Thermal-Mechanical Release Device Using Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing release devices face challenges in achieving controlled and reliable release in various environments, particularly in deep water and high altitude, due to dependence on corrosive reactions, explosive charges, and complex mechanical movements, which are often non-reusable, expensive, and prone to inconsistent timing.
Innovation Solution
A release device utilizing a material matrix that softens at a predetermined temperature, heated by a resistive or chemical heating element, allowing controlled movement of a restrained member, enabling partial or full release, and is reusable without replacing parts, functioning in diverse media and harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a burn wire is used for acoustic release, then the device can be remotely activated, but it only works in sea water and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochemical burn wire mechanism with a thermal-mechanical system using a heating element to melt a low-melting-point material, which releases a latch mechanism. This substitution eliminates dependence on sea water conductivity while maintaining remote acoustic activation capability, achieving medium independence and consistent release timing across diverse environments.
2Loss of time
If an explosive charge is used for timed release, then the release can be predetermined, but it creates safety concerns and can damage instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the explosive detonation mechanism with a gentle thermal-mechanical system where a heating element slowly melts a low-melting-point material to release a latch. This eliminates the harmful shock waves and debris from explosions while maintaining precise timing control, preventing instrument damage through a controlled, gradual release process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of a low-melting-point material from solid to liquid when heated by a heating element. This phase change enables controlled release of a latch mechanism at a predetermined time, providing accurate timing without the harmful effects of explosive charges while avoiding instrument damage.
3Ease of operation
If a motor driven latch is used for release, then the release can be controlled, but the mechanism is complex and can be fouled by the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex motor-driven latch system with a simple thermal-mechanical system using a heating element and low-melting-point material. This eliminates motors, gears, and electrical connections that can be fouled by the environment, creating a passive, maintenance-free mechanism that achieves controlled release through material phase change while minimizing mechanical complexity.
4Extent of automation
If a burn wire is used for release, then the release can be acoustic, but it is a single use item and not recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the consumable burn wire with a reusable heating element and low-melting-point material system. The heating element can be re-powered and the low-melting-point material can be replaced if needed, allowing the device to be reused multiple times while maintaining acoustic activation capability, thereby eliminating the single-use limitation.
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 provides a medium-independent, pressure-tolerant, and cost-effective release mechanism that can be reused, functioning reliably across different environments without complex mechanical movements or explosive charges, ensuring precise and consistent release timing.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element disposed to heat the material matrix to the predetermined softening temperature
Implementation Method 2
The matrix is a solid in conditions of the environment to hold the member stationary in opposition to predetermined force and softens at a predetermined softening temperature to permit relative movement between the member and the material matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A release device for releasing another device in an environment includes a housing containing a material matrix. A member is restrained by the material matrix and extends outside the housing. The matrix is a solid in conditions of the environment to hold the member stationary in opposition to predetermined force. The matrix softens at a predetermined softening temperature to permit relative movement between the member and the material matrix. A heating element is disposed to heat the material matrix to the predetermined softening temperature. A method for releasing a device includes attaching the device to a member extending out of the release device. The device remains attached against the predetermined force. The matrix is heated to the softening temperature in response to a communication to permit movement of the member to fully or partially release the device.