Torque-Locking Threaded Connector for SCBA Cylinder Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between pneumatic components of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems, such as breathing gas tanks and first stage pressure reducers, tend to loosen over time due to regular tightening and untightening, especially during transportation and storage, posing a safety risk for firefighters.
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, featuring recesses and protrusions or plungers that engage and disengage to prevent accidental loosening, ensuring secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connections are designed to be tightened and untightened regularly by users, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loosening over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controllable state through the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus remains engaged during normal use to prevent loosening, but can be dynamically disengaged when torque exceeds the threshold, allowing intentional tightening or untightening. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both operational ease and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding apparatus changes the torque parameter threshold for rotation. During normal conditions, the holding apparatus maintains a high effective torque threshold to prevent loosening. When a user applies sufficient torque to exceed this threshold, the system transitions to allow rotation. This parameter change enables both secure connection and controlled operation.
2Reliability
If holding mechanisms are added to prevent loosening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus operates automatically based on torque conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. When torque exceeds the threshold during intentional operation, the holding apparatus self-disengages to allow rotation. During normal use with insufficient torque, it self-engages to prevent loosening. This self-service behavior adds reliability without significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking mechanisms with a simpler torque-based holding apparatus. The holding apparatus uses a straightforward torque threshold mechanism rather than complex mechanical interlocks, cam locks, or multiple fastening elements. This substitution achieves reliable connection prevention with minimal added 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 threaded connector maintains secure connections during transportation and use, reducing the risk of accidental loosening and enhancing safety by allowing controlled tightening and untightening with one hand, meeting NFPA vibration test standards.
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.
Data Source
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.