Water-Actuated Gas Release Device with Rotatable D-Ring Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas release devices for flotation equipment are often limited to specific types of pressurized inflation systems and lack a low-cost, lightweight, and unobtrusive solution that can automatically inflate in both fresh and salt water, with a manual backup option, and compatibility with various interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A water-actuated, pressurized gas release device with a salinity sensor and a rotatable D-ring or D-shaped keyway assembly that can connect to standard inflatable life vests, life jackets, and life rafts, allowing automatic or manual inflation using a pressurized gas cartridge, and featuring EMI protection for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gas release device is designed with a specific interface for one type of pressurized inflation system, then it achieves reliable operation with that specific system, but it cannot be universally compatible with various flotation devices and inflation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface design that accommodates multiple types of pressurized inflation systems (CO2 cartridges, 12g cartridges, 8g cartridges) through a single standardized connection mechanism. The interface includes a valve assembly with a valve body, valve seat, and sealing elements that can work with different cartridge types, allowing the same flotation device to be used across various inflation systems without requiring multiple specialized interfaces.
2Weight of moving object
If a gas release device is made lightweight and compact, then it becomes unobtrusive and easy to wear, but it may compromise manufacturing cost and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct modular components including a separate valve assembly (with valve body, valve seat, and sealing elements), a cartridge holder, and a flotation device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes and assembled through standardized interfaces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability through proven sub-assembly designs.
3Ease of operation
If automatic water-actuated activation is implemented, then the device provides hands-free operation in drowning situations, but it requires additional components that increase device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates an automatic water-actuated activation mechanism where water ingress through the valve body directly triggers the release of the retention element, causing the inflation cartridge to discharge without requiring external sensors, batteries, or complex electronic control systems. The mechanism uses the physical presence of water itself as the triggering agent, eliminating the need for additional power sources or control circuitry.
4Reliability
If EMI protection measures are added to the device, then reliability in electromagnetic environments improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a disposable safety device intended for single use only. After activation, the entire assembly is discarded rather than reused. This disposable nature allows the use of simpler, more cost-effective materials and construction methods that would not be suitable for reusable devices, including basic plastic components and simple sealing mechanisms that provide adequate EMI protection for the device's intended lifespan without requiring expensive shielding or complex EMI filtering.
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 device provides a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for automatic inflation in various water conditions, ensuring availability for personal flotation devices, with manual override and compatibility with multiple interfaces, enhancing safety for commercial, military, and recreational use.
Implementation Method 1
a water-actuated, pressurized gas release device... that is adapted for use by pilots and seamen... automatically actuate to inflate a flotation device
Implementation Method 2
pressurized gas release devices for inflating flotation equipment... connected to conventional pressurized gas cartridges or containers
Implementation Method 3
The passage between the battery bore and the electronics cavity is also provided with an EMI filter that is electrically connected between the electronic lead wire and the circuit casing with at least one capacitor to shunt EMI radiation leaking into the circuit casing to ground
Implementation Method 4
The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.