Membrane Puncturing Mechanism With Reloadable Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflation valve mechanisms that rely on preloaded springs to puncture membranes can lose restoring force over time, potentially failing to inflate systems due to spring relaxation, leading to costly and time-consuming servicing needs, especially in safety-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A membrane puncturing mechanism featuring sloping regions on opposing surfaces, a pin with a narrowed throat portion, and a locking mechanism with a cam surface and follower, allowing for rotational movement to maintain spring preload and ensure consistent puncture force, coupled with a mount and bushing for rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If fully preloaded springs are used to accelerate the needle into the membrane, then sufficient puncture force is achieved, but spring relaxation over time reduces restoring force and may cause system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static preloaded spring system to a dynamic system where the spring can be periodically reloaded. The needle can be retracted and the spring re-preloaded, maintaining consistent puncture force without the reliability issues of continuous preloading and relaxation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows the spring to be discarded (decompressed) and recovered (reloaded) periodically. This enables maintenance of the spring's elastic properties by resetting its preload state, preventing the cumulative relaxation effect that compromises reliability
2Reliability
If larger and heavier springs are used to lessen spring relaxation, then restoring force is maintained, but the mechanism becomes bulkier and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a heavier static spring, the system uses a lighter spring that is dynamically reloaded. This maintains reliability through periodic restoration of preload rather than through increased mass, avoiding the penalty of added weight and bulk
3Force
If fully preloaded springs are used, then initial puncture force is sufficient, but periodic replacement is needed increasing servicing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism enables operator reloading of the spring without requiring professional servicing or replacement. The simple retraction and reloading process allows the system to service itself, eliminating the need for periodic spring replacement and reducing maintenance burden
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 mechanism maintains consistent puncture force over time, reducing the need for frequent spring replacements and minimizing bulkiness, while ensuring reliable inflation in safety-critical systems.
Implementation Method 1
Mechanisms used to puncture membranes in inflation valves use springs to accelerate a needle into the membrane. Springs in such mechanisms are fully preloaded and then released when the valve needs to be actuated.
Data Source
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AI summary
A membrane puncturing mechanism (2) comprises a first element (16) and a second element (14) arranged with opposing surfaces (46, 48). At least one opposing surface (46, 48) comprises a sloping region (50, 52) inclined relative to the other opposing surface (46, 48). The first element (16) is moveable towards and away from the second element (14). A pin (10) for puncturing a membrane (6) is coupled to the first element (16) such that movement of one of the pin (10) and first element (16) causes movement of both. A spring (12) is operable to bias the first element (16) towards the second element (14). An actuator (18) is removably positioned between the opposing surfaces (46, 48), the actuator being withdrawable from between and moveable along the opposing surfaces (46, 48) such that, as the actuator (18) is withdrawn, the actuator (18) progressively moves the first and second elements (16, 14) apart against the bias of the spring (12) so as to load the spring (12) and such that the actuator (18) being fully withdrawn from between the opposing surfaces (46, 48) allows the first element (16) to move towards the second element (14) under the load of the spring (12) thereby moving the pin (10) for puncturing the membrane (6).