Membrane Stopper With Core Mechanism For Aircraft Tank Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank stoppers in aircraft fluid tanks face challenges in controlling the opening force, generating debris during cap breakage, and preventing fluid return, requiring additional devices like non-return valves.
Innovation Solution
A tank stopper with a membrane and core system that allows precise pressure control, acts as a safety cap, and functions as a non-return valve, featuring a body with a hole, a membrane that blocks the hole, and a core that moves between blocking and open positions, with a compression spring and annular member for controlled opening and fluid direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cap with pyrotechnical means is used to open the tank, then the tank can be emptied, but debris is generated during cap breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the opening function and the non-return valve function into a single integrated stopper assembly. The membrane-type stopper with core mechanism combines the cap opening capability with debris prevention and fluid return prevention in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate retention filters and non-return valves that would generate or allow debris
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a membrane-type stopper that can deform and break in a controlled manner. The thin film membrane allows for precise control of the opening force and pressure, enabling the tank to be emptied while the membrane breaks cleanly without generating significant debris compared to traditional rigid cap breakage
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a retention filter is added to retain debris, then debris is retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the opening function and the non-return valve function into a single integrated stopper assembly. The membrane-type stopper with core mechanism combines the cap opening capability with debris prevention and fluid return prevention in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate retention filters and non-return valves that would generate or allow debris
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful debris generation aspect by using a membrane-type stopper that breaks in a controlled manner rather than a rigid cap that shatters. The core mechanism with arms that can move independently allows the membrane to break cleanly while the core remains intact, effectively removing the debris problem without adding complex filtration systems
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a non-return valve is added downstream to prevent fluid return, then fluid return is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the opening function and the non-return valve function into a single integrated stopper assembly. The membrane-type stopper with core mechanism combines the cap opening capability with debris prevention and fluid return prevention in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate retention filters and non-return valves that would generate or allow debris
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety cap that prevents tank damage from pressure increases, enables controlled opening at precise pressure thresholds, and functions as a non-return valve to prevent fluid return. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate safety devices
4Productivity
If a cap is used to open the tank, then the tank can be emptied, but the opening force cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a membrane-type stopper that can deform and break in a controlled manner. The thin film membrane allows for precise control of the opening force and pressure, enabling the tank to be emptied while the membrane breaks cleanly without generating significant debris compared to traditional rigid cap breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the stopper from a rigid cap to a flexible membrane structure. This parameter change allows the stopper to respond to pressure changes more sensitively and provide precise control over the opening force, as the membrane can deform progressively before breaking at the predetermined pressure threshold
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
Enables precise control over the opening pressure, prevents debris generation, and functions as a non-return valve without additional devices, ensuring safe tank operation and fluid discharge without fluid return.
Implementation Method 1
core return which urge the core into an abutment position in which the edge is in abutment with the seat... the core return comprise an annular member and a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the core return comprise an annular member and a compression spring, the annular member can be moved parallel with the movement direction of the core and is in abutment with the ends of the arms which are inserted into the apertures and the spring is placed between a fixed portion of the body and the annular member
Data Source
AI summary
A stopper for a tank having an opening includes a body which is provided to be fixed in the opening and which has a hole, a membrane which is fixed to the body and of which a portion completely blocks the hole, a core which is fixed to the portion of the membrane which blocks the hole, and stop means which are provided to permit a movement of the core between a blocking position which corresponds to the non-broken membrane which blocks the hole, and an open position which corresponds to the broken membrane which is spaced apart from the hole, and to keep the core fixedly joined to the body in an open position. The knowledge of the characteristics of the membrane enables the force from which the stopper opens to be known.