Redundant Parallel Series Flaps for Atmospheric Balloon Gas Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current atmospheric balloon gas release devices are prone to failure due to extreme operating conditions, leading to compromised control of the balloon's trajectory and reduced lifespan, as they can get stuck in either the open or closed position, lacking redundancy and being susceptible to single-point failures.
Innovation Solution
A gaseous composition release device featuring multiple parallel and series flaps with independent actuators and a monitoring system, allowing for redundant operation and precise flow control, with flaps designed to maintain closure even in the absence of power, using a seat mechanism to ensure hermetic sealing and minimize mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single gas release device is installed at the top of the envelope, then the device structure is simple and light, but the reliability is low due to susceptibility to single-point failures in extreme operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The single gas release device is segmented into multiple independent flaps (at least two flaps) that can operate independently. Each flap has its own sealing surface and can be controlled separately, so that if one flap fails, the other(s) can still perform the gas release function, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex redundant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates beforehand cushioning by providing multiple flaps as a preventive measure against failure. The multiple flaps are positioned and dimensioned such that even if one flap remains stuck in the closed position or fails to open, the remaining flaps can still release gas to maintain balloon control, thus cushioning against the harmful effects of single-point failures.
2Reliability
If multiple parallel and series flaps with independent actuators are used, then the reliability improves with redundant operation, but the device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas release device is segmented into multiple flaps with independent actuators, where each flap-actuator assembly is a separate functional unit. This segmentation allows for redundant operation while keeping each individual component relatively simple and lightweight, rather than having one complex actuator system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flap has its own local actuator and sealing surface, creating localized functional units. This local quality approach allows the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy while minimizing the overall mass by avoiding a single complex centralized actuation system. Each local unit can be optimized independently for minimal mass while maintaining the required function.
3Reliability
If flaps are designed to maintain closure in the absence of power, then the reliability improves, but the energy consumption increases and the risk of envelope damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing flaps that actively stay closed using power, the design inverts the approach: flaps are designed to naturally open due to pressure differential when not powered, and closing is achieved through controlled actuation. This inversion reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliability, as the default passive state is safe (open for pressure equalization) rather than requiring active maintenance of closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps utilize the pressure differential between the balloon interior and exterior environment to automatically open when power is absent, making the system self-regulating without requiring continuous energy input. This self-service mechanism ensures safety and reliability while minimizing energy consumption, as the physical environment itself provides the closing/opening force rather than requiring powered actuators to maintain a specific state.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for releasing a gas contained in an atmospheric balloon, comprising an evacuation conduit (23), a parallel flap (24) and an actuator (25) of the parallel flap between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that it comprises a second parallel flap and an actuator of the parallel flap (26) between a closed position and an open position, each parallel flap (24, 26) closing a portion between 10% and 90% of an evacuation conduit which is closed when each parallel flap is closed, a series flap (27, 29) and an actuator of said series flap between a closed position and an open position, the evacuation conduit being closed when each series flap is closed.