Parts Update

Two of the required parts of the project just arrived today:

1. MSA Gas mask

2. 40mm Gas mask Filter

The overall computer model of the mask

NEW UPDATED CAD MODEL:

0. Gas Mask

The gas mask will essentially be the backbone of this engineering project. It will serve as the template that our group will build upon. Using a gas mask for the overall template would be the best option because it is already air tight, allows the user to breath in purified air, and requires very little knowledge to use properly. The mask should be a bi-filter gas mask so that it has one attachment area for a filter and the other attachment area for the small filter. This will cost approximately $25.

1. Single Gas Mask Filter

The filter will be used in the smoke or chemical filled room and filter out all of the harmful toxins and allow the user to breath cleaner and healthier air. This will cost approximately $8.

2. Potential Locator Beacon

While it is not a finalized part of the mask, a locator beacon may be attached to the strap of the mask in order to allow the user to be rescued in a reduced amount of time. The beacon should automatically turn on when the mask is removed from the shelf. The faster the victim is able to be rescued the greater the chance of their survival. An Arduino computer may be used in place of this, which can be rented for free.

3. Exhalation Valve

The exhalation valve is used so that the mask always remains air tight. When the user breaths out their breath will be removed via the exhalation valve. It would also be beneficial in the case that too much air if released by the air tank it would leave the mask via the exhalation valve instead of the side of the mask, which may injure the user. This will cost approximately $18.

4. Acrylic

The acrylic sheet will be used to construct a larger shield lens for the face. In the current gas mask there are two small circular lenses that do not allow for much visibility, especially in a smoke filled room. If the two small lenses were replaced with one larger shield style lens it would improve visibility greatly. This will need to be cut and bent to fit the mask, and will cost approximately $10.

5. Wires & Batteries

In order to create the aforementioned automated electrical system, basic wires and batteries will be needed. Since soldering equipment does not need to be purchased,  this will cost approximately $10.

Emergency Mask Description:

One of the largest problems in a fire is the thick smoke that fills a building. Victims become trapped or go to drastic measures to escape, often resulting in injury or even death. Providing several extra minutes of escape time would dramatically increase mortality rate. Our group's solution to these problems is an all-in-one emergency mask - a device that can solve many of the issues associated with being in a burning building including dense smoke, low visibility, low oxygen levels, and difficulty locating victims. By wearing this mask and following standard fire evacuation protocols, fire victims will be able to travel through smoke either to be rescued or to safety.