Refuge Oxygen Level Control With Relay-Driven Supply Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human refuges require human interaction to maintain optimal oxygen levels, leading to excess oxygen being vented out through pressure relief valves, resulting in inefficient oxygen delivery.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using an oxygen sensor to control a valve, releasing oxygen when levels drop below a predetermined threshold and stopping when levels exceed another threshold, without human intervention, utilizing relays and a proportional valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If human interaction is used to monitor and adjust oxygen levels in a refuge, then oxygen delivery can be matched to actual consumption, but human monitoring and adjustment are required which increases operational complexity and response time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors oxygen levels through sensors and adjusts the valve position without human intervention. The microprocessor controller continuously reads sensor data and autonomously controls the valve to maintain oxygen levels within the desired range, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a closed-loop feedback mechanism where oxygen sensors continuously measure the actual oxygen concentration in the refuge and transmit this information to the microprocessor controller. The controller compares the measured levels with the desired range and automatically adjusts the valve position accordingly, creating a self-correcting system that maintains optimal oxygen levels.
2Reliability
If excess oxygen is delivered to ensure adequate supply, then oxygen availability is maintained, but excess pressure is created causing oxygen to be vented through pressure relief valves resulting in waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the valve position based on real-time oxygen level measurements rather than maintaining a fixed supply rate. The microprocessor controller continuously modifies the valve opening degree to match the actual oxygen consumption of occupants, ensuring adequate supply while preventing over-pressurization and subsequent venting through pressure relief valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the oxygen delivery parameter (valve position) based on measured oxygen concentration levels. When oxygen levels are sufficient, the valve is closed or partially closed to reduce or stop delivery. When levels drop below the desired range, the valve is opened to increase delivery, creating an adaptive response that prevents both deficiency and excess.
3Productivity
If manual valve control is used to release oxygen, then simple hardware is required, but human interaction is needed for monitoring and adjustment reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated electromechanical control system. A microprocessor controller reads digital signals from oxygen sensors and automatically actuates the valve through an actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for human operators to manually monitor and adjust the valve while maintaining precise control over oxygen delivery.
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
Ensures consistent oxygen levels within a desired range in closed environments, reducing oxygen wastage and ensuring proper delivery without human monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen sensor for detecting the level of oxygen in the closed environment
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of relays whose operations is controlled by the level of oxygen detected by the sensor... a valve in communication with the relays and the oxygen supply which is automatically opened by the relays
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply having an oxygen sensor for detecting the level of oxygen in the closed environment. The apparatus has a plurality of relays in communication with the sensor. The apparatus has a valve in communication with the relays and the oxygen supply which is automatically opened with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to release oxygen from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes below a first predetermined level and which is automatically closed with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to stop oxygen from being released from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes above a second predetermined level. A method for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply. A refuge chamber.