Pressure-Activated Time-Delayed Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for time-delayed underwater releases, such as galvanic action and electronic timers, are unreliable, require consumables and costly electronics, and are susceptible to environmental variations and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-activated time-delayed release device using a body with a drive chamber and compression chamber, a drive piston and compression piston connected by a piston attachment mechanism, a viscous element, and a throttle mechanism to delay actuation based on predetermined water pressure, eliminating the need for consumables and electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic action is used for time-delayed release, then time-delayed release is achieved, but predictability is lost due to variations in ocean temperatures, salinity, and other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical galvanic action system with a mechanical pressure-activated system. The release mechanism is triggered by water pressure acting on a piston, which mechanically opens a valve after a predetermined time delay, eliminating dependence on environmental conditions like temperature and salinity that affect chemical corrosion rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from chemical corrosion rate (affected by temperature, salinity) to water pressure (which is more predictable and controllable). The pressure-activated piston system responds to hydrostatic pressure in a predictable manner, providing reliable time-delayed release regardless of ocean conditions.
2Reliability
If galvanic action is used for time-delayed release, then time-delayed release is achieved, but consumables need to be replaced with each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a reusable mechanical system where the piston, valve, and housing are recovered after use. Unlike consumable galvanic elements that corrode and must be replaced, the mechanical components can be retrieved, inspected, and reused for subsequent deployments, eliminating the need for consumable replacement.
3Reliability
If galvanic action is used for time-delayed release, then time-delayed release is achieved, but premature corrosion occurs when exposed to moisture before use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical corrosion-based timing mechanism with a mechanical pressure-activated system. The piston and valve remain in a stable mechanical state until exposed to water pressure, eliminating the risk of premature chemical reactions that occur with galvanic elements exposed to moisture before deployment.
4Reliability
If electronic sensing and digital timer are used for time-delayed release, then predictable timing is achieved, but costly electronics and battery power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic sensing and digital timer system with a purely mechanical pressure-activated timing mechanism. Water pressure directly actuates the piston, which mechanically controls the valve opening after a predetermined delay, eliminating the need for electronics, sensors, and battery power while maintaining predictable timing.
5Reliability
If electronic sensing and digital timer are used for time-delayed release, then predictable timing is achieved, but activation energy must be stored in the device rather than obtained from the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-activating system where water pressure from the environment directly drives the piston mechanism. The ambient water pressure provides the activation energy needed to move the piston and open the valve, eliminating the need for stored energy sources like batteries or springs that require prior energy loading.
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
Provides a predictable and reusable time-delayed release mechanism that functions reliably across varying ocean conditions without the need for replacement parts or batteries, ensuring consistent operation in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
A viscous element is disposed between the drive piston and the compression piston... A release of the viscous element through the throttle mechanism is configured to delay the movement of the actuation mechanism to a fully actuated state for the predetermined period of time
Implementation Method 2
A compressible element is disposed within the compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure activated time-delayed release device and method. The device includes a body having a drive chamber and a compression chamber disposed therein, a drive piston disposed within the drive chamber of the body, and a compression piston disposed within the compression chamber of the body. A throttle mechanism is disposed between the drive piston and the compression piston. The throttle mechanism controls a release of viscous fluid from the drive chamber into the compression chamber. The drive piston and compression piston are connected so as to cause the compression piston to move substantially simultaneously with the drive piston to compress a compressible element disposed within the compression chamber. The device moves from an un-actuated state to an actuated state when the device is exposed to a predetermined water pressure for a predetermined period of time.