SMA Detent Release Assembly for Automatic Sealed Container Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional activation systems for sealed containers, such as aviation compressed gaseous oxygen systems and chemical oxygen generators, require manual effort from passengers to initiate gas flow, which is an additional task and may not be efficient in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An activation assembly comprising a striker, a detent, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire, where the SMA wire moves the detent from an engaged to a disengaged position, allowing the striker to transition from a stowed to a deployed position, facilitated by a biasing member and various configurations like sliders, rails, and linkage arms, enabling automatic activation of sealed containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual activation is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it requires additional passenger task and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The activation assembly uses the passenger's own mask pulling action to automatically trigger the container activation. The mask is connected to the detent mechanism, so when the passenger pulls the mask, the detent is automatically actuated to release the striker, which then activates the container. This eliminates the need for separate manual activation steps while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation systems with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire mechanism. The SMA wire can be actuated by thermal or electrical stimuli to automatically move the detent and release the striker, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or manual operation mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If automatic activation is implemented, then manual effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the mask is pulled and triggers container activation without requiring additional manual input. The detent mechanism is directly linked to mask movement, so the passenger's natural action of pulling the mask automatically initiates the activation sequence, reducing manual effort to zero for the activation step itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wire provides an automated actuation mechanism that can respond to thermal or electrical stimuli to move the detent and release the striker. This replaces complex mechanical activation systems with a more compact and controllable SMA-based mechanism, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining automatic operation.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical linkages are used, then the mechanism is robust, but it creates potential entanglements and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The activation assembly components are arranged in a compact, nested configuration where the striker, detent, and SMA wire are integrated within a small volume. The detent mechanism is positioned to engage directly with the striker, and the SMA wire is routed through guides to minimize space requirements, allowing the entire activation assembly to fit within a compact housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wire replaces traditional mechanical linkages, springs, and cam mechanisms with a compact actuator that can be integrated into a smaller volume. The SMA wire can be routed through simple guides and pulleys, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining robust actuation capability and reducing the overall volume of the activation assembly.
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 provides a compact, lightweight, and efficient mechanism for activating sealed containers, reducing manual effort and potential entanglements, with improved deployment and potential reusability, suitable for aviation and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire connected to the detent. The SMA wire is configured to move the detent from a first position to a second position relative to the striker based on activation of the SMA wire
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member biasing the striker towards the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
An activation assembly for a sealed container includes a striker, a detent, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire connected to the detent. The SMA wire may move the detent from a first position to a second position relative to the striker based on activation of the SMA wire where, in the first position, the detent is engaged with the striker, and, in the second position, the detent is disengaged from the striker and the striker is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position.