Inflation Control System for Aircraft Inflatable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic inflation systems for inflatable devices in aircraft face challenges with over-inflation and leakage due to the use of pressure relief valves, which complicate handling and packing and are prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
An inflation control system incorporating a valve module with a first and second valve, a pressure regulator, and a sensor assembly with pressure and temperature feedback, allowing for precise control of inflation without a pressure relief valve, using a controller to manage fluid flow and pressure to prevent over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure relief valves are used to release excess gas, then over-inflation is prevented, but device complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressure relief valve from the inflatable device and relocates the pressure regulation function to the valve module on the ground. This extraction eliminates the complex pressure relief valve assembly from the inflatable device, reducing its complexity while maintaining over-inflation prevention through the controller-operated first and second valves in the ground-based valve module.
2Reliability
If pressure relief valves are installed on inflatable devices, then excess pressure is managed, but handling and packing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pressure relief valve from the inflatable device and consolidating all pressure control functions in the valve module on the ground, the patent simplifies the inflatable device structure. This makes the inflatable device easier to handle, fold, and pack without compromising pressure control, as all valve operations are remotely controlled by the controller.
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
The system effectively prevents over-inflation and leakage by using pressure and temperature feedback to control the inflation process, ensuring the inflatable device reaches the desired pressure without the need for a pressure relief valve, enhancing handling and packing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid delivery device is arranged to deliver the fluid flow to a third outlet in communication with the second valve outlet when the inflatable structure is in a deflated position, and to divert the fluid flow to a fourth outlet in communication with the pressure regulator when the inflatable structure is in an inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An inflation control system includes a valve module and a controller. The valve module includes a first valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, a second valve fluidly connected to the first valve, and a pressure regulator fluidly connected to the second valve and an aspirator. The controller is in communication with the first valve.