Pressurized Material Delivery Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for delivering pressurized materials, such as on-board extinguishers, face issues with untimely material discharge due to pressure peaks during transport and inefficient delivery due to pressure-dependent closure member operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a shutter member connected to blocking spring elements that reversibly blocks the closure element in both positions, preventing untimely discharge during transport and maintaining the outlet port open after gas generator activation, using a perforated disc with balls or an elastic ring to facilitate the transition between closed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a closure member is used to automatically open when threshold pressure is reached, then material delivery is enabled, but untimely delivery occurs during transport due to pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is preliminarily blocked by blocking balls in a groove before transport. This preliminary blocking action prevents the closure member from opening during transport pressure peaks, while still allowing it to open when the gas generator creates sufficient pressure for material delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Blocking balls are introduced as intermediary elements between the closure member and the pressure force. These balls physically block the closure member's movement path, preventing unintended opening while allowing the system to maintain its pressure-sensitive delivery capability when truly needed.
2Productivity
If pressure difference drives closure member opening, then material delivery is enabled, but opening amplitude decreases as tank pressure decreases reducing delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking balls preliminarily hold the closure member in a fixed position, ensuring consistent opening amplitude regardless of pressure variations. This preliminary blocking ensures that when the closure member does open, it does so with full amplitude for efficient material delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into the closure member, blocking balls, and groove components. This segmentation allows the closure member to be independently positioned and blocked, ensuring consistent opening behavior independent of pressure fluctuations.
3Reliability
If blocking balls are used to prevent untimely opening, then transport reliability is improved, but the solution is not suitable for gas generator-triggered devices
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking balls are preliminarily positioned in the groove to prevent transport-related opening. When the gas generator is triggered, the pressure buildup forces the blocking balls out of the groove, allowing the closure member to open. This preliminary blocking mechanism is fully compatible with gas generator activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The blocking balls can move from their blocking position when sufficient pressure is applied by the gas generator, allowing the system to adapt between transport mode and delivery mode operations.
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
Ensures timely and efficient delivery of pressurized material when the gas generator is triggered, preventing untimely releases during transport and maintaining the outlet open despite pressure changes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
each blocking spring element being capable of retracting inside the closure member during passage of said closure member from the first to the second position
Implementation Method 2
a gas generator configured to pressurize the material contained in the reservoir when triggered
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supplying a pressurized material including a tank (2) intended to contain a material (5) having an outlet (4) provided with an opening (12), a gas generator (3) configured to pressurize the material contained in the tank (2) when same is triggered, and a closure member (20) including a closure element (22) connected to one or more locking spring elements (30, 32), the closure member (20) being movable between a first position in which said closure element (22) closes off the opening (12) of the outlet (4) and a second position in which said closure element (22) is moved away from the opening (12) of the outlet (4) so as to enable the material (5) in the tank (2) to be discharged, each locking spring element (30) being in a first cavity (18a) provided in an inner wall (16) of the outlet (4) in said first position, each locking spring element being in a second cavity (18b) provided in the inner wall (16) in said second position, each locking spring element (30, 32) being capable of retracting into the closure member (20) when said closure member moves from the first to the second position after pressurization of the material (5) contained in the tank by the gas generator (3). The invention also relates to a fire extinguisher including such a device.