Aircraft Seat-Integrated Oxygen Supply for Space-Constrained Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft oxygen supply systems are complex, costly, and occupy valuable space, posing safety risks and obstacles for other piping, while lacking adaptability for passengers.
Innovation Solution
An integrated oxygen supply system within an aircraft seat, featuring an oxygen source and mask connected by a simplified circuit, where the oxygen source is housed in the seat structure and the mask is positioned for direct access, reducing system complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional oxygen supply system with separate cylinders and complex circuits is used, then oxygen delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygen source, circuit, and protection structures into an integrated seat unit. The oxygen cylinder is positioned within the seat structure, and the circuit is routed through the seat mechanism, merging multiple previously separate components into a unified system that reduces complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The seat structure serves multiple functions: it provides seating for the pilot and simultaneously houses the oxygen source, contains the oxygen circuit, and offers protection for these components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated oxygen supply equipment, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If a protected oxygen supply circuit is installed separately from the seat, then safety is improved, but space occupation increases and other piping is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen supply system is nested within the seat structure. The oxygen cylinder is positioned in the seat foot, the circuit is routed through the seat mechanism, and protection structures are integrated into the seat framework. This nesting allows the protected oxygen system to occupy the same space as the seating structure without adding external volume
Solution Approach 2:
The protection structures for the oxygen circuit are merged with the seat framework. The seat back and foot structures serve as protective enclosures for the oxygen components, eliminating the need for separate protective housings and reducing overall space requirements
3Device complexity
If an integrated oxygen system in the seat is used, then device complexity and space usage are reduced, but oxygen source accessibility for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seat structure is segmented into accessible sections for maintenance. The oxygen cylinder is positioned in the seat foot with access through the seat structure, and the circuit has access points at the seat back. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to reach components through designated access points without disassembling the entire seat
Solution Approach 2:
Access channels and openings in the seat structure serve as intermediaries between the external environment and the enclosed oxygen components. These intermediaries provide maintenance access to the oxygen cylinder and circuit while maintaining the integrated protective structure
Data Source
AI summary
The system supplies oxygen for a flight crew member of an aircraft and has an oxygen source, an oxygen mask, and a circuit connecting the oxygen source to the oxygen mask. The system is integrated into an aircraft seat, which has at least one foot bearing a sitting surface and a back. The oxygen source may be a cylinder of gaseous oxygen under pressure. The oxygen mask can be housed in a compartment inside the sitting surface of the seat.