Vertical Drop-Out Breathing Mask Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional emergency breathing mask deployment systems in aircraft face challenges due to limited overhead panel space, reliance on gravity for deployment, and aesthetic considerations, making them unreliable and space-inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tall and narrow cartridge-based system that deploys breathing masks using a combination of sliding movement and rotational hinges, with the option for activation by oxygen pressure, allowing for independent cosmetic covers and bench-top repacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional broad-side mounted deployment system is used, then the mask can be deployed using gravity, but the overhead panel space requirement is large
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system transitions from a horizontal broad-side mounting configuration to a vertical end-side mounting configuration. This dimensional change allows the system to utilize the vertical space in overhead compartments more efficiently, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining deployment functionality through the added force of gravity acting in the vertical direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is divided into separate functional components: a cosmetic cover that can be independently removed, a cartridge containing the mask, and a deployment mechanism. This segmentation allows the cosmetic cover to be detached for bench-top repacking of masks while keeping the structural housing intact, enabling maintenance without replacing the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If gravity-only deployment is used, then the system is simple, but deployment reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a spring-loaded mechanism that provides an active ejection force in addition to gravity. The spring acts as a counterweight system that stores potential energy and releases it to actively propel the cartridge downward, ensuring reliable mask deployment even when gravity alone is insufficient, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If a tall and narrow cartridge configuration is used, then overhead panel space is reduced, but the deployment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows the end wall to rotate open after the cartridge is ejected from the overhead compartment. This dynamic element enables the compact tall-and-narrow cartridge to expand during deployment, revealing the mask without requiring a larger initial footprint, thus maintaining space efficiency while enabling complex deployment motion.
4Ease of manufacture
If the cosmetic cover is integrated with the deployment device, then the structure is simplified, but maintenance and repacking become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic cover is designed as a separate, detachable component from the deployment mechanism housing. This segmentation allows the cosmetic cover to be independently removed and replaced, enabling bench-top repacking of masks without requiring removal or disassembly of the structural housing or deployment mechanism, thus facilitating easy maintenance while maintaining a unified appearance when assembled.
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
Reduces overhead compartment space requirements, enhances deployment reliability by using forces other than gravity, and improves aircraft cabin aesthetics while minimizing the size of the deployment opening.
Implementation Method 1
The deployment of the cartridge is activated by oxygen pressure. In this manner, the cartridge or mask assembly, or both may be actively deployed, instead of being gravity dependent.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing breathing masks in a tall and narrow space and deploying the masks from that space. The apparatus may be embodied as a removable cartridge containing a breathing mask assembly housed within a frame. The cartridge is comprised of a first side and second side which can move relative to the frame. The first side includes a hinge. In operation, the cartridge slides relative to the frame and rotatably opens via the hinge after the cartridge substantially exits the frame. A breathing mask is released to a user after the first and second halves rotatably separate.