Segmented Chemical Oxygen Generator for Aircraft Emergency Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen production devices for aircraft emergency situations require complex and costly control mechanisms and compromise mechanical stability due to non-uniform geometries, failing to efficiently meet the increased oxygen demand during descent and reduced demand during holding altitude.
Innovation Solution
A device with a chemical core comprising two reaction bodies of different lengths, activated simultaneously by a single ignition mechanism, allowing for parallel oxygen production to meet peak demand during descent and reducing oxygen production to meet lower demand during holding altitude, with a uniform geometry for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a non-uniform geometry is used to adapt oxygen production rate, then oxygen supply is optimized, but mechanical stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical core is divided into two separate reaction bodies with different lengths, allowing independent control of oxygen production rates while maintaining uniform geometry in each segment. This segmentation enables optimized oxygen supply without compromising mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each reaction body is designed with specific local characteristics (different lengths) to produce oxygen at different rates, matching the local oxygen demand during descent and holding phases. The uniform geometry of each segment ensures mechanical stability while local variations optimize productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional flow controller is provided for closed-loop control, then oxygen supply control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the aircraft's own operational phases (descent and holding) as natural control signals. The two reaction bodies are designed to automatically provide different oxygen production rates corresponding to these phases, eliminating the need for external flow controllers or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen production rate is varied by changing the physical parameters of the reaction bodies (different lengths) rather than using active control mechanisms. This passive parameter design simplifies the device while maintaining adaptability to different operational phases.
3Device complexity
If reaction front propagates in one direction, then device structure is simple, but oxygen production time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The single reaction core is segmented into two reaction bodies that can be simultaneously activated, allowing parallel oxygen production. This reduces the overall oxygen production time while maintaining simple uniform geometry in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the reaction front in one dimension (longer core), the invention adds a second dimension by introducing a second reaction body, enabling simultaneous reactions and reducing time without increasing complexity.
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 device provides a robust, cost-effective, and efficient oxygen supply during emergencies by ensuring adequate oxygen production during descent and reducing production to meet lower demands during holding altitude, maintaining mechanical stability without complex control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A device for producing oxygen by way of a thermal decomposition of a chemical located in a cartridge housing is known
Implementation Method 2
producing oxygen by means of a chemical reaction, in particular by means of an exothermic, chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
triggered by a thermal ignition, e.g. by a pull on the oxygen mask
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for producing oxygen by means of a chemical reaction, in particular by means of an exothermic chemical reaction, wherein the device (1) comprises a chemical core (2), in which a substance producing oxygen by way of chemical reaction is present, and the chemical core (2) comprises a first reaction body (3) and a second reaction body (4) which are arranged in a manner such that they can be simultaneously activated, so that a first reaction front (13) propagates in the first reaction body (3) and simultaneously a second reaction front (14) propagates in the second reaction body (4).