Pressure Regulator Rupture Disc Valve for Rapid Inflation Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft emergency evacuation systems rely on manual pull cable actuation for pressure regulator isolation valves, which can be inefficient and pose challenges in rapid deployment scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated pressure regulator valve assembly with a rupture disc isolation valve, utilizing a solenoid to energize and rupture a membrane disc, allowing for controlled gas flow and automatic actuation, integrated with a compressed gas tank and aspirator for efficient inflatable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual pull cable actuation is used to operate the isolation valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the deployment speed and efficiency are insufficient for rapid evacuation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pull cable actuation system with an electrically actuated solenoid system. The solenoid receives an electrical signal and automatically actuates the isolation valve, eliminating the need for manual cable pulling and significantly increasing deployment speed while accepting increased electrical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic actuation where the solenoid valve assembly self-activates in response to an electrical signal without requiring manual intervention. The rupture disc also provides automatic isolation functionality when pressure thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to service itself and respond autonomously to emergency conditions.
2Extent of automation
If a rupture disc isolation valve is used instead of manual actuation, then automation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the isolation valve mechanism, the rupture disc isolation system, the solenoid actuator, and the regulator components. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each module and simplifies assembly by enabling modular integration, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced automation features.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the solenoid's linear motion to the valve components. This intermediary mechanism bridges the electrical actuation system and the pneumatic isolation system, enabling automatic operation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized mechanical transmission elements.
3Device complexity
If the solenoid is integrated within the pressure regulator housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the repairability and component replacement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is provided as a separate, removable component rather than being permanently integrated into the regulator housing. This segmentation allows the solenoid to be independently replaced if faulty, while still maintaining a compact overall structure when installed, thus balancing structural simplicity with repairability.
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 rapid and efficient inflation of emergency evacuation systems by automating the actuation of the pressure regulator valve, improving deployment speed and reducing manual intervention, while allowing for multiple uses of the rupture disc without replacing the entire assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid can be coupled to the solenoid port. The solenoid can be configured to energize and deliver the gas to the bottom region of the actuator cavity.
Implementation Method 2
The membrane disc can be configured to rupture in response to energizing the solenoid.
Implementation Method 3
The housing can further define a pressure line in fluid communication with the top region of the actuator cavity and the compressed gas tank. The compressed gas tank can be configured to deliver the gas to the top region of the actuator cavity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A regulator valve assembly comprising: a housing (200) defining an actuator cavity (326) and a piston head cavity (324); a piston rod (318) comprising a piston head (320) disposed within the piston head cavity (324) and a rod end (332) disposed within the actuator cavity (326); and a disc retainer (304) within the housing (200). The actuator cavity (326) has a top region (328) of the actuator cavity and a bottom region (330) of the actuator cavity. The piston head cavity (324) comprises a regulator inlet (402) and an inlet port (302). The disc retainer (304) is adapted to be coupled to a proximate seating surface of the inlet port (302), wherein a first face (308) of a membrane disc (306) is coupled to a lateral seating surface of the inlet port (302) disposed between the piston head cavity (324) and the disc retainer (304). Also disclosed is a method of using the regulator valve assembly and a method of manufacturing said regulator valve assembly.