Pulse Oxygen System for Aircraft Using Breathing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chemical oxygen systems pose security risks due to flammable chemicals and heat generation, necessitating a safer alternative for providing supplemental oxygen in aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A pulse oxygen system comprising an oxygen mask, metering valve, breathing detector sensor, controller, oxygen regulator, and portable electronic power module, which delivers a pressure and time-regulated flow of pulsed oxygen based on real-time operational conditions, eliminating the need for chemicals and heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical oxygen systems are used to provide oxygen protection, then oxygen delivery function is achieved, but security risks increase due to flammable chemicals and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity risks from chemicals and heat
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful chemical components and heat-generating reaction mechanisms from the oxygen delivery system. Instead of using chemical oxygen generators, the system uses a mechanical/electronic pulse oxygen delivery mechanism that provides oxygen without combustion or chemical reactions, thereby eliminating fire hazards and heat generation while maintaining oxygen delivery functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical reaction-based oxygen generation system with an electronic control system that uses a pulse delivery mechanism. The system employs an electronic controller, sensor, and valve assembly to mechanically and electronically regulate oxygen flow in pulses, substituting chemical processes with electronic-mechanical control to achieve safer oxygen delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If chemical oxygen systems are installed in aircraft, then oxygen protection is provided, but system weight and size constraints are challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen protection capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed oxygen delivery instead of continuous flow or chemical generation. The system delivers oxygen in controlled pulses timed to match respiratory cycles, using a pulse generator and valve assembly to provide intermittent oxygen flow. This periodic action reduces the total oxygen storage requirement and system weight while maintaining effective oxygen delivery during decompression events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If chemical oxygen systems are used, then oxygen delivery is achieved, but the system duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen delivery functionVSAvoidprotection duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuous pulse oxygen delivery system that can operate for extended durations. The electronic controller continuously monitors breathing patterns and oxygen levels, providing continuous pulsed oxygen delivery as needed. The system includes a rechargeable power source and can draw from additional oxygen cylinders, enabling prolonged operation far beyond the limited duration of chemical oxygen generators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2760548B1Supplemental pulse oxygen system for aircraft
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2760548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2760548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2760548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pulse oxygen system and methods for providing oxygen to a user are disclosed. An oxygen mask coupled to a metering valve is provided to a user. An oxygen prescription delivery amount is determined based on and as a function of a real-time operation condition. A metering valve timing is calculated based on the oxygen prescription delivery amount to obtain a pulse delivery time. A pressure and time regulated flow of the oxygen prescription delivery amount of pulsed oxygen is then dispensed to the oxygen mask for a duration of the pulse delivery time in response to detecting the user breathing through the oxygen mask.