Solenoid Pressure-Regulator Module for Leak-Safe Slide Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft inflatable slide inflation systems relying on manual pull cables are inefficient, prone to gas leaks, and larger in size, which compromises performance and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules that use a single solenoid to actuate two inflation valves, including a primary and secondary valve, with a poppet mechanism and pressure regulator, to control gas flow efficiently and compactly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pull cables are used to actuate inflation valves, then the system can be operated manually as a backup, but the system becomes larger in size and weight, and is prone to gas leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pull cable system with an automated solenoid-operated system. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to actuate the inflation valves, eliminating the need for mechanical pull cables and manual operation mechanisms, thereby reducing system weight and size while improving reliability by preventing gas leaks associated with manual systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solenoid as an intermediary device between the control system and the inflation valves. This solenoid-mediated approach allows for automated, precise control of gas flow without requiring direct mechanical intervention, thus eliminating the weight and reliability issues associated with manual pull cables
2Ease of operation
If manual pull cables are used to actuate inflation valves, then the system can be operated manually as a backup, but the system becomes more complex and less reliable due to gas leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pull cable system with an automated solenoid-operated system. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to actuate the inflation valves, eliminating the need for mechanical pull cables and manual operation mechanisms, thereby reducing system weight and size while improving reliability by preventing gas leaks associated with manual systems
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid-operated system provides self-contained automated control of the inflation valves. The system can detect and respond to inflation requirements autonomously through the solenoid mechanism, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and the associated reliability issues of mechanical pull cables and potential gas leaks
3Ease of operation
If conventional inflation systems are used with manual pull cables, then manual backup operation is possible, but the system size increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pull cable system with an automated solenoid-operated system. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to actuate the inflation valves, eliminating the need for mechanical pull cables and manual operation mechanisms, thereby reducing system weight and size while improving reliability by preventing gas leaks associated with manual systems
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid-operated system provides self-contained automated control of the inflation valves. The system can detect and respond to inflation requirements autonomously through the solenoid mechanism, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and the associated reliability issues of mechanical pull cables and potential gas leaks
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
This solution reduces gas leaks, enhances system reliability, and allows for a more compact design, improving the efficiency and performance of aircraft inflatable slide inflation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid controls the gas flow into the command cavity and actuator inlet of the secondary valve actuator to cause the secondary valve actuator to enter the second state
Implementation Method 2
The cylinder is typically filled with a pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
Solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules, aircraft inflatable slide assemblies, and methods for assembling solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules are described. The solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules include a primary inflation valve, a secondary inflation valve, a secondary valve actuator, a solenoid, an inflatable slide, and a gas source. The solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules are configured to selectively enable a fluid connection between a gas source and an inflatable slide to enable inflation of the inflatable slide. The primary inflation valve includes a main cavity, a command cavity, an inlet through which a gas enters the main cavity, an outlet, a poppet that controls a gas flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a valve divider separating the main cavity from the command cavity. The secondary inflation valve is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the primary inflation valve. The primary and secondary inflation valves are configured to be simultaneously operated by operation of the solenoid.