Breathing Apparatus Regulator Release Button Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breathing apparatuses in hazardous environments face challenges with obscured personal alert safety systems and communication issues due to the positioning of indicators, which can be blocked by the user's movement or activity, and lack of effective communication between users and control personnel.
Innovation Solution
An indicator arrangement for a regulator removably connected to a facemask featuring a release button with a translucent body that facilitates light transmission, allowing for visible indicators on the external surface, enhancing awareness and communication through integrated light sources and sensors that adjust based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the indicator light is positioned on the connection arrangement or facemask, then the indicator can be integrated into the breathing apparatus structure, but the indicator may be inadvertently blocked by user movement, arm positioning, or activity
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light is positioned on the regulator body rather than on the connection arrangement or facemask, changing the spatial dimension of indicator placement. This relocates the indicator to a position that is not obscured by user movement or arm positioning, while still being visible to other users in the area.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator body serves multiple functions: it regulates breathing gas flow and also houses the indicator light. This multi-functionality integrates the indicator into an existing structural component rather than adding a separate mounting system, eliminating the blocking issue while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the regulator is detachable from the facemask using actuatable buttons, then the user can quickly remove the regulator to breathe fresh air, but the release button mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The release button mechanism is extracted as a separate, modular component that interfaces between the regulator body and facemask. This allows the detachment function to be implemented with minimal integration into the main regulator structure, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining quick removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components: the regulator body, the facemask attachment point, and the actuatable release buttons. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the release buttons providing simple mechanical actuation without complicating the main regulator design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components and wiring are used for indicator and communication functions, then each function can be independently implemented, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light and communication functions are merged into the regulator body, utilizing the same structural housing and power supply. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces wiring requirements, as both functions share common electrical connections and physical space within the regulator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator body is designed as a universal platform that accommodates multiple functions: gas flow regulation, indicator light emission, and wireless communication. By making the regulator body multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of separate components and wiring harnesses needed, while maintaining full adaptability for safety and communication requirements.
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
The solution provides clear and visible status indicators and improved communication, ensuring user safety and efficient response in hazardous environments by integrating the release button with a 'buddy' light function, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing wiring, while optimizing the regulator's design for easy attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the body is configured to facilitate transmission of light from at least one light source, such that the light is visible on or through at least one external surface of the body of the release button
Data Source
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AI summary
An indicator arrangement for a regulator removably connectable to a facemask in a breathing apparatus, the indicator arrangement including: at least one release button comprising a body operationally engaged with at least one component of the regulator and configured to be actuated by a user to detach the regulator from the facemask, wherein at least a portion of the body is configured to facilitate transmission of light from at least one light source; and wherein the light is visible on or through at least one external surface of the body of the at least one release button. A regulator release button and breathing apparatus are also disclosed.