Magnetostrictive Pressure Regulator Module for Gas Cylinder Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft survival systems face issues with pressurized gas cylinder leaks due to worn seals, requiring frequent maintenance and gas refilling, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system using a magnetostrictive material and solenoid to control a drive rod, which elongates to release the pressure in the gas cylinder, preventing leaks and allowing refilling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve modules with threaded interfaces and static seals are used, then the gas cylinder can be assembled and sealed, but minute leakage occurs over time requiring periodic maintenance and gas refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static seals with a dynamic sealing mechanism. The valve member is movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to pressure differentials and maintain seal integrity dynamically. The spring-loaded design enables the valve to automatically adjust its position to compensate for leakage, extending maintenance intervals while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and self-maintaining. The movable valve member automatically adjusts its position based on pressure differentials, and the spring mechanism provides continuous contact force without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for periodic manual maintenance and gas refilling.
2Loss of substance
If periodic overhaul and gas refilling are performed to compensate for leakage, then gas loss is replaced, but considerable maintenance effort and additional cost are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically compensate for gas leakage without requiring external intervention. The movable valve member and spring mechanism work together to maintain seal integrity and prevent gas loss continuously, eliminating the need for periodic overhauls and refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism operates continuously without interruption, maintaining seal integrity throughout the entire service life of the gas cylinder. This continuous action prevents gas leakage from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance cycles and reducing overall maintenance effort.
3Extent of automation
If a magneto strictive actuator is used to control pressure release, then automatic pressure maintenance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure control mechanisms with a magnetostrictive actuator. The magnetostrictive material responds to magnetic fields generated by the solenoid, converting electrical energy directly into mechanical motion to control the valve. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuation achieves automatic pressure control while managing device complexity through modern actuator technology.
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 maintains gas pressure within the cylinder, reducing maintenance needs and extending the service life of the gas supply by minimizing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto strictive material disposed within the drive body and contacting the first side of the bottom surface of the drive body, a solenoid disposed within the drive body and surrounding the magneto strictive material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An actuator (200) is disclosed herein. The actuator includes a drive body (202) including a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first side and an opposing second side, a magneto strictive material (208) disposed within the drive body (202) and contacting the first side of the bottom surface of the drive body, a solenoid (206) disposed within the drive body (202) and surrounding the magneto strictive material (208), a drive rod (204) extending through the magneto strictive material (208) and through the bottom surface of the drive body (202), and a spring (212) disposed adjacent the second side of the bottom surface of the drive body (202), wherein the drive rod (204) extends through the spring (212).