Solid-State Battery Power Source for Rapid Inflation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflation systems for evacuation slides and life rafts face challenges with compressed gas, including safety concerns, weight, and size issues, as well as limitations with previous battery technologies that cannot provide the necessary high power output quickly and efficiently for rapid inflation requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electrically-powered inflation system utilizing a solid state battery as a power source, which delivers power to an electric motor upon activation, allowing for rapid inflation of evacuation slides and life rafts, with a controller managing the power delivery based on various activation events and sensors to ensure timely and sustained inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If compressed gas is used for inflation, then rapid inflation can be achieved, but safety concerns and weight issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed gas system with an electrically-powered compression system. An electric motor drives a compressor to compress ambient air into the inflatable structure, eliminating the need for pre-filled compressed gas cylinders. This substitution resolves the safety concerns associated with compressed gas while maintaining the capability for rapid inflation through controlled electrical power delivery.
2Speed
If compressed gas containers are used, then rapid inflation is possible, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates heavy compressed gas containers by replacing them with an electrically-powered compression system consisting of an electric motor and compressor. The system compresses ambient air on-demand, significantly reducing the weight and size of the inflation system while maintaining rapid inflation capability through controlled power delivery to the compressor.
3Power
If previous battery technologies are used, then power can be provided, but high power output quickly and efficiently cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a solid state battery that can deliver high power output quickly and efficiently, representing a significant parameter change from previous battery technologies. The solid state battery's ability to provide high instantaneous power enables the electric motor and compressor to operate at full capacity for rapid inflation, then transition to lower power for pressure maintenance, thereby reducing response time while meeting power requirements.
4Use of energy by moving object
If traditional battery systems are used, then power delivery is possible, but weight and size constraints are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a solid state battery that provides superior power density and energy density compared to traditional battery systems. This parameter change enables the battery to deliver the required high power for rapid inflation and sustained power for pressure maintenance while significantly reducing the weight and volume of the power source, thereby meeting the stringent weight and size constraints of the inflation system.
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 solid state battery provides a high power output for rapid inflation and maintains pressure for the required duration, addressing weight and size concerns while ensuring safety and reliability, with benefits including extended storage life, wide temperature and pressure range compatibility, and high power-to-weight ratio.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation system that uses an electrically powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a solid state battery
Data Source
AI summary
A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically-powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a solid state battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.