Closed-Loop Pressure Regulator for Consistent Evacuation Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators for inflatable evacuation systems face performance variations with temperature and pressure, leading to inconsistent inflation rates and longer evacuation times, as they operate in self-acting passive mode without active corrections.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducing regulator with a closed-loop control system using a DC linear stepper motor and dynamic O-ring seals, which actively adjusts the valve poppet position and stroke speed based on pressure and temperature feedback to maintain consistent outlet pressure and flow rates, eliminating the need for separate shut-off valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional pressure regulators operate in self-acting passive mode, then device complexity is reduced, but inflation time increases and performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors outlet pressure and feeds this information to a controller. The controller adjusts the linear stepper motor's position to maintain consistent outlet pressure, thereby reducing inflation time and improving performance consistency while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional passive mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an active electro-mechanical system comprising a linear stepper motor and controller. This substitution enables precise, programmable control of valve opening duration and stroke speed, significantly reducing inflation time despite increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional pressure regulators are used, then device complexity is minimized, but performance variations with temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors that continuously monitor ambient temperature and feed this data to the controller. The controller compensates for temperature-induced performance variations by adjusting the linear stepper motor's operation, thereby maintaining reliable and consistent performance across different temperature conditions while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively adjusts operational parameters (valve opening duration, stroke speed, closing timing) based on real-time temperature measurements. This dynamic parameter modification compensates for temperature effects on gas behavior and regulator performance, ensuring consistent reliability across varying thermal environments.
3Productivity
If conventional pressure regulators operate without active control, then ease of operation is improved, but inflation rate consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensor feedback to continuously monitor and adjust the inflation process. The controller receives real-time pressure data and modifies the linear stepper motor's position to maintain consistent inflation rates, thereby improving productivity while accepting reduced ease of operation due to the automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated control system that performs inflation rate regulation without manual intervention. The controller autonomously processes pressure feedback and adjusts valve operation to maintain consistent inflation rates, improving productivity while reducing the need for manual operation and monitoring.
4Reliability
If separate shut-off valves are used for isolation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the single linear stepper motor-controlled valve system. The same valve mechanism that controls inflation rate also provides shut-off and isolation functions, eliminating the need for separate shut-off valves. This multi-functionality maintains reliability including leak tightness while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressure regulation, inflation control, shut-off, and isolation functions into a single integrated valve system actuated by the linear stepper motor. This merging of functions eliminates redundant components like separate shut-off valves, maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and improving space efficiency.
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 ensures consistent inflation pressures throughout the process, reduces inflation time, and minimizes performance variations with temperature, allowing for faster evacuation and improved leak tightness without the need for additional isolation valves.
Implementation Method 1
a linear stepper motor configured to control a position of the regulating valve poppet
Implementation Method 2
the valve arrangement further comprises a spring abutting the plug, wherein the spring biases the plug towards the valve seat land
Implementation Method 3
a dynamic O-ring seal configured to fluidically isolate the linear stepper motor from the main fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source includes a regulating valve poppet configured to translate along a longitudinal axis of a valve housing, and a linear stepper motor configured to control a position of the regulating valve poppet. The linear stepper motor is controlled by a closed loop control system based upon temperature and pressure feedback signals to actively control the position and stroke rate of the regulating valve poppet.