Rotatable Cable Connector for Respirator Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supplied-air respirator systems face issues with cable strain and exposure, leading to potential malfunction and entanglement due to the routing of electrical cables alongside air hoses, which can result in damage and increased risk of snagging or catching on obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a rotatable member and channel configuration that allows the cable to swivel and adjust its length within the system, distributing strain and protecting the cable from environmental hazards by keeping it internal and constrained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is routed alongside the air hose to the facepiece, then electrical power can be supplied to the facepiece, but the cable is subjected to twisting, pulling, and straining that can result in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system divides the cable into separate functional zones: a portion routed through the air hose for power supply, and another portion managed independently through the connector system with channel and rotatable member to handle movement and strain separately
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system acts as an intermediary device between the cable and the facepiece, using the channel and rotatable member to mediate the mechanical stresses and protect the cable from direct exposure to harmful forces
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable is exposed externally for routing to the facepiece, then installation is simplified, but the cable presents a risk of snagging or catching on obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is nested within the air hose structure and the connector system components, with the cable portion positioned inside the channel and managed through the rotatable member, effectively hiding it from external obstacles while maintaining routing functionality
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cable length is fixed for connection to the facepiece, then connection stability is improved, but movement of the SCBA results in significant straining of the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system introduces dynamic elements including a rotatable member and a channel that allows the cable to move and adjust its position, enabling the cable length and routing to change dynamically with SCBA movement while maintaining stable electrical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A respirator system includes a regulator for use in connection with a facepiece of the respirator system. The regulator includes an interface. The respirator system further includes a hose assembly including a hose for carrying breathing gas to the regulator and a cable for carrying at least one electrical wire to the regulator. The respirator system also includes a connector system. The connector system includes a base operatively connectible to the interface of the regulator. The base includes a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable. The channel is in operative connection with an interior of the regulator upon connection of the base to the interface. The connector system also includes a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base. The cable is in operative connection with the rotatable member so that a bend in the cable travels along the length of the cable and a varying length of the cable is positioned within the channel depending upon the rotational position of the rotating member relative to the base.