Solenoid Rupture Disc Pressure Regulator for Rapid Slide Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft emergency evacuation systems rely on manual pull cable actuation for pressure regulators with isolation valves, which can be inefficient and prone to human error, especially in high-stress emergency situations.
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 automated and efficient gas flow control, including a housing with specific cavities and ports for the piston rod, disc retainer, and solenoid, and a method of manufacturing using additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pull cable actuation is used to operate the isolation valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and speed of activation are insufficient in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pull cable actuation system with an electrical solenoid actuation system. The solenoid receives electrical signals to automatically actuate the isolation valve, eliminating the need for manual cable pulling and providing more reliable, faster activation in emergency situations while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service activation where the solenoid automatically actuates the isolation valve in response to electrical signals without requiring manual intervention. This self-actuating capability ensures reliable operation during emergencies when manual operation may be delayed or fail.
2Productivity
If manual pull cable actuation is used, then the ease of operation is simplified, but the speed of activation is too slow for efficient emergency response
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical cable pulling operation is replaced with an electrical solenoid actuation system that responds rapidly to electrical signals. This substitution dramatically increases the speed of isolation valve activation while the solenoid's simple electrical interface maintains ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid system is pre-configured and ready for immediate actuation upon receiving electrical signals. The preliminary preparation of the electrical actuation system ensures that activation occurs at maximum speed without requiring manual preparation or cable tensioning operations.
3Productivity
If manual actuation is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the consistency and efficiency of gas flow control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid system provides self-service gas flow control by automatically actuating the isolation valve in response to electrical signals. This automated control ensures consistent, efficient gas flow activation without manual intervention, while the integrated design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
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 reliable activation of emergency evacuation systems by automating the gas flow control, ensuring consistent and efficient inflation of inflatable structures like evacuation slides, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid can be coupled to the regulator valve assembly and configured to energize and rupture the membrane disc
Implementation Method 2
flowing a gas through the solenoid, wherein the gas creates a pressure force to translate the piston head away from the membrane disc
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator valve assembly may comprise: a housing defining an actuator cavity and a piston head cavity; a piston rod comprising a piston head disposed within the piston head cavity and a rod end disposed within the actuator cavity; and a disc retainer within the housing. The actuator cavity can have a top region of the actuator cavity and a bottom region of the actuator cavity. The piston head cavity can comprise a regulator inlet and an inlet port. The disc retainer can be coupled to a proximate seating surface of the inlet port, wherein a first face of a membrane disc is coupled to a lateral seating surface of the inlet port disposed between the piston head cavity and the disc retainer. Also disclosed are methods of using and manufacturing regulator valve assemblies.