Pyrotechnical Detonator Gas Management Device for Rapid Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas management devices for inflatable units, such as life jackets, are slow in inflating due to the limited aperture size created by mechanical puncture devices, which restricts the flow of pressurized gas.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pyrotechnical detonator within the gas management device adjacent to the gas inlet of a pressurized vessel, which, upon activation, creates a directional shockwave to puncture the vessel's closure, resulting in a larger aperture and faster gas flow into the inflatable unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical puncture device is used to puncture the gas cylinder closure, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the aperture size is limited which slows down the gas transfer speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical puncture device with a pyrotechnical detonator that generates a shock wave to puncture the closure. This substitution of mechanical action with a chemical/explosive action allows for a much larger aperture to be created instantly, dramatically increasing gas transfer speed while the detonator itself remains a compact component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of aperture size by using a shock wave instead of a mechanical needle. The shock wave creates a large opening in the closure, transforming the aperture parameter from millimeter-scale (mechanical) to centimeter-scale (explosive), thereby enabling rapid gas flow.
2Productivity
If a larger aperture is created in the closure, then the gas transfer speed increases, but the structural integrity of the closure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function of creating a large aperture from the closure structure itself. Instead of making the closure weaker to allow larger openings, the closure remains intact and strong, and the aperture is created temporarily by the shock wave passing through it. The closure's structural integrity is preserved while still enabling rapid gas transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock wave rushes through the closure momentarily to create the aperture, then passes on. The closure experiences the puncturing action as a brief impulse rather than a sustained stress, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity while still permitting the large opening needed for rapid inflation.
3Speed
If a pyrotechnical detonator is used to create a shock wave, then the aperture size increases significantly, but the device complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pyrotechnical detonator directly into the gas management device housing, integrating multiple functions into a single compact unit. The detonator, ignition system, and gas flow control are combined, reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced functionality. This integration allows the complex pyrotechnical component to be managed as a single modular unit.
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 solution enables faster inflation of inflatable units by creating a larger aperture in the vessel closure, allowing for quicker transfer of pressurized gas, thereby outperforming traditional mechanical methods.
Implementation Method 1
When the pyrotechnical detonator is activated, a chock wave is created that will puncture the casing and release the gas from the pressurized vessel.
Implementation Method 2
a pyrotechnical detonator is integrated into the gas management device and placed adjacent to a gas inlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas management device 10; 20; 30; 40; 50 comprising: a gas inlet 11; 32; 42; 52 adapted to secure a casing of a vessel 22, preferably a closure 26 sealing an opening of a gas cylinder containing pressurized gas; a gas outlet 12; 33; 43; 53 adapted to be secured to an inflatable unit 23; and a puncture device 10b; 31b; 41b; 51b for puncturing the casing of the vessel 22. The puncture device 10b; 31b; 41b; 51b comprises a pyrotechnical detonator 16 that, when activated, creates a chock wave which punctures the casing of the vessel 22, whereby gas from the vessel 22 is directed to the inflatable unit 23. The invention also relates to a method and a system for transferring gas from a pressurized vessel to an inflatable unit via a gas management device.