Aspirator Air Vent Valve for Evacuation Slide Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft evacuation systems face challenges in preventing over-pressurization of inflatable evacuation devices due to pressure differences, which can lead to inefficient storage and deployment of evacuation slides and emergency life rafts.
Innovation Solution
The aspirator air vent valve system, comprising an air vent valve body, a plunger, and a vent passage, equalizes pressure between the aspirator and the inflatable evacuation device by allowing ambient gas to flow into the device, preventing over-pressurization and ensuring safe storage and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inflatable evacuation device is sealed to maintain internal pressure, then the device can provide sufficient buoyancy and support for evacuation, but the device may become over-pressurized due to pressure differences between ambient air and internal gas, leading to potential failure or inability to pack/store properly
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirator air vent valve acts as an intermediary pressure-regulating component between the compressed gas source and the inflatable evacuation device. It selectively allows ambient air to enter the device when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, preventing over-pressurization while maintaining the sealed structure needed for evacuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter within the inflatable device by allowing controlled ingress of ambient air through the aspirator vent valve when pressure differential conditions are met. This maintains internal pressure within safe limits while preserving the device's structural integrity and packability.
2Reliability
If the aspirator allows free flow of ambient air into the inflatable device, then pressure equalization is achieved, but uncontrolled air flow may cause over-inflation or interfere with the compressed gas delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirator air vent valve employs a dynamic plunger mechanism that automatically adjusts its position based on pressure differential conditions. The plunger moves freely when ambient pressure exceeds internal pressure to allow air flow, but is pushed closed when internal pressure rises, providing automatic, context-dependent flow control without complex external actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent valve system is self-regulating through the interaction of the plunger, spring, and pressure differential. The compressed gas itself provides the force to close the vent when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems. The system serves itself by using its own operating conditions to control its own air flow.
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
This solution effectively prevents over-pressurization of inflatable evacuation devices, allowing for safe storage and efficient deployment by maintaining equal pressure with ambient air, ensuring the safety and functionality of aircraft evacuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The aspirator, working with the charged gas cylinder, combines gas from the atmosphere and the fluid to provide gas for inflating the emergency evacuation devices
Implementation Method 2
The proximal side of the head of the plunger may be coupled to a first sealing gasket and a second sealing gasket
Implementation Method 3
A spring may be disposed around at least a portion of the body of the plunger
Data Source
AI summary
An aspirator air vent valve may include an air vent valve body coupled with an aspirator body and a pipe fitting. The air vent valve body may include an air vent valve air channel defined by an inner wall of the air vent valve body and disposed between the aspirator body and the pipe fitting. The aspirator air vent valve may further include a vent passage defined by a first vent wall and a second vent wall and disposed between an outer wall and the inner wall of the air vent valve body, wherein the vent passage is in fluid communication with the air vent valve air channel. The aspirator air vent valve may further include a plunger coupled with the air vent valve body.