Poppet Valve Supports Frangible Disc in Pressure Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire extinguishing agents in aircraft pressure vessels are prone to premature release due to continuous stress on frangible closure membranes, and existing systems rely on pyrotechnical devices that require special handling and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a poppet valve and locking mechanism that supports the frangible disc under pressure, preventing premature release and eliminating the need for pyrotechnical devices by using a spring-loaded actuation mechanism for controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a frangible closure membrane is used to seal the pressure vessel outlet, then the container can be fluidly connected to the distribution pipe system by destroying the membrane, but the membrane is continuously under stress and susceptible to opening inadvertently, causing premature release of fire extinguishing agent
Solution Approach 1:
A poppet valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the frangible closure membrane and the pressure vessel outlet. The poppet valve supports the membrane against its outward force, preventing premature rupture while allowing controlled destruction of the membrane via pyrotechnical device to initiate discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The poppet valve applies a counteracting force against the frangible closure membrane to preemptively neutralize the stress that would otherwise cause inadvertent opening. This preliminary anti-action maintains the membrane in a stable, supported state until intentional activation occurs
2Productivity
If a pyrotechnical device is used to destroy the frangible closure membrane, then the fire extinguishing agent can be released, but the pyrotechnical device requires special handling and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnical device is nested within the valve assembly housing, integrated into the overall structure. This nesting consolidates multiple components (poppet valve, frangible membrane, pyrotechnical device, locking mechanism) into a single unified assembly, simplifying handling and shipping requirements
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with collet and retainer ring is used to secure the poppet valve, then the frangible disc is reliably supported under pressure, but the mechanism requires multiple components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the collet with locking fingers for radial engagement, the retainer ring for axial positioning, and the plunger for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability
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 valve assembly effectively prevents inadvertent release of fire extinguishing agents, ensuring safe and controlled discharge when needed, while removing the risk associated with pyrotechnical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the frangible disc to burst under pressure and permit the egress of pressurized material from the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded actuation mechanism for controlled release
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly (10) for a pressure vessel (16) is disclosed that includes a valve housing (12) operatively associated with an outlet (14) of the pressure vessel, a frangible hermetic disc (18) sealing the outlet of the pressure vessel, and a poppet valve (20) mounted for movement within the valve housing between a first position supporting the frangible hermetic disc within the outlet of the pressure vessel and a second position spaced apart from the frangible hermetic disc to permit the frangible disc to burst under pressure and permit the egress of pressurized material from the pressure vessel through the outlet.