Stepper-Motor Pressure Regulator for Temperature-Stable Evacuation Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure regulators for inflatable evacuation systems suffer from performance variations with temperature, leading to inconsistent inflation rates and longer evacuation times.
Innovation Solution
A pressure reducing regulator with a closed-loop pressure control system using a DC linear stepper motor and a controller that adjusts the valve poppet's stroke speed and position based on temperature and pressure feedback, ensuring consistent outlet pressure throughout the inflation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure regulator is used, then the structure is simple, but the outlet pressure varies with temperature leading to inconsistent inflation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop pressure control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors outlet pressure and feeds this information to a controller. The controller adjusts the linear stepper motor's position to maintain consistent outlet pressure despite temperature variations, directly resolving the reliability issue while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electrically actuated linear stepper motor system. This substitution allows for precise, controllable adjustment of the valve poppet position based on electronic feedback signals, enabling consistent pressure regulation across varying temperatures while providing programmable control capabilities.
2Productivity
If high-pressure gas is discharged rapidly, then inflation speed is fast, but pressure control becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the linear stepper motor continuously adjusts the valve poppet position during the inflation process. The controller modifies the valve opening degree in real-time based on feedback from the pressure sensor, allowing the system to maintain consistent outlet pressure while achieving rapid inflation through optimized gas flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the valve system by using a linear stepper motor that can precisely control the valve poppet position across a range of opening degrees. This enables the system to dynamically adjust gas flow rate and maintain consistent outlet pressure throughout the inflation process, achieving both high productivity and reliable pressure control.
3Loss of time
If temperature variations are not compensated, then the system is simple, but inflation time increases due to performance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors temperature variations and feeds this information to the controller. The controller compensates for temperature effects by adjusting the linear stepper motor's position to maintain optimal valve opening degree, ensuring consistent inflation performance across varying temperatures and reducing inflation time despite the added control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts operational parameters based on temperature conditions by using the temperature sensor input to modify the valve poppet position through the linear stepper motor. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for temperature-induced performance variations, maintaining efficient inflation rates across different environmental conditions while accepting increased system complexity.
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 maintains consistent outlet pressure during inflation, reduces inflation time, and eliminates performance variations with temperature, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of inflatable evacuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
the valve arrangement further comprises a spring abutting the plug, wherein the spring biases the plug towards the valve seat land
Implementation Method 2
a linear stepper motor configured to actuate the regulating valve poppet
Implementation Method 3
a dynamic O-ring seal configured to fluidically isolate the linear stepper motor from the main fluid channel
Implementation Method 4
A pressure reducing regulator with a closed-loop pressure control system using a DC linear stepper motor and a controller that adjusts the valve poppet's stroke speed and position based on temperature and pressure feedback
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source includes a regulating valve poppet (152) configured to translate along a longitudinal axis of a valve housing (150), and a linear stepper motor (180) configured to control a position of the regulating valve poppet (152). The linear stepper motor (180) is controlled by a closed loop control system based upon temperature and pressure feedback signals to actively control the position and stroke rate of the regulating valve poppet (152).