Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to inflatable fluid sources and, more particularly, to a valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source of an evacuation assembly.

Inflatable evacuation systems may be found on various structures, including aircraft, boats, offshore drilling platforms and the like. The systems are typically equipped with an inflatable or an inflatable device, such as, for example, an inflatable slide or an inflatable raft, configured to facilitate rapid evacuation of persons in the event of an emergency. Such inflatables are typically stored in an uninflated condition on the structure in a location readily accessible for deployment. For example, an evacuation slide for a commercial aircraft is stored in an uninflated condition in a case or compartment located proximate an emergency exit.

Systems used to inflate evacuation slides typically employ a gas stored within a cylinder or tank at high pressure, which is discharged into the evacuation slide (or into an inflatable tube comprised within the evacuation slide) within a specific time period. This may be accomplished, for example, by opening a main inflation valve that connects the high-pressure gas to the inflatable tube. <CIT> relates to solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules for aircraft inflation systems and methods for manufacturing solenoid-operated pressure-regulator modules. <CIT> relates to an inflation electric valve with a manual override.

A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source is claimed as claimed in claim <NUM>. The valve arrangement comprises a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing, a spool located in the main fluid channel, the spool configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing, and a poppet valve located around the spool, the poppet valve configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing.

In various embodiments, the poppet valve is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing independent of the spool.

In various embodiments, the spool comprises a first piston, a second piston, and a third piston.

In various embodiments, the valve arrangement further comprises a first spring adjacent the first piston.

In various embodiments, the valve arrangement further comprises a second spring adjacent the poppet valve.

In various embodiments, the poppet valve is disposed between the first piston and the second piston.

In various embodiments, the poppet valve comprises a first regulator piston and a second regulator piston.

In various embodiments, the valve arrangement further comprises a solenoid valve configured to open and close the valve arrangement, and a pilot feed channel whereby the solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the valve inlet.

The valve arrangement further comprises a fluid feed channel, wherein the fluid feed channel is fluidly disconnected from the inlet of the valve housing when the spool is in a closed position, the fluid feed channel is fluidly connected with the inlet of the valve housing when the spool is in an open position, the outlet is fluidly connected with the inlet of the valve housing by the fluid feed channel
when the spool is in the open position, and the poppet valve regulates a flow of a fluid from the inlet to the outlet when the spool is in the open position.

A valve arrangement for a pressurized fluid source is disclosed. The valve arrangement comprises a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing, a spool located in the main fluid channel, the spool configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing between a closed position and an open position, and a poppet valve located coaxially with the spool, the poppet valve configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing, wherein the poppet valve is fluidly disconnected from the inlet when the spool is in the closed position, and the poppet valve is fluidly connected with the inlet when the spool is in the open position.

In various embodiments, the main fluid channel fluidly connects the valve inlet and the valve outlet.

In various embodiments, the spool is configured to fluidly seal the valve outlet from the valve inlet when the spool is in the closed position.

In various embodiments, the valve arrangement further comprises a dual solenoid valve configured to open and close the valve assembly. The dual solenoid valve comprises a bobbin, a first solenoid coil located around the bobbin, a second solenoid coil located radially outward of the first solenoid coil, an insulating layer located between the first solenoid coil and the second solenoid coil, and a plunger biased away from the bobbin.

In various embodiments, the dual solenoid valve further comprises a fluid fitting defining a fluid path, wherein the fluid path is configured to fluidly connect the main fluid channel at a location of an end of the spool and the inlet of the valve housing.

In various embodiments, in the closed position, the dual solenoid valve is configured to seal an outlet of the fluid path defined by the fluid fitting from an inlet of the fluid path defined by the fluid fitting.

In various embodiments, the dual solenoid valve further comprises a valve seal configured to form a sealing interface with the fluid fitting when the valve assembly is in the closed position, and wherein in an open position, a gap is created between the fluid fitting and the valve seal, the gap being configured to allow fluid to flow from the inlet of the fluid path to the outlet of the fluid path.

In various embodiments, the valve arrangement further comprises a first set of lead wires electrically coupled to the first solenoid coil, and a second set of lead wires electrically coupled to the second solenoid coil.

An evacuation assembly is claimed as claimed in claim <NUM>, comprising a pressurized fluid source, and a valve assembly configured to control a flow of pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source. The valve assembly comprises a valve housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a main fluid channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing, a spool located in the main fluid channel, the spool configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing between a closed position and an open position, and a poppet valve located coaxially with the spool, the poppet valve configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing.

In various embodiments, the evacuation assembly further comprises a dual solenoid valve configured to open and close and the valve assembly, the dual solenoid valve including a first solenoid coil and a second solenoid coil arranged in parallel with the first solenoid coil.

In various embodiments, the evacuation assembly further comprises an evacuation slide fluidly coupled to the valve outlet.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation.

Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.

Surface lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. Throughout the present disclosure, like reference numbers denote like elements. Accordingly, elements with like element numbering may be shown in the figures, but may not necessarily be repeated herein for the sake of clarity.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may find particular use in connection with aircraft evacuation assemblies. However, various aspects of the disclosed systems and methods may be adapted for performance in a variety of other inflatable assemblies, for example, inflatable raft assemblies, and/or any other assemblies having charged cylinders. As such, numerous applications of the present disclosure may be realized.

A regulator valve, as disclosed herein, allows for increased ease of manufacturing. In various embodiments, a regulator valve, as disclosed herein, includes shut off valve and regulator valve elements assembled in a concentric manner within a single cavity of a uniform shaped valve body. These two valving elements (i.e., the shut off valve (also referred to herein as a spool) and regulator valve (also referred to herein as a poppet valve) may function independently. A regulator valve, as disclosed herein, may allow for decreased efforts to fabricate, assemble, and perform health checks, which may tend to reduce system maintenance efforts.

Referring now to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is shown. Aircraft <NUM> may include a fuselage <NUM> having plurality of exit doors, including exit door <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> may include one or more evacuation assemblies positioned near a corresponding exit door. For example, aircraft <NUM> includes an evacuation assembly <NUM> positioned near exit door <NUM>. In the event of an emergency, exit door <NUM> may be opened by a passenger or crew member of aircraft <NUM>. In various embodiments, evacuation assembly <NUM> may deploy in response to exit door <NUM> being opened or in response to another action taken by a passenger or crew member, such as the depression of a button, the actuation of a lever, or the like.

With reference to <FIG>, additional details of evacuation assembly <NUM> are illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, evacuation assembly <NUM> includes an evacuation slide <NUM> and a pressurized fluid source <NUM>. In accordance with various embodiments, evacuation slide <NUM> includes a toe end <NUM> and a head end <NUM> opposite toe end <NUM>. Head end <NUM> may be coupled to an aircraft structure (e.g., fuselage <NUM> in <FIG>). In accordance with various embodiments, evacuation slide <NUM> is an inflatable slide. Evacuation slide <NUM> includes a sliding surface <NUM> and an underside surface <NUM> opposite sliding surface <NUM>. Sliding surface <NUM> extends from head end <NUM> to toe end <NUM>. During an evacuation event, underside surface <NUM> may be oriented toward an exit surface (e.g., toward the ground or toward a body of water). Evacuation slide <NUM> is illustrated as a single lane slide; however, evacuation slide <NUM> may comprise any number of lanes.

Evacuation assembly <NUM> includes pressurized fluid source <NUM> (also referred to as a charge cylinder). Pressurized fluid source <NUM> is configured to deliver a pressurized fluid, such as pressurized gas, to inflate evacuation slide <NUM>. Pressurized fluid source <NUM> is fluidly coupled to evacuation slide <NUM>. For example, pressurized fluid source <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to evacuation slide <NUM> via a hose, or conduit, <NUM>. In response to receiving pressurized fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM>, evacuation slide <NUM> begins to inflate.

In accordance with various embodiments, conduit <NUM> may be connected to a valve outlet <NUM> of a valve assembly <NUM> (also referred to herein as a pressure regulator shutoff valve or a solenoid operated pressure regulator cum shut off valve) fluidly coupled to pressurized fluid source <NUM>. In this regard, valve assembly <NUM> is fluidly coupled between pressurized fluid source <NUM> and conduit <NUM>. As described in further detail below valve assembly <NUM> is configured to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> to evacuation slide <NUM>. In this regard, when evacuation slide <NUM> is in a stowed (or deflated) state, valve assembly <NUM> is in a closed position. In response to deployment of evacuation assembly <NUM>, valve assembly <NUM> translates to an open position, thereby allowing fluid to flow from pressurized fluid source <NUM> to evacuation slide <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, additional details of valve assembly <NUM> are illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, valve assembly <NUM> includes a valve housing <NUM> (sometime referred to as a valve manifold). In various embodiments, valve housing <NUM> may comprise an elongate cylindrical geometry extending along longitudinal axis <NUM>. Valve housing <NUM> may be cylindrical shaped and provided with minimal numbers of internal flow passages. Valve housing <NUM> may be additively manufactured. Valve housing <NUM> may be manufactured using conventional machining methods. In this case, the internally provided flow passages may be drilled from the extreme side faces and the relevant openings plugged afterwards.

Valve housing <NUM> may define valve outlet <NUM> and a valve inlet <NUM> of valve assembly <NUM>. Valve assembly <NUM> receives fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> through valve inlet <NUM>. A first cap <NUM> may form a fluid tight seal with valve housing <NUM>. A second cap <NUM> may form a fluid tight seal with valve housing <NUM>. First cap <NUM> may be disposed opposite valve housing <NUM> from second cap <NUM>. In various embodiments, first cap <NUM> and second cap <NUM> are coaxial with axis <NUM>. Valve assembly <NUM> includes a solenoid initiator valve <NUM>. Solenoid initiator valve <NUM> may be a dual solenoid valve. Solenoid initiator valve <NUM> may operate to place valve outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with valve inlet <NUM>, as described herein.

Other components of pressurized fluid source <NUM> may also be coupled to valve housing <NUM>. For example, in various embodiments, a pressure gauge, configured to measure a pressure of pressurized fluid source <NUM>, may be operatively coupled to pressurized fluid source <NUM> via valve assembly <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, a cross-section view (taken along the longitudinal axis <NUM> (also line A-A) in <FIG>) of valve assembly <NUM> in the closed position is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, valve housing <NUM> may define valve inlet <NUM> and valve outlet <NUM> of valve assembly <NUM>. Valve housing <NUM> may further define a main fluid channel <NUM> through valve housing <NUM>. Main fluid channel <NUM> may be coaxial with longitudinal axis <NUM>. Main fluid channel <NUM> may be fluidly connected with valve inlet <NUM> and valve outlet <NUM>.

A spool <NUM> is located in main fluid channel <NUM>. In the closed position, spool <NUM> blocks, or otherwise prevents, the flow of pressurized fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> to valve outlet <NUM>. In the closed position, a spring <NUM> (also referred to herein as a first spring) biases the spool <NUM> in a first direction (i.e., to the left in <FIG>) towards second cap <NUM> to secure spool <NUM> in the closed position. In various embodiments, spring <NUM> biases the spool <NUM> to abut second cap <NUM> in the closed position. Moreover, in the closed position, fluid pressure from pressurized fluid source <NUM> biases the spool <NUM> towards second cap <NUM> to secure spool <NUM> in the closed position. In this manner, fluid pressure from pressurized fluid source <NUM> and spring force from first spring <NUM> generates an interference with spool <NUM> that blocks spool <NUM> from translating in a second direction (i.e., to the right in <FIG>) along longitudinal axis <NUM> toward cap <NUM>-i.e., that blocks spool <NUM> from translating to/toward an open position.

Spool <NUM> may comprise a spool stem <NUM>. Spool stem <NUM> may comprise an elongate rod. Spool <NUM> may be coaxial with longitudinal axis <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may comprise a piston <NUM> (also referred to herein as a first piston) extending from a first end (i.e., the right end of spool stem <NUM> in <FIG>) of spool stem <NUM>. Piston <NUM> may abut and seal against valve housing <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may comprise a piston <NUM> (also referred to herein as a second piston) extending from a second end (i.e., the left end of spool stem <NUM> in <FIG>) of spool stem <NUM>. Piston <NUM> may abut and seal against a guide bushing <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may comprise a piston <NUM> (also referred to herein as a third piston) extending from piston <NUM>. Piston <NUM> may abut and seal against valve housing <NUM>.

Valve assembly <NUM> may further comprise the guide bushing <NUM> located in main fluid channel <NUM>. Guide bushing <NUM> may be fixed to valve housing <NUM>. Guide bushing <NUM> may be disposed between outlet <NUM> and second cap <NUM>. Guide bushing <NUM> may be disposed between outlet <NUM> and solenoid initiator valve <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may be disposed at least partially within guide bushing <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may extend through guide bushing <NUM>. Guide bushing <NUM> may guide translation of spool <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> within main fluid channel <NUM>.

Valve assembly <NUM> may further comprise a poppet valve <NUM> (also referred to herein as a regulator valve) located in main fluid channel <NUM>. Poppet valve <NUM> may be disposed at least partially within guide bushing <NUM>. A first end of poppet valve <NUM> may extend into guide bushing <NUM>. A second end of poppet valve <NUM> may abut a second spring <NUM> (also referred to herein as a regulator spring). Valve housing <NUM> may comprise a wall or flange <NUM> extending inward toward longitudinal axis <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM>. Regulator spring <NUM> may be disposed between flange <NUM> and poppet valve <NUM>. Regulator spring <NUM> may abut flange <NUM>. Regulator spring <NUM> may be disposed opposite flange <NUM> from piston <NUM>. Guide bushing <NUM> may comprise a wall or flange <NUM> extending inward toward longitudinal axis <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM>. Poppet valve <NUM> may be disposed between flange <NUM> and regulator spring <NUM>. Poppet valve <NUM> may abut flange <NUM>. Regulator spring <NUM> may bias poppet valve <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> in the first direction (i.e., to the left in <FIG>) to/toward an open position.

Poppet valve <NUM> may be disposed about spool <NUM>. Stated differently, poppet valve <NUM> may surround a portion of spool stem <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may extend through poppet valve <NUM>. More specifically, spool stem <NUM> may extend through poppet valve <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may extend through flange <NUM> and flange <NUM>. More specifically, spool stem <NUM> may extend through flange <NUM> and flange <NUM>. Spool <NUM>, poppet valve <NUM>, and guide bushing <NUM> may be coaxial with longitudinal axis <NUM>. Spool <NUM> may guide translation of poppet valve <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> within main fluid channel <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may guide translation of spool <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> within main fluid channel <NUM>.

Poppet valve <NUM> may comprise a piston <NUM> (also referred to herein as a first piston or a regulator piston). Poppet valve <NUM> may comprise a piston <NUM> (also referred to herein as a second piston or a regulator piston). Valve assembly <NUM> may further comprise a channel <NUM> (also referred to herein as a fluid feed channel) whereby valve outlet <NUM> is configured to receive a flow of pressurized fluid from valve inlet <NUM> in response to spool <NUM> moving to an open position. Channel <NUM> may be configured to feed the flow of pressurized fluid from valve inlet <NUM> to a location of main fluid channel <NUM> between piston <NUM> and piston <NUM>. In the closed position, piston <NUM> may hermetically seal valve inlet <NUM> from channel <NUM> and valve outlet <NUM>. Moreover, in the closed position, solenoid initiator valve <NUM> may hermetically seal valve inlet <NUM> from fluid communication with piston <NUM>.

Valve assembly <NUM> may further comprise a channel <NUM> (also referred to herein as a pilot feed channel) whereby a flow of pressurized fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may be routed to solenoid initiator valve <NUM>. Channel <NUM> may bypass main fluid channel <NUM> and route the flow of pressurized fluid directly to solenoid initiator valve <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-section view (taken along the longitudinal axis <NUM> (also line A-A) in <FIG>) of valve assembly <NUM> in the open position, is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, solenoid initiator valve <NUM> may move from a closed position (see <FIG>) to an open position (see <FIG>) whereby a flow of pressurized fluid (represented by arrows <NUM>) from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may be routed through solenoid initiator valve <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM>. In response to solenoid initiator valve <NUM> moving to the open position, pressurized fluid <NUM> from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may flow through channel <NUM> into solenoid initiator valve <NUM>, and from solenoid initiator valve <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM>. A force from said pressurized fluid <NUM> may act on piston <NUM> and overcome the bias of spring <NUM> to move spool <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> toward first cap <NUM> with respect to valve housing <NUM>. When the fluid pressure force acting on piston <NUM> overcomes the bias of the spring force of spring <NUM> and the pressure force of pressurized fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> acting on piston <NUM>, the spool <NUM> may begin to translate along longitudinal axis <NUM> in the second direction (i.e., to the right in <FIG>) towards first cap <NUM>. The diameter of piston <NUM> may be greater than the diameter of piston <NUM> such that the surface area of piston <NUM> is greater than that of piston <NUM>. In this regard, the force of pressurized fluid <NUM> acting on piston <NUM> will be greater than the force of pressurized fluid acting on piston <NUM>, even though the pressure of the pressurized fluid acting on both pistons <NUM>, <NUM> may be the same.

As piston <NUM> translates toward the open position, the valve inlet <NUM> may be placed in fluid communication with channel <NUM> and a flow of pressurized fluid (represented by arrows <NUM>) from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may be routed to the poppet valve <NUM> inlet cavity (i.e., between piston <NUM> and piston <NUM>). Stated differently, in response to spool <NUM> moving to the open position (see <FIG>), pressurized fluid (represented by arrows <NUM>) from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may flow around spool stem <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM> and out main fluid channel <NUM> through valve outlet <NUM>. The flow of pressurized fluid <NUM> may be routed by channel <NUM> into main fluid channel <NUM> at a location between piston <NUM> and piston <NUM>. In this manner, the pressurized fluid <NUM> applies a force (also referred to herein as a throttling down force) to piston <NUM> which tends to cause poppet valve <NUM> to translate in the second direction (i.e., to the right in <FIG>) along longitudinal axis <NUM> against the bias of regulator spring <NUM>. The pressurized fluid <NUM> also applies a force (also referred to herein as a throttling up force) to piston <NUM> which tends to cause poppet valve <NUM> to translate in the first direction (i.e., to the left in <FIG>) along longitudinal axis <NUM>, thereby providing more. Poppet valve <NUM> may occupy an intermediate position controlled by the force balancing between the above-mentioned opening and closing forces.

As the inflation progresses, the pressure (P1) of pressurized fluid source <NUM> may reduce and the poppet valve <NUM> closing force likewise reduces. This causes the poppet valve <NUM> to progressively move further towards the open position (i.e., to the left in <FIG>) to increase the valve flow to maintain the pressure (P2) of valve outlet <NUM> within a desired envelope. Piston <NUM> may include a seal <NUM>, such as a dynamic O-ring for example. The friction force of seal <NUM> may be considered as a resistance force to regulator opening when designing for force balancing of poppet valve <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, additional details of dual solenoid valve <NUM> are illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. In <FIG>, dual solenoid valve <NUM> is in the closed position. Dual solenoid valve <NUM> includes a core <NUM> and a bobbin <NUM>. Core <NUM> may engage fluid fitting <NUM>. Bobbin <NUM> may engage core fitting <NUM>. Core fitting <NUM> is formed of a non-magnetic material. Core <NUM> and bobbin <NUM> are made of a magnetic material, such as a ferrous metal.

In accordance with various embodiments, a first (or inner) solenoid coil <NUM> is wrapped helically around core <NUM>, bobbin <NUM>, and core fitting <NUM>. A first set of lead wires <NUM> (e.g., a positive lead wire and a ground lead wire) is electrically coupled to first solenoid coil <NUM>. An insulating layer <NUM> is formed over an outer diameter of first solenoid coil <NUM>. Stated differently, insulating layer <NUM> is radially outward of first solenoid coil <NUM>. Insulating layer <NUM> may comprise one or more layers of epoxy or phenolic based resin, polyimide, lead(II) oxide (PbO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon oxynitride (SiON), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), or other material having similar electrically insulating properties.

A second (or outer) solenoid coil <NUM> is wrapped helically around insulating layer <NUM>. A second set of lead wires <NUM> is electrically coupled to second solenoid coil <NUM>. Second solenoid coil <NUM> is radially outward of first solenoid coil <NUM> and insulating layer <NUM>. Insulating layer <NUM> is located radially between second solenoid coil <NUM> and first solenoid coil <NUM>.

First and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged such that, in response to receiving a constant voltage from a power source, the magnetic flux direction generated by first solenoid coil <NUM> is in the same direction as the magnetic flux direction generated by second solenoid coil <NUM>. In various embodiments, second solenoid coil <NUM> may be designed (e.g., the wire gauge of second solenoid coil <NUM> and the winding depth of second solenoid coil <NUM> are selected) to generate a magnetic flux value, or ampere-turns, that is equal to the magnetic flux value, or ampere-turns, generated by first solenoid coil <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a schematic of an electrical circuit <NUM> including first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated. In various embodiments, second solenoid coil <NUM> may be arranged in parallel with first solenoid coil <NUM>. A current may be supplied to first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM> from a power source <NUM>. Power source <NUM> may be configured to output a constant (e.g., direct) current.

When both first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> are functioning and generating magnetic flux (i.e., when neither first solenoid coil <NUM> nor second solenoid coil <NUM> is broken or otherwise not generating magnetic flux), the current passing through each of first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> will be proportionate to the respective coil resistance values. In accordance with various embodiments, the magnetic field generated by first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> together will be additive. For example, if the solenoid resistance coil value of first solenoid coil <NUM> is equal to the solenoid resistance coil value of second solenoid coil <NUM>, the current passing through each of first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> is equal, or approximately equal, to one-half of the current output by power source <NUM>. Should either first solenoid coil <NUM> or second solenoid coil <NUM> fail (e.g., break or otherwise stop current flow through the solenoid coil), the total current output by power source <NUM> will pass through the fault-free solenoid coil. Thus, the total magnetic flux, or ampere-turns, generated by the dual solenoid valve <NUM>, with momentary reference to <FIG>, will be same when both first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> are working properly and when one of first solenoid coil <NUM> or second solenoid coil <NUM> is working properly and the other of first solenoid coil <NUM> and second solenoid coil <NUM> is faulty.

Returning to <FIG>, a cover <NUM> may be located around second solenoid coil <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be coupled, via adhesive, welding, fasteners, or any other suitable attachment to bobbin <NUM> and/or to core <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may define a lead wire opening <NUM> through which the first set of lead wires <NUM> and the second set of lead wires <NUM> are located. Cover <NUM>, bobbin <NUM>, core <NUM>, and core fitting <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> in which first solenoid coil <NUM>, insulating layer <NUM>, and second solenoid coil <NUM> are located.

Dual solenoid valve <NUM> further includes a plunger <NUM>. Plunger <NUM> comprises a ferrous metal. Plunger <NUM> is configured such that plunger <NUM> will translate in the magnetic flux direction generated by first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the magnetic field generated by first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM> forces plunger <NUM> away from fluid fitting <NUM>. Valve seal <NUM> is coupled to plunger <NUM> such that valve seal <NUM> translates with plunger <NUM> relative to fluid fitting <NUM>. Plunger <NUM> is biased toward fluid fitting <NUM>. In various embodiments, a coil spring <NUM> may bias plunger <NUM> toward fluid fitting <NUM>. Coil spring <NUM> may be located between a spacer <NUM> of plunger <NUM> and a spacer <NUM> of bobbin <NUM>. Spacer <NUM> may be located in a spacer cavity <NUM> defined by plunger <NUM>. Spacer <NUM> may be located in spacer cavity <NUM> defined by bobbin <NUM>. The biasing load generated by coil spring <NUM> may be applied to plunger <NUM> via spacer <NUM>. In various embodiments, spacer <NUM> comprises a non-magnetic material.

In the closed position, the biasing load applied by coil spring <NUM> to plunger <NUM> creates a gap <NUM> between a surface <NUM> of plunger <NUM> and a surface <NUM> of bobbin <NUM>. In the closed position, the biasing load applied by coil spring <NUM> to plunger <NUM> maintains a fluid tight seal between fluid fitting <NUM> and valve seal <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, dual solenoid valve <NUM> is illustrated in the open position. In response to receiving a current via first set of lead wires <NUM> and/or second set of lead wires <NUM>, first solenoid coil <NUM> and/or second solenoid coil <NUM> generate a magnetic field. In various embodiments, current begins to flow to first solenoid coil <NUM> and/or second solenoid coil <NUM> in response to activation of power source <NUM>. Power source <NUM> may be activated in response to deployment of evacuation assembly <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, opening exit door <NUM> (<FIG>) may activate power source <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or close a circuit to electrically couple power source <NUM> to first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or otherwise cause current to flow from power source <NUM> to first and second solenoid coils <NUM>, <NUM>. The electromagnetic force due to the magnetic flux value, or ampere-turns, generated by first solenoid coil <NUM> and/or by second solenoid coil <NUM> is greater than the biasing load applied by coil spring <NUM>. The electromagnetic force being greater than the biasing load applied by coil spring <NUM>, causes plunger <NUM> and valve seal <NUM> to translate away from fluid fitting <NUM>, thereby creating a gap <NUM> between valve seal <NUM> and fluid fitting <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the gap <NUM> between valve seal <NUM> and fluid fitting <NUM> fluidly connects inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> of fluid fitting <NUM>, thereby allowably fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> to flow from channel <NUM> to the main fluid channel <NUM> at the location of piston <NUM>. In the open position, fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may flow from valve inlet <NUM>, through channel <NUM> in valve housing <NUM> and fluid path <NUM> in fluid fitting <NUM>, and into the main fluid channel <NUM> at the location of piston <NUM>. The increase in fluid volume in main fluid channel <NUM> at the location of piston <NUM> increases a pressure within main fluid channel <NUM> at the location of piston <NUM>. The increase in pressure within main fluid channel <NUM> at the location of piston <NUM> forces spool <NUM> to translate in the second direction (i.e., to the right in <FIG>) toward first cap <NUM>. In this regard, spool <NUM> translates toward the open position in response to the pressure force acting on piston <NUM> exceeding the biasing force applied by spring <NUM> and the pressure force acting on piston <NUM>. In response to the spool <NUM> translating to the open position, channel <NUM> is exposed to valve inlet <NUM>. In response to the piston <NUM> moving from the closed position wherein piston <NUM> is located at a first side of valve inlet <NUM> (see <FIG>) to an open position wherein piston <NUM> is located at a second side of valve inlet <NUM> (see <FIG>), fluid is allowed to flow from valve inlet <NUM>, through main fluid channel <NUM> and channel <NUM>, across poppet valve <NUM> and out valve outlet <NUM>. In this regard, in the open position, spool <NUM> does not block valve outlet <NUM> and fluid from pressurized fluid source <NUM> may flow out valve outlet <NUM> and to evacuation slide <NUM> (<FIG>).

Valve assembly <NUM> including a dual solenoid valve <NUM> may increase the reliability of valve assembly <NUM> and evacuation assembly <NUM> by providing a redundant solenoid coil. The redundant solenoid coil allows valve assembly <NUM> to translate to the open position should either of first solenoid coil <NUM> or second solenoid coil <NUM> break or otherwise fail.

Benefits and other advantages have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, and any elements that may cause any benefit or advantage to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to "various embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", 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.

Claim 1:
A valve arrangement (<NUM>) for a pressurized fluid source (<NUM>), the valve arrangement comprising:
a valve housing (<NUM>) comprising an inlet (<NUM>), an outlet (<NUM>), and a main fluid channel (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the valve housing;
a spool (<NUM>) located in the main fluid channel, the spool configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing;
a poppet valve (<NUM>) located around the spool, the poppet valve configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the valve housing; and
a fluid feed channel (<NUM>), characterised in that
the fluid feed channel is fluidly disconnected from the inlet (<NUM>) of the valve housing when the spool is in a closed position,
the fluid feed channel is fluidly connected with the inlet of the valve housing when the spool (<NUM>) is in an open position,
the outlet (<NUM>) is fluidly connected with the inlet of the valve housing by the fluid feed channel when the spool is in the open position, and
the poppet valve (<NUM>) regulates a flow of a fluid from the inlet to the outlet when the spool is in the open position.