Avalanche Backpack Inflation System with Automatic Reinflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable avalanche safety systems are limited by single-use configurations, explosive gas canisters that restrict air travel, and susceptibility to deflation due to tears or punctures, which complicates rearming and compromises user safety.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable avalanche safety system utilizing ambient air for inflation, equipped with a reinflation algorithm and pressure sensors to maintain inflation, and a backpack harness for portability, allowing multiple deployments and automatic reinflation to prevent deflation from tears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compressed gas canisters are used for inflation, then the inflatable chamber can be inflated quickly and reliably, but the system becomes single-use and requires complete canister replacement to rearm
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the inflation function into two separate components: a reusable inflatable chamber and a replaceable compressed gas cartridge. This segmentation allows the chamber to be retained and reused while only the consumable gas cartridge is replaced, significantly simplifying the rearming process compared to replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements a discard-and-recover strategy where the expensive, complex inflatable chamber is recovered and reused, while only the simple, inexpensive gas cartridge is discarded and replaced. This approach minimizes waste and reduces rearming complexity by focusing replacement efforts on the consumable component only.
2Power
If combustible compressed gas canisters are used, then inflation power is sufficient, but the system cannot be transported on airplanes and helicopters
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the combustible element from the system by removing traditional compressed gas canisters and replacing them with an electric inflation system powered by a rechargeable battery. This extraction eliminates the transportation restriction while preserving the inflation function through an alternative power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/compressed gas inflation mechanism with an electrically-powered inflation system. The electric motor-driven pump provides sufficient inflation power without requiring combustible canisters, thereby enabling air and helicopter transport while maintaining effective avalanche protection capability.
3Device complexity
If the inflatable chamber is designed for single use, then system simplicity is maintained, but user safety is compromised in case of inadvertent deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-use design to a dynamic multi-use design where the inflatable chamber can be deflated, stored, and reinflated. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different scenarios including inadvertent deployment, maintaining user safety while preserving the core simplicity of the inflatable protection concept.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary action by including a manual override mechanism that allows users to prematurely inflate the chamber if needed before the scheduled inflation time. This preliminary action capability enhances user safety by providing an additional safety layer in case of inadvertent deployment or unexpected situations.
4Reliability
If complex rearming procedures are required, then system reliability can be maintained, but user safety may be compromised if performed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by designing an automatic recognition mechanism that detects when a new gas cartridge has been installed and automatically resets the inflation timer. This eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex programming by the user, maintaining system reliability through automated processes while significantly improving rearming ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time status information to the user about the inflation system state, cartridge installation detection, and timer status. This feedback loop ensures users can verify proper system rearming without needing to understand complex internal processes, maintaining reliability while simplifying 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
The system provides efficient, reliable, and multi-use avalanche protection, avoiding explosive gas risks, simplifying rearming, and minimizing deflation risks, ensuring continuous user safety during avalanches.
Implementation Method 1
The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber
Implementation Method 2
The fan is oriented in the system to generate a vacuum force such that ambient air is pulled into the inflatable chamber
Implementation Method 3
The elevation of the inflatable chamber is achieved by the concept of inverse segregation, in which larger volume particles are sorted towards the top of a suspension of various sized particles in motion
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.