Regulator Button Cover Prevents Accidental Purge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency breathing devices used in aircraft emergencies are prone to accidental activation of the purge button, which depletes the limited air supply, rendering the device useless during actual emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece hard regulator cover device that protects both the mouthpiece and purge button of the second stage regulator, providing a friction fit for the mouthpiece and covering the purge button to prevent accidental activation, eliminating the need for a separate mouthpiece cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate mouthpiece cover and purge button cover are used, then protection is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mouthpiece cover and purge button cover into a single integrated cover component. This unified cover simultaneously protects both the mouthpiece and purge button, eliminating the need for separate protective components while maintaining comprehensive protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece hard cover performs multiple protective functions simultaneously: it covers and protects the mouthpiece, covers and protects the purge button, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If the cover is designed to fully enclose the regulator, then protection is maximized, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover design applies protection selectively: it fully covers the mouthpiece for maximum protection, while providing only partial coverage of the purge button area. This localized differentiation allows the purge button to remain accessible for operation while still receiving some protective coverage from the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design segments the protection level across different areas: full enclosure for the mouthpiece and partial coverage for the purge button. This segmented approach ensures that highly protected areas remain protected while operational areas remain accessible.
3Reliability
If a friction fit is used for the mouthpiece, then security of attachment is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction fit design utilizes dimensional parameters and material properties to create a secure attachment. By carefully selecting the dimensions of the mouthpiece and corresponding opening in the cover, along with appropriate material selection, a reliable friction-based connection is achieved without requiring complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
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
Effectively prevents accidental purging of the emergency breathing device, ensuring the air supply remains available for emergency use by securely covering the purge button and mouthpiece, thus maintaining the device's functionality during routine flight operations and underwater emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The narrowed region of the hollow interior between the internal enlarged portions of the two side walls presents a friction fit for the mouthpiece entering and exiting the hollow interior of the proximal portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cover device for a regulator, which has a purge button and a mouthpiece connected to the regulator, includes a body having a mouthpiece housing to receive the mouthpiece through an access opening which presents a friction fit to squeeze the mouthpiece passing therethrough in a squeezed state to enter and exit a hollow interior of the mouthpiece housing. The hollow interior is configured to store the mouthpiece in a relaxed state. A button cover is connected to the mouthpiece housing to cover the purge button on a top surface of the regulator when the mouthpiece is inserted into the hollow interior of the mouthpiece housing. The button cover is narrower in width than the mouthpiece housing.