Mechanical Trigger Assembly for Controlled Fracture of Frangible Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a simple, low-cost, and reliable mechanism to controllably fracture thick frangible structures, such as tempered glass, for applications like scuttling sensor buoys and air vessels, which require controlled ingress or egress of liquids or gases.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical actuator assembly comprising a spring arrangement, impact member, and restraint member, actuated by a trigger source coupled to an electrical power source, which forcibly breaks predetermined breakable regions in frangible structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical actuator assembly with spring arrangement and impact member is used, then the ability to fracture thick frangible structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a spring arrangement for energy storage, a restraint member for controlled release, and an impact member for fracture delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement is pre-loaded and stored in a compressed state before activation, with the restraint member holding it in place. This preliminary action allows the system to accumulate fracture energy without requiring complex power sources or control mechanisms during operation
2Reliability
If a trigger source with heat source is used to break the restraint member, then the reliability of controlled fracture is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism replaces a purely mechanical release system with an electrical heating element that melts or weakens the restraint member. This substitution provides more reliable and controllable fracture timing while using minimal energy from a small battery or power source
Solution Approach 2:
The heat source induces a phase transition in the restraint member material, changing it from a solid mechanical constraint to a melted or weakened state. This phase change provides a clear, reliable trigger point that consumes minimal energy compared to mechanical or explosive alternatives
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical actuators are used for multi-location fracture, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same basic actuator assembly design (spring, restraint, impact member) is replicated at multiple locations throughout the structure. Each actuator is identical and performs the same fracture function, allowing the system to handle multiple fracture locations without increasing design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The successful single-actuator design is copied and deployed at multiple strategic locations within the frangible structure. This replication approach enables versatile multi-point fracture capability while maintaining simplicity through standardization of components and procedures
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 mechanical actuator assembly effectively fractures frangible structures into small fragments, enabling controlled ingress or egress of liquids or gases, ensuring safe and reliable scuttling of vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement
Implementation Method 2
A heat source is operably coupled to an electrical power source and in thermal contact with the restraint member. The heat source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to break the restraint member
Implementation Method 3
allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4E
AI summary
An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.