Energetic One-Way Sequence Termination Valve Shuttle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energetic systems, such as those used in aircraft seat ejection systems, require precise sequencing of explosive events to ensure that a first event occurs before or after a second event, but existing technologies lack effective mechanisms to reliably achieve this sequencing.
Innovation Solution
An energetic one-way sequence termination arrangement with a housing, moveable shuttle, and multiple inlets and outlets, where the second inlet is blocked from fluidic communication with the outlet until a second signal is received after a first signal, and the first inlet establishes fluidic communication with the outlet only when the second signal is received before the first signal, utilizing pyrotechnic signals to move the shuttle between positions to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sequencing system is used to control the order of energetic events, then the sequencing function can be achieved, but the system complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sequencing control function directly into the valve body structure itself, merging the sequencing mechanism with the fluid control function. The shuttle element integrates both the sequencing logic and the valve operation into a single component, eliminating the need for separate sequencing devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sequencing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates multiple functions within a single device: it serves as both a fluid control valve and a sequencing controller. The shuttle element performs dual roles by responding to pressure signals from different inlets and controlling fluid flow accordingly, making the system more compact and reducing part count without sacrificing sequencing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to achieve sequencing control, then the sequencing function can be implemented, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sequencing control mechanism directly into the valve body, combining what would traditionally be separate sequencing devices and valve components into a single unified structure. The shuttle element serves as both the sequencing indicator and the fluid control element, reducing part count while maintaining full sequencing control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencing mechanism is nested within the valve body structure itself. The shuttle element is housed within the valve cavity, and the pressure signal pathways are integrated into the valve's internal geometry. This nesting approach allows the sequencing function to be embedded within the existing valve structure without adding external components.
3Device complexity
If a simple valve structure is used, then the part count is reduced, but the ability to control sequencing of energetic events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a moveable shuttle element that dynamically responds to pressure differential signals from different inlets. This dynamic mechanism allows the simple valve structure to automatically control the sequencing of energetic events based on the timing and magnitude of pressure signals, maintaining reliability without adding complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure uses the pressure signals from the energetic system itself to control the sequencing operation. The shuttle element responds automatically to pressure differentials created by the timing of signal arrivals at different inlets, eliminating the need for external sequencing controllers or additional sensing mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable sequencing.
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 reliable sequencing of energetic events by preventing fluid communication between the outlet and one of the inlets when the shuttle is in the terminating position, reducing the part count and increasing the reliability of energetic systems while reducing the number of energetics required.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first signal and the second signal may comprise a pressure capable of moving the moveable shuttle
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the first signal and the second signal may comprise a pyrotechnic transmission signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An energetic one way sequence termination arrangement (100) may comprise a housing (102), a first inlet (122) in operable communication with the housing (102), a second inlet (124) in operable communication with the housing (102), and an outlet (126) in operable communication with the housing (102). The energetic one way sequence termination arrangement (100) is configured such that the second inlet (124) is blocked from fluidic communication with the outlet (126), and the first inlet (122) establishes fluidic communication with the outlet (126) in response to the second signal being received at the second inlet (124) before the first signal is received at the first inlet (122).