Dual-Mode Oxygen Pressure Regulator for High-Pressure Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen control systems for applications like CBRN respirators cannot utilize high-pressure air or oxygen sources effectively, as they typically require low air pressure to operate, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen control system with a control device that includes a first inlet for high-pressure gas, a second inlet for atmospheric air, and a pressure regulator operable in multiple modes to reduce input pressure to suitable outlet pressures, allowing for air dilution and pressure adjustment, enabling the system to function with high-pressure sources and providing a breathable gas mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a high-pressure gas source is used, then the duration of oxygen supply is extended, but the system cannot be used in applications requiring low air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to dynamically switch between two operating modes: a first mode for reducing pressure to a first outlet pressure suitable for low-pressure applications, and a second mode for reducing pressure to a second outlet pressure for high-pressure applications. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to use high-pressure gas sources while maintaining compatibility with applications requiring low air pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the supply gas by using a pressure regulator with two distinct outlet pressure settings. The regulator reduces the input pressure from the high-pressure source to either the first outlet pressure or the second outlet pressure, depending on the application requirements, thereby enabling versatility across different pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate low pressure oxygen source is used, then low pressure applications can operate, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions by providing two different outlet pressure settings from a single high-pressure input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate low-pressure oxygen sources, as the same regulator can serve both low-pressure and high-pressure applications, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functionality of multiple oxygen sources (high-pressure and low-pressure sources) into a single high-pressure source combined with a dual-mode pressure regulator. This consolidation reduces the number of components required while maintaining the ability to supply oxygen at different pressure levels.
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 the use of high-pressure oxygen sources in applications requiring low air pressure, extending the duration of oxygen supply and providing adjustable air dilution and pressure, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of oxygen control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure regulator reduces input pressure of the supply gas to a first outlet pressure at the outlet, and, in the second mode, the pressure regulator reduces the input pressure of the supply gas to a second outlet pressure at the outlet that is greater than the first outlet pressure
Implementation Method 2
the inlet controller is configured to control the flow of atmospheric air through the second inlet and into the control device
Data Source
AI summary
Described are oxygen control systems that utilize compressed air or oxygen. The oxygen control systems may include a control device having a first inlet that enables the flow of a supply gas from a high pressure gas source at an input pressure into the control device. The control device also includes a second inlet that enables a flow of atmospheric air into the control device and an outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet and the second inlet. The control device also includes a pressure regulator that is operable in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the pressure regulator reduces input pressure of the gas to a first outlet pressure at the outlet, and, in the second mode, the pressure regulator reduces the input pressure of the gas to a second outlet pressure at the outlet that is greater than the first outlet pressure.