Integrated Release Valve Layout for Compact Inflatable Fluid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing release valves for inflatable structures, such as life rafts, are bulky and heavy due to separate housings for the actuator, biasing device, and flow chamber, occupying significant space and adding weight, which is undesirable for inflatable articles.
Innovation Solution
A release valve design where the actuator and biasing device are integrated within the flow chamber, allowing the actuator to move through the flow chamber, reducing the need for separate housings and enabling a more compact structure with integrated outlets positioned on the actuation body, and featuring a compact activation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for the actuator, biasing device, and flow chamber, then each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, but the overall device occupies significant space and adds weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator, biasing device, and flow chamber into a single integrated housing structure. The actuator is positioned within the flow chamber, and the biasing device is integrated into the same housing, eliminating the need for separate housings for each component. This merging reduces the overall volume and weight of the release valve while maintaining the functional independence of each component through careful internal arrangement and modular assembly features.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for the actuator, biasing device, and flow chamber, then each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, but the device adds significant weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple housing structures into a single integrated housing that contains the actuator, biasing device, and flow chamber. This consolidation reduces the total amount of housing material required, thereby reducing the overall weight of the release valve. The integrated design maintains ease of manufacture by providing separate assembly paths for the actuator and biasing device within the unified housing structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator moves through the flow chamber, then the structure becomes more compact, but the flow path must accommodate the moving actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The flow chamber is segmented into distinct regions: an inlet region, a central actuator region, and an outlet region. The flow path is designed to bypass the actuator through dedicated flow passages that are positioned around the actuator's travel path. This segmentation allows the actuator to move freely within the flow chamber to actuate the valve member, while the fluid flow remains uninterrupted through the segregated passages, maintaining simple flow path configuration despite the compact design.
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 integrated design results in a more compact and efficient release valve with reduced complexity, allowing for parallel fluid connections and reduced axial height, facilitating easier installation and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing device may comprise a spring acting on the actuator via a projection extending from the actuator to bias the actuator to the actuated position.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a release valve for releasing fluid from a source of compressed fluid for inflating an inflatable structure, comprising: a housing comprising an inlet for coupling to a source of compressed fluid, and an outlet; a flow chamber disposed within the housing and forming part of a flow path from the inlet to the outlet; a valve member configured to move to a release position to permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the flow chamber; and an actuator and a biasing device, wherein the actuator and the biasing device are disposed in the flow chamber, the actuator configured to move through the flow chamber from an unactuated position to an actuated position to move the valve member to the release position.