Dual-Input Actuator Assembly for Unified Mechanical and Fluid Triggering

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems require multiple output devices to handle different types of inputs, leading to increased cost and design complexity due to the need for specific devices for each input type, such as mechanical, electrical, or fluid pressure.

Innovation Solution

An output device with a housing and a moveable member that can be activated by either mechanical force or fluid pressurization, utilizing a sear pin, piston, and coil spring mechanism to produce a unified output, such as a firing pin activation for ballistic combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output devices are used to handle different input types, then each input type can be processed specifically, but the system cost and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput type handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal output device that can handle multiple input types (mechanical force, fluid pressure, electrical signals) through a single multi-functional actuator assembly. The actuator includes a moveable member that can be activated by different input mechanisms: a first input mechanism for mechanical force, a second input mechanism for fluid pressure, and optionally a third for electrical signals, all converging on the same moveable member to produce unified output motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple previously separate output devices into a single integrated actuator assembly. The housing contains multiple input mechanisms (mechanical, fluid, electrical) that are combined to actuate a common moveable member, thereby consolidating what would have been separate devices into one unified system that reduces overall complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output devices are used to handle different input types, then each input type can be processed specifically, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput type handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal output device that can handle multiple input types (mechanical force, fluid pressure, electrical signals) through a single multi-functional actuator assembly. The actuator includes a moveable member that can be activated by different input mechanisms: a first input mechanism for mechanical force, a second input mechanism for fluid pressure, and optionally a third for electrical signals, all converging on the same moveable member to produce unified output motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple previously separate output devices into a single integrated actuator assembly. The housing contains multiple input mechanisms (mechanical, fluid, electrical) that are combined to actuate a common moveable member, thereby consolidating what would have been separate devices into one unified system that reduces overall complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables a single output device to handle multiple input types, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to produce a consistent output, like gaseous outputs from a primer ignition, through either mechanical or fluid-induced activation.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring disposed around a shaft portion of the piston, with the coil spring being retained between a piston head of the piston and a shoulder of the housing. Compression of the coil spring in a first direction, in response to mechanical force on the sear pin, and subsequent expansion of the coil spring in a second direction opposite the first direction may produce the activation movement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the firing pin is retained in place using a shear pin, wherein in response to the piston impacting the firing pin the shear pin is configured to break to allow for the activation movement of the firing pin.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture under impact stress: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

the output device is configured such that fluid pressurization of the chamber via the fluid inlet port produces the activation movement of the firing pin.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11815343B2Dual input actuator for an output device

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 AMI IND INC

AI summary

An output device and/or an output device assembly configured to be initiated in response to different types of input. The disclosed output device may be generally configured so as to be able to receive different types of input in order to produce an output. For example, the two different types of input may be mechanical force and fluid pressure, and thus the disclosed output device may be able to receive either form of input and convert either input into the desired/predetermined output.