Thermal Actuator Pressurization Device for Enclosure Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing external contaminants from entering enclosures, such as sealing seams or strengthening external walls, are either cost-prohibitive, complex, or unsuitable for applications where pre-pressurization is undesirable, especially when enclosures are inactive for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A pressurization device comprising a container with a pressurized fluid, a pin, and a thermally-responsive actuator that disengages from the container when heated, allowing the pressurized fluid to be released into the enclosure through a fluid passage, utilizing a frangible hollow bulb or heating device like an electric match or resistive wire to initiate fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing seams with adhesive or gasketing is used to prevent leakage, then the enclosure is protected from external contaminants, but the cost increases and the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the enclosure structure itself and relocates it to a separate pressurization device. Instead of sealing seams, the device introduces pressurized air into the enclosure to create positive pressure that prevents contaminant ingress, thereby eliminating the need for complex sealing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of preventing leaks by sealing the enclosure structure, the invention inverts the approach by actively pressurizing the enclosure interior. This positive pressure environment prevents external contaminants from entering through any potential seams or openings, reversing the traditional leak prevention paradigm.
2Strength
If strengthening external walls is used to resist external pressure, then the enclosure can withstand external pressure, but the enclosure becomes heavier or larger
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies counterpressure by introducing pressurized air into the enclosure to balance external pressure loads. This internal positive pressure counteracts external forces, allowing the use of lighter enclosure walls while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance.
3Reliability
If pre-pressurizing the enclosure is done to prevent leakage, then the enclosure is protected from contaminants, but this is undesirable when the enclosure is inactive for years
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization device is pre-installed and pre-charged with pressurized air in a sealed container, but the actual pressurization of the enclosure only occurs when the device is activated. This preliminary preparation allows for long-term storage in an unpressurized state, and enables quick activation when needed without requiring years of continuous pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pre-pressurized state to a dynamic on-demand pressurization system. The pressurization can be activated or deactivated as needed, allowing the enclosure to be stored unpressurized for extended periods and then quickly pressurized when protection from contaminants is required.
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 provides a cost-effective, quick, and efficient method to pressurize enclosures, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining a stable internal environment, even after prolonged inactivity, with a miniature design suitable for various applications including missiles and medical isolation suits.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible hollow bulb containing a liquid that increases pressure within the frangible hollow bulb in response to increased temperature
Implementation Method 2
the liquid that increases pressure within the frangible hollow bulb in response to increased temperature, thereby fracturing the frangible hollow bulb
Implementation Method 3
The heating device may be an electric match or a resistive wire
Implementation Method 4
a resistive wire
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurization device for pressurizing an enclosure may include a container containing a pressurized fluid, a pin that is inserted into the container, an actuator, and a heating device operably coupled to the actuator. The actuator may initially hold the pin in a closed position and allow the pin to move to an open position, disengaging from the container when the actuator increases in temperature. The pressurized fluid may force the pin toward the open position to release the pressurized fluid from the container. The actuator may include a frangible hollow bulb configured to fracture at a pre-defined temperature. The pressurized fluid may be vented into the enclosure through at least one fluid passage in fluid communication between the enclosure and the container.