CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates pressure regulators, and more specifically
to magneto strictive actuated pressure regulators.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Aircraft survival systems, such as passenger emergency evacuation and the life support
oxygen systems, use the stored pressurized gas in pressurized cylinders. There is
a preference for extended service life of the pressurized gas cylinder with low maintenance
effort and cost. Typically, the pressurized gas cylinders use valve modules that are
directly assembled to the pressurized gas cylinder that include provisions for filling
the gas cylinder, preserving the filled gas cylinder, and discharging the pressurized
gas. Generally, the valve modules are connected to the pressurized gas cylinder using
a threaded interface and static seals at the interface. However, the interface seals
and the valve internal seals are prone to have minute leakage causing loss of gas
from the cylinder over time. To compensate for the leakage and to replace the compression
worn seals with new ones, the current storage system is periodically overhauled and
the gas filled to desired levels. This involves considerable maintenance efforts with
additional cost for each aircraft and across a fleet of aircraft.
SUMMARY
[0004] An actuator is disclosed herein. The actuator includes a drive body including a bottom
surface, the bottom surface having a first side and an opposing second side, a magneto
strictive material disposed within the drive body and contacting the first side of
the bottom surface of the drive body, a solenoid disposed within the drive body and
surrounding the magneto strictive material, a drive rod extending through the magneto
strictive material and through the bottom surface of the drive body, and a spring
disposed adjacent the second side of the bottom surface of the drive body, wherein
the drive rod extends through the spring.
[0005] In various embodiments, the actuator further includes an actuator body, the actuator
body coupled to the drive body and a lifter disposed within the actuator body, the
lifter being connected to the drive rod. In various embodiments, the actuator further
includes a sleeve disposed within the actuator body and around the lifter and a metal
ball configured to lock the sleeve into a first position with respect to the actuator
body. In various embodiments, the sleeve and the lifter are configured to slide freely
with respect to one another.
[0006] In various embodiments, the magneto strictive material contains a terbium-dysprosium-iron
ally. In various embodiments, the magneto strictive material contains a nickel-manganese-gallium
alloy. In various embodiments, the drive rod includes a flared portion at a first
end, the flared portion configured to be moved by the magneto strictive material.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is an actuator including a drive body, a solenoid disposed
within the drive body, a magneto strictive material magnetically coupled to the solenoid,
and a drive rod extending through the magneto strictive material.
[0008] In various embodiments, the actuator further includes a body connected to the drive
body, a lifter disposed within the body, the lifter connected to the drive rod and
configured to be moved by the drive rod, and a spring disposed between the lifter
and the drive body. In various embodiments, the actuator further includes a cavity
within a sidewall of the body and a sleeve disposed within the body and around the
lifter, the sleeve including a metal ball configured to lock into the cavity. In various
embodiments, the sleeve is configured to be moved by the lifter in a first direction.
[0009] In various embodiments, the body is connected to a pressurized gas bottle, and wherein
the sleeve is configured to be moved by the pressurized gas in a second direction
that is opposite the first direction. In various embodiments, the actuator further
includes a second cavity disposed within the sidewall of the body, wherein the metal
ball is configured to lock into the second cavity in response to the sleeve being
moved in the second direction by the pressurized gas. In various embodiments, the
magneto strictive material has a stretch performance of about 1% to about 1.5%.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a system including a gas bottle including a neck with an
opening in the neck, a fracture disk connected to the neck and sealing the neck, and
an actuator configured to open the gas bottle. The actuator includes a body having
a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the neck of the gas bottle,
a drive body connected to the second end of the body, the drive body having a bottom
surface, a magneto strictive material disposed within the drive body and contacting
the bottom surface of the drive body, a solenoid disposed within the drive body and
magnetically coupled to the magneto strictive material, and a drive rod extending
through the magneto strictive material and through the bottom surface of the drive
body.
[0011] In various embodiments, the actuator further includes a spring disposed adjacent
the bottom surface of the drive body, wherein the drive rod extends through the spring
and a lifter coupled to the drive rod, the lifter contacting the spring. In various
embodiments, the spring is configured to exert a force on the lifter. In various embodiments,
the actuator further includes a sleeve disposed within the body and around the lifter
and a metal ball configured to lock the sleeve into a first position with respect
to the body.
[0012] In various embodiments, the metal ball is configured to lock the sleeve into a second
position with respect to the body in response to a pressurized gas being released
from the gas bottle. In various embodiments, the magneto strictive material has a
stretch performance of about 0.5% to about 8%.
[0013] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in any combination, without exclusivity,
unless expressly indicated herein otherwise. These features and elements as well as
the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of the
following description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly
claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding
of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the following
detailed description and claims in connection with the following drawings. While the
drawings illustrate various embodiments employing the principles described herein,
the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims.
FIG. 1 illustrates a pressurized gas bottle and actuator system, in accordance with
various embodiments.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an actuator for use with a pressurized gas bottle, in accordance
with various embodiments.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an actuator for use with a pressurized gas bottle, in accordance
with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference
to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration.
While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other
embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the
scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes
of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular
includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step
may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed,
connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full
or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact
(or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should
also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an"
or "the" may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular
may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and
lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.
[0016] Disclosed herein, according to various embodiments, is an actuator for use with a
pressurized gas bottle that prevents pressurized gas within the gas bottle from leaking
out of the gas bottle. In various embodiments, the actuator is coupled to the gas
bottle to prevent pressurized gas from being released from the gas bottle. In various
embodiments, the actuator is coupled to the gas bottle enabling the gas bottle to
be refilled and/or pressurized after releasing the pressurized air from the gas bottle.
[0017] In various embodiments, as disclosed herein, the actuator includes a solenoid, a
magneto strictive material, and a drive rod to maintain the seal of the pressurized
gas bottle and to open the pressurized gas bottle. In various embodiments, the drive
rod extends through the magneto strictive material and into the actuator. In various
embodiments, the solenoid surrounds the magneto strictive material. In various embodiments,
the drive rod may be further coupled to a lifter and/or sleeve to provide a downward
pressure on a fracture disk welded to an opening of the gas bottle. A downward pressure
from the lifter and/or sleeve may provide an equalizing force to an upward pressure
from the pressurized gas. In various embodiments, this equalizing force prevents the
pressurized gas from leaking out the gas bottle.
[0018] In various embodiments, the solenoid is energized by a DC power source. The solenoid
generates a magnetic field in response to being energized by the DC power source.
In various embodiments, the magnetic field aligns the molecules of the magneto strictive
material, causing the magneto strictive material to stretch, or elongate. In various
embodiments, the actuator prevents the magneto strictive material from elongating
in a downward direction, therefore the magneto strictive material elongates in an
upward direction. In various embodiments, the elongation of the magneto strictive
material provides an upward force on the drive rod, causing the drive rod to move
upward, thereby releasing the downward force on the gas bottle, and more specifically,
on the fracture disk.
[0019] In various embodiments, the pressurized gas in the gas bottle ruptures the fracture
disk in response to the downward force of the drive rod being removed. In various
embodiments, lifter and/or sleeve are forced upward by the pressurized gas leaving
the gas bottle. The pressurized gas may exit the actuator through an opening in the
actuator. In various embodiments, the solenoid may be energized for a short period
of time such as for about 0.5 seconds to about 1 second. In various embodiments, the
lifter and/or sleeve may further include a locking mechanism to lock the actuator
in an open position to allow the pressurized gas to exit the gas bottle.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments, a cross section
of a hermetically sealed gas bottle system 100 is illustrated. System 100 includes
a gas bottle 102 having a fill valve 104 located in the bottom region (e.g., the negative
y-direction), a neck 106 including an opening 108 in the top region (e.g., the y-direction),
and a fracture disk 110. Fill valve 104 may be welded to gas bottle 102 and be in
an open state prior to filling gas bottle 102. After filling gas bottle 102 becomes
pressurized, closing fill valve 104 and sealing gas bottle 102. Fracture disk 110
may be welded within neck 106, and more specifically within opening 108, to prevent
the pressurized gas from exiting gas bottle 102.
[0021] Gas bottle 102 filled and pressurized with gas may be referred to as a hermetically
sealed type of gas bottle. Generally, a complete hermetic sealing of the stored and
pressurized gas within gas bottle 102 is achieved with little to no maintenance to
prevent leaks. Fracture disk 110 may be a thin metallic disk that is either cold welded
or fusion welded directly or indirectly to gas bottle 102. Gas bottle 102 is then
filled to desired pressure level using fill valve 104. Fill valve 104 is then sealed
closed, achieving a hermetically sealed gas bottle 102. It is understood that there
may be other ways to achieve a hermetically sealed pressurized gas bottle.
[0022] An actuator 112 is connected to neck 106 of gas bottle 102. Actuator 112 includes
an actuator body 114, including an outlet 116, and a drive rod assembly 118 for activating
actuator body 114. In various embodiments, actuator 112 may be threaded and screw
onto neck 106 of gas bottle 102. In various embodiments, actuator 112 may be welded
to neck 106 of gas bottle 102. Drive rod assembly 118 activates actuator body 114
in response to an electric charge. Actuator body 114 breaks fracture disk 110 allowing
the pressurized gas in gas bottle 102 to exit through neck 106, and more specifically
opening 108, and through outlet 116.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with various embodiments, a cross
section of an actuator 200 for use with a gas bottle 102 is illustrated. Actuator
200 may be an example of actuator 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1. Actuator
200 includes a drive body 202, a drive rod 204, a solenoid 206, a magneto strictive
material 208, leads 210, a spring 212, an actuator body 214, a lifter 216, and a sleeve
218. Actuator body 214 further includes a first cavity recess 220 and a second cavity
recess 222. Sleeve 218 further includes metallic balls 224 configured to lock into
first cavity recess 220 or second cavity recess 222.
[0024] Drive body 202 houses solenoid 206, magneto strictive material 208, and a top portion
of drive rod 204 (e.g., the y-direction). Magneto strictive material 208 surrounds
the top portion of drive rod 204 and includes a hole through which drive rod 204 passes.
The top portion of drive rod 204 may have a flared portion 226 to prevent drive rod
204 from passing completely through magneto strictive material 208 (e.g., in the negative
y-direction). A bottom portion of drive rod 204 (e.g., the negative y-direction) has
a threaded interface 228. Threaded interface 228 of drive rod 204 connects to lifter
216.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, actuator 200, and more specifically lifter 216 and sleeve
218, is in a down, or closed state. In the closed state, a bottom portion of sleeve
218 (e.g., the negative y-direction) is located adjacent to fracture disk 110 and
may be in contact with fracture disk 110. Metallic balls 224 are locked into first
cavity recess 220, and spring 212 is elongated, providing a downward force (e.g.,
in the negative y-direction) onto lifter 216 and sleeve 218. A bottom portion of lifter
216 exerts a downward force (e.g., in the negative y-direction) on sleeve 218, keeping
sleeve 218 adjacent to fracture disk 110. Pressurized gas within gas bottle 102 exerts
an upward (e.g., in the y-direction) force on fracture disk 110. The force of sleeve
218 against fracture disk 110 balances the force of the pressurized gas within gas
bottle 102.
[0026] Leads 210 are connected to a power supply and provide power to solenoid 206. A magnetic
field is generated by solenoid 206 in response to power being provided by leads 210.
The magnetic field causes magneto strictive material 208 to elongate linearly (e.g.,
in the y-axis), as illustrated in FIG. 2B. A bottom portion of magneto strictive material
208 is supported by drive body 202 and restricts movement of magneto strictive material
208, therefore magneto strictive material 208 elongates and extends in an upward direction
(e.g., the y-direction) away from drive body 202. The elongation of magneto strictive
material 208 provides a pushing force on drive rod 204, and more specifically, on
flared portion 226 of drive rod 204, causing drive rod 204 to translate upward (e.g.,
in the y-direction).
[0027] The upward translation of drive rod 204 pulls lifter 216 upward (e.g., in the y-direction)
due to drive rod 204 and lifter 216 being connected by threaded interface 228. The
upward translation of lifter 216 compresses spring 212. The movement of lifter 216
releases metallic balls 224, allowing metallic balls 224 to move radially inward and
out first cavity recess 220. The downward force (e.g., the negative y-direction) provided
by sleeve 218 onto fracture disk 110 is removed in response to the bottom portion
of lifter 216 disengaging from sleeve 218. The upward force (e.g., the y-direction)
of the pressurized gas within gas bottle 102 ruptures fracture disk 110, forcing sleeve
218 upward (e.g., the y-direction) and locks metallic balls 224 into second cavity
recess 222, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. The pressurized gas in gas bottle 102 exits
gas bottle 102, through actuator body 214, and out through an outlet 230. In various
embodiments, outlet 230 may be coupled to a tube, hose, or other member to further
direct the pressurized gas. Solenoid 206 may be de-energized, returning magneto strictive
material 208 to its original form while sleeve 218 remains in an open state due to
metallic balls 224 being locked in second cavity recess 222.
[0028] In various embodiments, magneto strictive material 208 may be a terbium-dysprosium-iron
alloy, such as the alloy known in the industry as Terfenol-D. In various embodiments,
magneto strictive material 208 may be a nickel-manganese-gallium alloy. In various
embodiments, magneto strictive material 208 may have a stretch performance of about
0.5% to about 8%, or about 1% to about 1.5% for some alloys and about 5% to about
6% for other alloys. That is, magneto strictive material 208 elongates to a length
about 0.5% to about 8% longer than its initial state in response to a magnetic field.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in accordance with various embodiments, a cross
section of an actuator 300 for use with a gas bottle 102 is illustrated. Actuator
300 may be an example of actuator 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1. Actuator
300 includes similar components to actuator 200 described above with respect to FIGS.
2A and 2B, including a drive body 302, a drive rod 304, a solenoid 306, a magneto
strictive material 308, leads 310, a spring 312, an actuator body 314, a lifter 316,
and a sleeve 318. Actuator body 314 further includes a first cavity recess 320 and
a second cavity recess 322. Sleeve 318 further includes metallic balls 324 configured
to lock into first cavity recess 320 or second cavity recess 322. Various features
of actuator 300 that are described above with respect to actuator 200 and FIGS. 2A
and 2B may not be repeated below in the description of actuator 300. Actuator 300
further includes a fill valve 350 and a cavity 352 for housing a pressure regulator.
In various embodiments, gas bottle 102 may be filled using fill valve 350.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, actuator 300 is in a closed, or down, state, as described
above with respect to FIG. 2A. In the closed state, actuator 300 maintains a pressure
equilibrium between pressurized gas in gas bottle 102 and sleeve 318 of actuator 300.
This pressure equilibrium allows pressurized gas to be stored in gas bottle 102 with
little to no gas leaking from gas bottle 102. Leads 310 provide power to solenoid
306. Solenoid 306 generates a magnetic field in response to being energized by power
received through leads 310. Magneto strictive material 308 elongates, extending upward
(e.g., in the y-direction) in response to the magnetic field generated by solenoid
306, as illustrated in FIG. 3B.
[0031] As magneto strictive material 308 elongates, it exerts an upward force (e.g., the
y-direction) on drive rod 304 which in turn exerts an upward force on lifter 316 causing
lifter 316 to move upward. The pressure equilibrium is disrupted by lifter 316 move
upward (e.g., the y-direction). The force exerted on fracture disk 110 by the pressurized
gas in gas bottle 102 causes fracture disk 110 to break, or rupture. The pressurized
gas forces sleeve 318 upward (e.g., the y-direction) causing metallic balls 324 to
move from first cavity recess 320, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, and to lock in place
in second cavity recess 322, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. With sleeve 318 locked in
the open, or up, state, the pressurized air in gas bottle 102 can exit gas bottle
102 through actuator 300 and out through the pressure regulator in cavity 352.
[0032] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein
with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the
various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships
and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many
alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be
present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems,
and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become
more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features
or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited
by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the
singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but
rather "one or more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, or
C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that
A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment,
C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A,
B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and
C, or A and B and C. Different crosshatching is used throughout the figures to denote
different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.
[0033] Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein,
references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicate
that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic,
but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure,
or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described
in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading
the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to
implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.
[0034] Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that
value, and also other values that are about or approximately equal to the stated value,
as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by various
embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted
broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value
to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include
at least the variation to be expected in a suitable industrial process, and may include
values that are within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of
a stated value. Additionally, the terms "substantially," "about" or "approximately"
as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs
a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term "substantially,"
"about" or "approximately" may refer to an amount that is within 10% of, within 5%
of, within 1% of, within 0.1 % of, and within 0.01% of a stated amount or value.
[0035] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended
to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method
step is explicitly recited in the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such
that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does
not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed
or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0036] Finally, it should be understood that any of the above described concepts can be
used alone or in combination with any or all of the other above described concepts.
Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill
in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope
of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
1. An actuator (200), comprising:
a drive body (202) including a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first side
and an opposing second side;
a magneto strictive material (208) disposed within the drive body (202) and contacting
the first side of the bottom surface of the drive body;
a solenoid (206) disposed within the drive body and surrounding the magneto strictive
material;
a drive rod (204) extending through the magneto strictive material and through the
bottom surface of the drive body; and
a spring (212) disposed adjacent the second side of the bottom surface of the drive
body, wherein the drive rod extends through the spring.
2. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising:
an actuator body (214), the actuator body coupled to the drive body; and
a lifter (216) disposed within the actuator body, the lifter being connected to the
drive rod.
3. The actuator of claim 2, further comprising:
a sleeve (218) disposed within the actuator body and around the lifter; and
a metal ball (224) configured to lock the sleeve into a first position with respect
to the actuator body.
4. The actuator of claim 3, wherein the sleeve (218) and the lifter (216) are configured
to slide freely with respect to one another.
5. The actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the magneto strictive material (208)
contains a terbium-dysprosium-iron ally.
6. The actuator of any of claims 1-4, wherein the magneto strictive material (208) contains
a nickel-manganese-gallium alloy.
7. The actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the drive rod (204) includes a flared
portion at a first end, the flared portion configured to be moved by the magneto strictive
material.
8. An actuator, comprising:
a drive body (202);
a solenoid (206) disposed within the drive body;
a magneto strictive material (208) magnetically coupled to the solenoid; and
a drive rod (204) extending through the magneto strictive material.
9. The actuator of claim 8, further comprising:
a body (214) connected to the drive body;
a lifter (216) disposed within the body, the lifter connected to the drive rod and
configured to be moved by the drive rod; and
a spring (212) disposed between the lifter and the drive body, and preferably further
comprising:
a cavity (220) within a sidewall of the body; and
a sleeve (218) disposed within the body and around the lifter, the sleeve including
a metal ball (224) configured to lock into the cavity, and preferably wherein the
sleeve (218) is configured to be moved by the lifter (216) in a first direction, and
preferably wherein the body (214) is connected to a pressurized gas bottle (102),
and wherein the sleeve (218) is configured to be moved by the pressurized gas in a
second direction that is opposite the first direction, and preferably further comprising:
a second cavity (222) disposed within the sidewall of the body, wherein the metal
ball (224) is configured to lock into the second cavity in response to the sleeve
being moved in the second direction by the pressurized gas.
10. The actuator of claim 8 or 9, wherein the magneto strictive material (208) has a stretch
performance of about 1% to about 1.5%.
11. A system, comprising:
a gas bottle (102) including a neck with an opening in the neck;
a fracture disk (110) connected to the neck and sealing the neck; and
an actuator (200) configured to open the gas bottle, the actuator including:
a body (214) having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the neck
of the gas bottle;
a drive body (202) connected to the second end of the body, the drive body having
a bottom surface;
a magneto strictive material (208) disposed within the drive body and contacting the
bottom surface of the drive body;
a solenoid (206) disposed within the drive body and magnetically coupled to the magneto
strictive material; and
a drive rod (204) extending through the magneto strictive material and through the
bottom surface of the drive body.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator further comprises:
a spring (212) disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the drive body, wherein the
drive rod extends through the spring; and
a lifter (216) coupled to the drive rod, the lifter contacting the spring.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the spring (212) is configured to exert a force on
the lifter (216).
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the actuator further comprises:
a sleeve (218) disposed within the body and around the lifter; and
a metal ball (224) configured to lock the sleeve into a first position with respect
to the body, and preferably wherein the metal ball is configured to lock the sleeve
into a second position with respect to the body in response to a pressurized gas being
released from the gas bottle.
15. The system of any of claims 11-14, wherein the magneto strictive material (208) has
a stretch performance of about 0.5% to about 8%.