Pulling Element for Automatic Escape Filter Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escape filter devices require manual intervention to activate the filter, which can lead to unintentional activation and delayed use, especially in emergency situations where users may not know how to correctly operate the device.

Innovation Solution

A pulling element system that automatically activates the filter by pulling closing elements out of the filter when the device shell is opened or removed, ensuring the filter is activated only during intended use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is required to remove closing elements from the filter, then the filter can be protected from unintentional activation, but the device complexity increases and usability is reduced in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from unintentional activationVSAvoidusability in emergency situations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing elements are pre-positioned on the filter and automatically removed when the device is activated. The pulling elements are pre-configured to engage with the closing elements, so that upon activation (opening the container or removing the device), the closing elements are automatically pulled off without requiring manual manipulation by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device activates itself through the automatic removal mechanism. When the container is opened or the device is removed from its mounting, the pulling elements automatically engage and remove the closing elements from the filter, eliminating the need for user intervention in the activation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual intervention is required to activate the filter, then protection from unintentional activation is improved, but time is lost in reading instructions and correctly operating the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from unintentional activationVSAvoidtime to activate device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All activation mechanisms are pre-configured during manufacturing. The pulling elements are positioned and configured to automatically engage with the closing elements, so that activation occurs immediately when the container is opened or device is removed, without requiring the user to read instructions or perform any manual steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs its own activation automatically. The mechanical linkage between the container opening/device removal and the closing element removal is self-actuating, eliminating any time required for user instruction reading or manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the entire escape filter device is welded in a vacuum-tight barrier layer bag, then protection during transport is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection during transportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of welding the entire device in a single vacuum bag, the invention segments the protection approach by using a container that can be opened or removed, with separate pulling elements that independently activate the filter. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing elements are extracted as separate components that can be automatically removed, rather than being permanently sealed. This allows the filter to remain protected during transport while enabling simple automatic activation when needed, reducing both manufacturing and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If closing elements are manually pulled by fabric straps, then the filter can be activated, but the user must know where and how to grasp and pull the straps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter activationVSAvoiduser knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs the activation function without requiring user knowledge or manual manipulation. The pulling elements are configured to automatically engage with the closing elements when the container is opened or device is removed, eliminating the need for users to know where or how to pull anything.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling elements are pre-configured to automatically engage with the closing elements in the correct position and orientation. This eliminates the need for users to locate or manipulate any components, as the activation mechanism is already prepared and will execute automatically upon activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10441829B2Pulling element for pulling a closing element out of a filter of an escape filter device, escape filter devices, escape filter device system and method for mounting an escape filter device system
Publication Date: 2019.10.15 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • US10441829B2 patent drawing
  • US10441829B2 patent drawing
  • US10441829B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pulling element is provided for automatically pulling a closing element out of a filter of an escape filter device. An escape filter device is also provided that has a hood and a filter integrated into the hood, with at least one such pulling element. An escape filter device system is also provided having such an escape filter device and a device shell. A method is provided for mounting an escape filter device system.