Evacuation Slide Inflation Timing for Temperature-Stable Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable evacuation systems face challenges in achieving consistent inflation pressure due to variations in ambient temperature, leading to over-inflation issues and increased manufacturing and maintenance requirements from pressure relief valves and sensors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-based control system using a controller, valve module, and temperature sensor to regulate gas flow duration based on ambient temperature, eliminating the need for pressure relief valves by controlling inflation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressure relief valves and sensors are added to control inflation pressure, then inflation consistency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pressure relief valves and pressure/stretch sensors from the system by extracting the pressure control function to the gas source end. The controller stops excess gas flow upstream before it enters the inflatable, eliminating the need for these components while maintaining inflation pressure consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of controlling pressure at the inflatable end using sensors and relief valves, the patent inverts the control approach by using temperature-based timing control at the gas source end. The controller determines open-valve time based on ambient temperature measurements, reversing where and how pressure control is implemented.
2Reliability
If pressure relief valves are installed to prevent over-inflation, then inflation safety is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates pressure relief valves from the inflatable structure by moving the safety control function to the gas source. The controller prevents over-inflation by stopping gas flow upstream based on temperature-based timing, removing the need for relief valves and associated assembly/maintenance requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature-based timing control is implemented, then gas flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ambient temperature as a control parameter to determine open-valve time. The controller measures temperature and selects corresponding timing values from a database, creating a simple yet precise control mechanism that accounts for temperature-dependent gas density variations without requiring complex control algorithms.
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
Achieves consistent inflation pressure without over-inflation, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for compact design by stopping excess gas flow upstream, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor may be configured to measure an ambient temperature and output an ambient temperature measurement
Implementation Method 2
The controller may be configured to receive the ambient temperature measurement and determine an open-valve time based on the ambient temperature measurement, the open-valve time being a duration of time the valve module is in an open position
Implementation Method 3
The valve control module may be configured to control a flow of gas to the inflatable
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation control system for an inflatable may comprise a compressed fluid source, a valve module, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The valve module is connected to the compressed fluid source and configured to control a flow of gas to the inflatable. The temperature sensor measures an ambient temperature and outputs the ambient temperature measurement. The controller is operably coupled to the valve module and configured to receive the ambient temperature measurement and determine an open-valve time based on the ambient temperature measurement, the open-valve time being a duration of time the valve module is in an open position.