Pneumatic Wall-Piercing Device for Rapid Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piercing devices for firefighting, particularly those used in aircraft interiors, face challenges in achieving high-speed penetration of wall structures without the complexity of sealed hydraulic systems and the limitations of electric drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic actuator-driven piercing device that uses a single- or double-acting pneumatic cylinder to move the piercing tool from a deactivated to an activated position, utilizing compressed air to achieve high momentum penetration, with a simplified valve system and safety features like sensors for precise alignment and damping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic system is used to drive the piercing tool, then the system can provide sufficient force for penetration, but the system complexity increases and requires sealed fluid systems to prevent escaping hydraulic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air to drive the piercing tool. The compressed air is stored in a reservoir and released through a valve to move the piercing tool from the retracted position to the extended position, providing the necessary force without requiring complex sealed hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical hydraulic drive system with a simpler pneumatic system consisting of a compressed air reservoir, valve, and pneumatic cylinder. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid containment systems while maintaining the force required for wall structure penetration
2Device complexity
If an electric drive system is used to move the piercing tool, then the design can be compact, but the maximum speed of the piercing tool is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by storing compressed air in a reservoir during a charging phase and then rapidly releasing it through a valve to drive the piercing tool during the penetration phase. This periodic storage and release of pneumatic energy enables high-speed movement of the piercing tool while maintaining a compact design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed hydraulic system is used to prevent hydraulic fluid escape, then secondary fires can be prevented, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic fluid system with a pneumatic system using compressed air, which eliminates the fire hazard associated with escaping hydraulic fluid. Compressed air is inherently non-flammable, so the system achieves fire safety without requiring complex sealed containment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of using pressurized fluids by selecting compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. The pneumatic system uses air that is already present in the environment, eliminating the risk of fire from escaping fluid while simplifying the system design
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 high-speed penetration of wall structures with enhanced safety and operational efficiency, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic systems and reducing the risk of accidental initiation.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic actuator which, in order to pierce a wall structure, pneumatically displaces the piercing tool from a deactivated position to an activated position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing compressed air to achieve high momentum penetration
Implementation Method 3
the piston element divides the working chamber into a first working chamber section and a second working chamber section, wherein the first working chamber section is fluidically connected to the inlet channel, wherein the second working chamber section is fluidically connected to an outlet channel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a piercing device (1) for piercing a wall structure, comprising at least one piercing unit (2) which has a housing (5) defining a working chamber (6), an inlet valve (10) fluidically connected to the working chamber (6) via an inlet channel (11) formed in the housing (5) for controlling a pressurized fluid flow into the working chamber (6), and a piercing tool (7) which is movable relative to the housing (5) and is movably mounted in an opening (9) formed in a side (8) of the housing (5), wherein the piercing unit (2) has a pneumatic actuator which, in order to pierce a wall structure, pneumatically displaces the piercing tool (7) from a deactivated position to an activated position, wherein the piercing tool (7) protrudes at least partially relative to the housing (5) in the activated position.