Resettable Piston-Seal Pneumatic Release for Clean Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic release systems require the destruction of functional parts, such as membranes or diaphragms, for operation, leading to single-use systems that necessitate time-consuming and error-prone replacement, and introduce the risk of contamination during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic release system utilizing a piston and cylinder design with upper and lower seals that allows pressurized fluid to flow from a reservoir to an actuator without destroying parts, featuring a biased piston that moves to open and close the fluid flow path based on external force application and spring compression, allowing for automatic resetting after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane or diaphragm is punctured to release pressurised fluid, then the fluid can flow from the reservoir to the actuator, but the functional parts are destroyed and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers and reuses the piston and seal components instead of discarding them. The piston is reset to its initial position after deployment, allowing the same components to be used multiple times, eliminating the need for replacement that occurs with puncturable membrane systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static punctured state to a dynamic resettable state. The piston moves between deployed and reset positions, enabling the system to transition between closed and open fluid flow states without permanent structural changes or component destruction
2Productivity
If parts are replaced after deployment, then the system can be reused, but time and labour are consumed and human error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs its own reset operation without requiring external intervention or manual replacement. The piston automatically returns to its initial position, enabling the system to service itself and prepare for reuse without consuming time or labor resources
Solution Approach 2:
The piston and seal components are recovered and retained in the system after deployment rather than being discarded and replaced. This allows immediate reuse of the same components, eliminating the time and labor associated with part replacement
3Reliability
If parts are replaced in a clean environment, then contamination is minimized, but the possibility of dust and debris entering the system remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains its internal cleanliness by avoiding opening during replacement operations. Since components are not removed and replaced, the system remains sealed throughout operation, preventing any opportunity for dust and debris contamination that would occur during manual reassembly
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a piston and cylinder design is used instead of a puncturable membrane, then parts can be reused without replacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston and cylinder assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid seal and the deployment mechanism. The same components that seal the fluid path also provide the mechanical advantage for deployment and reset, reducing the need for separate specialized components and mitigating the complexity increase
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 enables multiple uses without part replacement, reducing labor and contamination risks, while maintaining system stability and ensuring reliable operation in emergency situations like aircraft evacuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is biased to a first closed position
Implementation Method 2
the upper seal preventing flow of the fluid from the chamber to the outlet
Implementation Method 3
an external force applied to the piston moves the upper seal away from sealing engagement with the cylinder to allow fluid to flow from the chamber to the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
AI summary
A pneumatic release system having an inlet (3) arranged to be connected, in use, to a supply of pressurised fluid, and an outlet (4) arranged, to be connected, in use, to an end device, the system defining therethrough, a flow path for fluid from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4), wherein the system comprises a piston (1) mounted in and axially moveable relative to a cylinder (2), the inlet and outlet defined in the cylinder (2); the piston (1) having a piston end on which are mounted upper and lower seals (5, 6), wherein the piston (1) is biased to a first closed position, in which the upper and lower seals (5, 6) define a chamber (8) within the cylinder (2) to retain pressurised fluid from the inlet (3), the upper seals (5) preventing flow of the fluid from the chamber (8) to the outlet (4), and wherein an external force applied to the piston (1) moves the upper seals (5) away from sealing engagement with the cylinder (1) to allow fluid to flow from the chamber (8) to the outlet (4).