Pressurized Gas Manifold Rupture Disc Bend Junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency oxygen systems in commercial aircraft are bulky due to the existing oxygen manifold and initiator design, which takes up excessive space and requires complex machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact pressurized gas manifold with a rupture disc positioned between a bend and a pathway junction, allowing for a smaller diameter and efficient gas flow when the rupture disc is ruptured, and incorporating a pyrotechnic initiator for activation, reducing the need for specialized tools and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rupture disc directly abuts the oxygen cylinder outlet with a perpendicular gas pathway, then the manifold structure is simple, but the system occupies excessive space and requires complex machining
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pathway is reconfigured from a simple perpendicular extension to a multi-dimensional hollow pathway network with bends and junctions. The pathway extends from the cylinder outlet through a bend to a junction, then through separate path portions to multiple outlets, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently within the manifold body to reduce overall volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The gas distribution system is segmented into multiple independent path portions within the manifold body, with separate pathways leading to different outlets. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing process by creating modular internal structures rather than complex external configurations
2Volume of moving object
If the initiator extends straight off the top of the oxygen cylinder, then the assembly is straightforward, but the overall system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator is merged with the manifold body, with the initiator housing forming an integral part of the manifold structure. The initiator extends into the manifold body rather than projecting externally, combining two separate components into a unified assembly that reduces overall system volume while maintaining assembly simplicity through integrated 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 solution allows for a compact and efficient emergency oxygen system that reduces space usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining a 20-year service life with minimal leakage, enabling effective oxygen delivery to aircraft passengers.
Implementation Method 1
When the rupture disc is in an unruptured state, the rupture disc may be configured to seal the first path portion from the second path portion and the third path portion. When the rupture disc is in a ruptured state, the rupture disc may be configured to allow a flow of gas from the pressurized gas container outlet to the regulator.
Implementation Method 2
The initiator may be configured to initiate a pyrotechnic charge to cause a lance to rupture the rupture disc.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a manifold. The manifold may include a body and a rupture disc. The body may include first connector connected to a pressurized source, a second connector, and a third connector. The body may include hollow pathway network including a first path portion extending from the pressurized source to a pathway junction, a second path portion extending from the pathway junction to the second connector, and a third path portion extending from the pathway junction to the third connector. The first path portion may include a bend. The rupture disc may be positioned between the bend and the pathway junction. When the rupture disc is in an unruptured state, the rupture disc may seal the first path portion from the other path portions. When the rupture disc is in a ruptured state, the rupture disc may allow a flow from the pressurized source to the third connector.