Pneumatic Valve Membrane Support for Unblocked Inflation Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic inflation valves used in rapid inflation systems, such as aircraft evacuation slides and inflatable dinghies, face the challenge of the ruptured membrane interfering with the supply of inflation gas, leading to potential blockages or damage.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic valve design featuring a slidably supported membrane support element that moves from an extended to a retracted position, forming a pocket to receive the ruptured membrane, with gas supply passages bypassing the bore to ensure uninterrupted gas flow and prevent the membrane from passing through, and an actuator mechanism for controlled membrane rupture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the membrane support element is retracted to allow membrane rupture, then the membrane can rupture under gas pressure, but the ruptured membrane may interfere with gas flow and cause blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect (ruptured membrane interfering with gas flow) is eliminated by extracting the ruptured membrane from the gas flow path. The lower end of the membrane support element forms a pocket that captures and retains the ruptured membrane, preventing it from entering and blocking the gas supply passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower end of the membrane support element acts as an intermediary structure between the ruptured membrane and the gas supply passages. By forming a pocket that receives the ruptured membrane, it serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the membrane debris and the gas flow path.
2Reliability
If the membrane support element extends to support the membrane, then the membrane is protected from premature rupture, but the structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane support element performs multiple functions: it supports the membrane in the extended position to prevent premature rupture, and forms a pocket in the retracted position to capture the ruptured membrane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane support element is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing it to adapt its function dynamically. This dynamic capability enables a single component to provide both membrane support and debris containment, simplifying the overall valve structure.
3Productivity
If gas supply passages bypass the bore, then gas flow is maintained during membrane rupture, but the passages may be blocked by membrane debris
Solution Approach 1:
The lower end of the membrane support element serves as an intermediary barrier that intercepts ruptured membrane before it can reach the gas supply passages. This mediator structure allows the passages to bypass the bore for continuous gas flow while preventing membrane debris from blocking them.
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 design effectively prevents the ruptured membrane from obstructing the gas flow and reduces the risk of blockages or damage, maintaining efficient inflation by ensuring the ruptured membrane is contained within the valve, while allowing unimpeded gas flow through the valve body.
Implementation Method 1
permit the rupturable membrane to rupture under the pressure of the high pressure gas
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic valve for attachment to a source of high pressure gas comprises a valve body which comprises a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A rupturable membrane extends across the gas inlet. A membrane support element is slidably supported in the valve body for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the membrane support element having a lower end engageable, in the extended position, with the rupturable membrane to support the rupturable membrane against rupture. The valve body further comprises a bore through which the membrane support element extends and one or more gas supply passages bypassing the bore for providing a gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. The membrane support element is configured to be movable from the extended position to the retracted position to permit the rupturable membrane to rupture under the pressure of the high pressure gas.