SCBA Threaded Connector With Torque-Threshold Anti-Loosening Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SCBA systems experience loosening of connections between pneumatic components during storage and transport due to regular tightening and untightening, posing a safety risk during emergency responses.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connector with a rotatable threaded element and a holding apparatus that permits rotation only when an applied torque exceeds a threshold torque, using mechanisms like deformable or fixed protrusions and recesses to prevent accidental loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the threaded connector is designed to be tightened and untightened regularly by a user, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to loosening of connections over time
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus transitions from a static locking state during transport to a dynamic unlocked state during operation. The mechanism remains locked by default during storage but can be deliberately unlocked when needed, providing both stability and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter applied to the threaded element. During transport, no torque is applied and the holding apparatus maintains the connection. During operation, sufficient torque exceeds the threshold to release the holding apparatus, enabling tightening or untightening as needed
2Reliability
If the holding apparatus is configured to prevent rotation of the threaded element, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in tightening or untightening
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus applies a preliminary locking action that prevents rotation during transport. This anti-action is designed to be overcome only when a deliberate user action applies sufficient torque in the opposite direction, ensuring the connection remains stable unless intentionally modified
3Productivity
If the threaded connector allows free rotation for quick connection, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability worsens due to accidental loosening during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded element is pre-positioned and the holding apparatus is pre-configured to engage immediately upon connection. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the components are connected, the holding apparatus automatically locks the position, preventing accidental loosening while maintaining quick connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The holding apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the threaded element and the retainer. It mediates the connection by providing automatic locking upon engagement, allowing quick connection while preventing subsequent accidental loosening during transport
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 secure and quick connection/disconnection of breathing gas tanks to the SCBA system, reducing the risk of accidental loosening during transport or use, allowing firefighters to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion may be a deformable protrusion configured to deform (e.g., flatten) when the applied torque exceeds the threshold torque, thereby permitting the threaded element to rotate relative to the retainer
Implementation Method 2
the holding apparatus contributes additional resistance to rotation of the threaded connector beyond the simple friction of the threaded connection
Implementation Method 3
The holding mechanism may comprise a recess and a protrusion configured to engage the recess to thereby inhibit rotation between the threaded element and the retainer
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
There is disclosed a threaded connector configured to connect a pneumatic system of a breathing apparatus to a threaded connection of a breathing gas cylinder. The threaded connector comprises a rotatable threaded element configured to connect to a corresponding thread of a breathing gas cylinder, the rotatable threaded element being rotatable to tighten the threaded element to the corresponding thread and to untighten the threaded element from the corresponding thread; and a holding apparatus configured to selectively permit rotation of the threaded element when an applied torque applied to the threaded element exceeds a threshold torque. Also disclosed is a breathing apparatus comprising a threaded connector.