Aerostat Inflator Tapered Disc Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerostat deployment and storage systems lack efficient methods for quick and easy transition between inflated and deflated states, requiring complex and costly processes for storage and subsequent deployment.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical container with a center tube, tapered disc, and winch system that allows for the storage and inflation of an aerostat within a transportable container, where the aerostat is folded and secured during storage and inflated using a coaxial fill tube and helium gas source, with the tapered disc controlling the deployment by maintaining tension on the aerostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the aerostat is stored in a container, then it can be transported and stored compactly, but it requires complex mechanisms for inflation and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The aerostat is nested within the container in a compact, folded state for transport and storage. The container itself is designed to accommodate the deflated aerostat efficiently, minimizing the volume required for storage while enabling easy transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-equipped with a center tube, winch mechanism, and gas source before the aerostat is stored. These components are prepared in advance to enable quick and simple inflation and deployment operations when needed, reducing the complexity required during actual use.
2Reliability
If the aerostat is inflated to large volume, then it derives sufficient lift, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The aerostat transitions dynamically between two states: a compact, folded state for storage and transport, and a fully inflated state for flight operations. The container and its components are designed to support this dynamic transformation, enabling the aerostat to be easily stored when deflated and quickly deployed when inflated.
3Productivity
If the aerostat is quickly deflated and stored, then operational efficiency is improved, but the container and mechanism must be compact and simple
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with self-contained features including an integrated gas source, center tube, and winch mechanism that automatically assist in the inflation and deployment process. This self-service design enables quick and efficient operations without requiring complex external equipment or procedures.
4Ease of operation
If the container is easily transportable, then it improves operational convenience, but it must be compact and simple in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a self-contained, modular unit with integrated components (center tube, winch, gas source) that can be easily transported as a single compact unit. This segmentation allows the entire system to be portable while maintaining simplicity in structure and operation.
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
Enables efficient storage and deployment of aerostats by allowing for compact storage and easy inflation, reducing operational complexity and costs while ensuring reliable and convenient use.
Implementation Method 1
An aerostat derives its lift from the buoyancy of surrounding air, rather than from aerodynamic motion as in the case of an airplane, or from propulsive forces as in the case of a rocket. Moreover, like a balloon, an aerostat can derive lift only when it is inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, such as helium.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.