead of continuous flow, where oxygen is delivered in cycles based on user inhalation detection and altitude conditions. The controller activates the valve module periodically when oxygen demand is detected, eliminating waste during exhalation phases while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts oxygen flow rates based on real-time altitude changes and user demand signals. The controller modifies the valve opening degree and flow duration continuously according to ambient pressure sensors and demand detection, optimizing the balance between availability and waste reduction.
2Ease of operation
If preset flow rates are used in continuous flow systems, then oxygen delivery is simple, but flow rates cannot be adjusted effectively with altitude changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback from ambient pressure sensors and temperature sensors that continuously monitor altitude changes. The controller processes this feedback data and automatically adjusts flow rates and valve timing, maintaining simplicity for users while achieving sophisticated altitude adaptation through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical flow adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled valve module and sensor-based control system. This substitution enables automatic altitude compensation through electronic sensing and control, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If high pressure oxygen is stored in cylinders, then oxygen storage capacity is maximized, but pressure reduction and flow control become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary oxygen flow control function from the high-pressure storage system by using a electronically controlled valve module that metering oxygen from the high-pressure cylinder. This separates the storage function (high-pressure cylinder) from the delivery control function (electronic valve), simplifying the overall pressure regulation while maintaining storage capacity.
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 system ensures efficient oxygen delivery by adjusting flow rates according to altitude and user demand, reducing oxygen waste and maintaining consistent pressure, thereby providing sufficient oxygenation to passengers during flight.
Implementation Method 1
the valve module comprises an O-ring seal configured on a shaft of the electric motor to achieve a pressure balance by reducing the valve actuation force
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to receive feedback of sensed data at the outlet of the valve module about at least outlet pressure and ambient temperature from at least the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
the controller is configured to receive feedback of sensed data at the outlet of the valve module about at least outlet pressure and ambient temperature from at least the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator system is disclosed. The system includes: a valve module; a controller; and a plurality of sensors. The controller is operably coupled to the valve module to adjust outflow of gas from an outlet of the valve module to a plurality of masks in an interior of an aircraft. The plurality of sensors comprises at least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor and the controller is configured to receive feedback of sensed data at the outlet of the valve module about at least outlet pressure and ambient temperature from at least the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor and adjust the outflow of gas from the outlet of the valve module by determining an open-valve time based on the feedback of sensed data received from each sensor.