Electric powered inflation system
AssigneeAir Cruisers Company
InventorChristian W. Thomson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use a mixed flow compressor to deliver a diagonal airflow for inflation. The inflation systems disclosed do not require the use of compressed gas, but can use a battery-powered or otherwise electric motor for generating airflow from ambient air. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other safety device that requires a rapid inflation.
Claims28
An electrically powered inflation system for inflating an inflatable structure on-board a passenger transportation vehicle, the inflation system comprising:
- a compressor wheel mounted with respect to a motor mount and a compressor housing, the compressor housing comprising an air intake inlet having an inlet axis,
- an electric motor configured to impart rotational speed to the compressor wheel, wherein the electric motor is battery-powered,
- wherein the compressor housing further comprises an exit in fluid communication with the inflatable structure, wherein in use, ambient air enters the intake inlet along the inlet axis and exits the compressor wheel at a diagonal angle with respect to the inlet axis.
A method for inflating an inflatable structure, comprising:
- providing an electrically-powered mixed flow compressor;
- using the mixed flow compressor to convert ambient air into a high pressure air flow;
- and
- transmitting the high pressure air flow into the inflatable structure, causing the inflatable structure to inflate.
A method for inflating a life raft or an evacuation slide, comprising:
- (a) providing a battery-powered inflator system comprising
- a compressor wheel mounted with respect to a motor mount and a compressor housing
- an electric motor configured to impart rotational speed to the compressor wheel, wherein
- the electric motor is battery-powered, and
- an activation system activated by a triggering event;
- (b) the activation system causing inflation upon the triggering event by delivering battery power to the motor, causing the compressor wheel to rotate, and delivering air generated by the compressor wheel to the life raft or evacuation slide.
An inflation system, comprising:
- a compressor wheel housing having an air intake inlet and an air outlet,
- a compressor wheel mounted in the compressor wheel housing,
- a DC brushless motor configured to rotate the compressor at high RPM,
- a DC battery for providing power to the DC brushless motor,
- a switching device to apply power from the battery to the motor upon detection of a triggering event, and
- a charging device to maintain the readiness of the battery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.