Modular Activation Unit for Avalanche Airbag Gas Cylinder Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue facilities, such as avalanche airbags, require frequent replacement of compressed gas cylinders and triggering devices, posing risks for end-users who may not properly service these components, leading to potential malfunction.
Innovation Solution
The activation unit is designed with a modular structure comprising an upper part integrated with the rescue device and a lower part that houses the compressed gas cylinder, allowing for separate handling and maintenance, ensuring a secure and reliable connection and reducing user error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressed gas cylinder is integrated into the activation unit, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to frequent replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The activation unit is divided into two separable parts: an upper part integrated with the rescue device and a lower part housing the compressed gas cylinder. This segmentation allows the lower part to be removed and replaced independently, maintaining secure connections during use while simplifying maintenance operations.
2Productivity
If the activation unit requires frequent replacement of compressed gas cylinders, then the productivity is improved by enabling quick maintenance, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user service risks
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the compressed gas cylinder housing (lower part) from the rescue device integration (upper part), the design enables quick replacement of the lower part without affecting the main device. This segmentation improves maintenance efficiency while reducing user error risks through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower part containing the compressed gas cylinder is extracted as a separate replaceable unit. This allows the cylinder to be replaced quickly at a separate location without disassembling the entire activation unit, improving maintenance productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
3Device complexity
If the triggering device requires maintenance by end-users, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering device is integrated into the upper part that remains with the rescue device, while the replaceable lower part contains only the compressed gas cylinder. This segmentation ensures that critical triggering components are not subjected to user replacement errors, maintaining reliability while simplifying maintenance scope.
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 design simplifies and safeguards the replacement process of compressed gas cylinders, reducing the risk of user error and ensuring the rescue device remains in working condition, as maintenance can be performed at a separate location, reducing the likelihood of malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
the gas or gas mixture contained in the compressed gas cylinder flows into the at least one balloon
Implementation Method 2
This gas or gas mixture can also draw in circulating air with the help of a Venturi nozzle, so that the drawn-in air is also directed into the balloon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an activation unit (1) for a rescue device fitted with at least one fillable balloon, comprising a pressurised gas cylinder (4), a device (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressurised gas cylinder (4) closed using a closure element (14), at least one pressurised gas pipe (40) which can connect the activation unit (1) to the at least one fillable balloon of the rescue device, and a line for transmitting a trigger signal from a trigger device to the device (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressurised gas cylinder (4). This activation unit is characterised in that the activation unit (1) has an upper part (2) and a lower part (3), which can be connected to one another by forming the functional activation unit (1), but can also be detached form one another, wherein: the lower part (3) is/can be connected to the pressurised gas cylinder (4); the device (18, 19, 24) is arranged in the lower part (3) for opening the pressurised gas cylinder (4); the lower part (3) is provided with a pressurised gas line (20, 20', 20") which connects the pressurised gas cylinder (4) with a pressurised gas connector in a pressure-proof manner, which connector guarantees a pressure-proof connection to the at least one pressurised gas pipe (40) when the lower part (3) is connected to the upper part (2); when detached from the upper part (2), the lower part (3) represents a unit that can be manipulated separately from the avalanche airbag, and the upper part (2) is secured on the rescue device or is integrated in the rescue device; and the at least one pressurised gas pipe (40) leads into the upper part (2).