Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to inflation systems for aircraft, more specifically, pressure regulators with isolation valves for inflation systems.

Aircraft emergency evacuation systems often can include inflatables. These inflatables can be inflated in an event of an emergency using an inflation system. Inflation systems for larger inflatables use an aspirator to draw ambient air to accelerate the inflation process. Aspirator functioning typically includes controlled flow pressures of a gas at the aspirator inlet. A compressed gas tank can be used with such inflation system, along with a pressure regulator and flow isolation valve to isolate the compressed gas tank from the inflatable. The inflation system is actuated by the opening of this isolation valve. Many of aircraft platforms currently employ manual pull cable actuation to operate the isolation valve assembled in a pressure regulator module.

The European Patent Application <CIT> discloses a valve assembly for inflating emergency evacuation systems (for instance an inflatable slide escape system in an aircraft). Moreover, the European Patent Application <CIT> discloses a valve assembly for filling a gas in a pressurised contained, also for applications in inflating emergency evacuation systems.

A regulator valve assembly is disclosed herein. The regulator valve assembly can comprise: a housing defining an actuator cavity and a piston head cavity; a piston rod comprising a piston head disposed within the piston head cavity and a rod end disposed within the actuator cavity; and a disc retainer within the housing. The actuator cavity can have a top region of the actuator cavity and a bottom region of the actuator cavity. The piston head cavity can comprise a regulator inlet and an inlet port. The disc retainer can be coupled to a proximate seating surface of the inlet port, wherein a first face of a membrane disc is coupled to a lateral seating surface of the inlet port disposed between the piston head cavity and the disc retainer.

In various embodiments, the housing can further define a fill port. A fill valve can be coupled to the fill port. In various embodiments, a holder fitting can be disposed within the inlet port and coupled to the disc retainer and a compressed gas tank can be coupled to the housing at the inlet port. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a fill line in fluid communication with the fill valve and the compressed gas tank. The fill valve can be configured to deliver a gas from the fill valve to the compressed gas tank. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a pressure line in fluid communication with the top region of the actuator cavity and the compressed gas tank.

In various embodiments, a piston can be coupled to the piston rod at the rod end and disposed between the top region of the actuator cavity and the bottom region of the actuator cavity. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a solenoid port. A solenoid can be coupled to the solenoid port. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a solenoid line in fluid communication with the solenoid and the compressed gas tank. The compressed gas tank can be configured to deliver the gas to the solenoid. In various embodiments, the housing can define a regulator cavity and a regulator outlet. The regulator cavity can be in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and the regulator outlet. A regulator can be disposed within the regulator cavity.

In various embodiments, the membrane disc can comprise a second face of the membrane disc. In various embodiments, the second face of the membrane disc can be fusion welded to the disc retainer. In various embodiments, the solenoid is configured to energize and deliver the gas to the bottom region of the actuator cavity. The membrane disc can be configured to rupture in response to energizing the solenoid. In various embodiments, a first O-ring can be disposed between the piston and a cap fitting. In various embodiments, a second O-ring can be disposed between the piston and the actuator cavity. In various embodiments, the housing can further define the pressure line in fluid communication with the top region of the actuator cavity and the compressed gas tank. The compressed gas tank can be configured to deliver the gas to the top region of the actuator cavity.

A method of using a regulator valve assembly is disclosed herein. The method of using the regulator valve assembly can comprise: receiving a signal by a solenoid switch; energizing a solenoid coupled to the regulator valve assembly in response to the signal; flowing a gas through the solenoid, wherein the gas creates a pressure force to translate a piston head away from a membrane disc; and rupturing the membrane disc disposed within the regulator valve assembly in response to the piston head translating away from the membrane disc.

In various embodiments, the regulator valve assembly can comprise: a housing defining an actuator cavity and a piston head cavity; a piston rod comprising a piston head disposed within the piston head cavity and a rod end disposed within the actuator cavity; and a disc retainer within the housing. The actuator cavity can have a top region of the actuator cavity and a bottom region of the actuator cavity. The piston head cavity can comprise a regulator inlet and an inlet port. The disc retainer can be coupled to a proximate seating surface of the inlet port, wherein a first face of a membrane disc is coupled to a lateral seating surface of the inlet port disposed between the piston head cavity and the disc retainer.

A method of manufacturing a regulator valve assembly is disclosed herein. The method of manufacturing the regulator valve assembly can comprise: additive manufacturing a housing for the regulator valve assembly, wherein the housing comprises an inlet port, a solenoid port, and a fill port; placing a piston rod inside the housing through the inlet port; coupling a piston to the piston rod; and coupling a valve cap to the housing. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a regulator cavity, a regulator inlet, a regulator outlet, a piston head cavity, and an actuator cavity.

In various embodiments, the method can further comprise: welding a membrane disc to the housing at a lateral seating surface of the inlet port; coupling a disc retainer to the lateral seating surface and a proximal seating surface of the inlet port; and coupling a holder fitting to the housing and the disc retainer.

In various embodiments, the method can further comprise: placing a spring in the regulator cavity; placing a regulator rod in the regulator cavity, wherein the regulator rod and the spring are in contact; and coupling a regulator cap to the housing. In various embodiments, the housing can further define a fill line, a solenoid line, and a pressure line.

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

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 brevity. Any arrows used throughout the figures which do not have numbering are used to show the direction of flow for any fluid in the system.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may find particular use in connection with aircraft inflation systems, including but not limited to aircraft evacuation slides. However, various aspects of the disclosed assemblies 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 inflatable structures. As such, numerous applications of the present disclosure may be realized.

Referring now to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is shown. Aircraft <NUM> may include a fuselage <NUM> having a plurality of exit doors, including an exit door <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> may include one or more evacuation systems positioned near a corresponding exit door. For example, aircraft <NUM> includes an evacuation system <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 system <NUM> may deploy in response to exit door <NUM> being opened. It is contemplated and understood that evacuation system <NUM> may deploy in response to other actions taken by a passenger or crew member such as, for example, depression of a button, actuation of a lever, or the like.

With reference to <FIG>, evacuation system <NUM> is illustrated in a deployed state. In accordance with various embodiments, evacuation system <NUM> includes an evacuation slide <NUM> and a compressed gas tank <NUM> configured to deliver a pressurized gas to inflate evacuation slide <NUM>. In <FIG>, evacuation slide <NUM> is in an inflated (i.e., deployed) state. During deployment, an inflatable tube <NUM> (or a plurality of inflatable tubes) of evacuation slide <NUM> is inflated using pressurized gas from compressed gas tank <NUM>. Evacuation slide <NUM> may comprise a sliding surface <NUM> secured to the inflatable tube <NUM>. 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>). Sliding surface <NUM> extends from head end <NUM> to toe end <NUM>. Evacuation slide <NUM> is illustrated as a single lane slide. However, evacuation slide <NUM> may comprise any number of lanes.

Compressed gas tank <NUM> is fluidly coupled to evacuation slide <NUM>. For example, compressed gas tank <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to inflatable tube <NUM> via a hose, or conduit, <NUM>. In various embodiments, the compressed gas tank is coupled to the hose <NUM> via a regulator valve assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments, evacuation system <NUM> may include an aspirator <NUM> fluidly coupled between compressed gas tank <NUM> and evacuation slide <NUM>. Aspirator <NUM> is configured to entrain ambient air with gas output from compressed gas tank <NUM>. For example, in response to deployment of evacuation slide <NUM>, the regulator valve assembly <NUM> can activate and release the gas flow from the compressed gas tank <NUM> into aspirator <NUM>, which can cause aspirator <NUM> to draw in ambient air from the environment. The combination of the gas flow from compressed gas tank <NUM> and the ambient air is then directed into evacuation slide <NUM>, thereby inflating inflatable tube <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, a regulator valve assembly <NUM> is shown, in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, the regulator valve assembly <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>, a fill valve <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, a solenoid <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, a compressed gas tank <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, and a regulator outlet <NUM>. The solenoid <NUM> comprises an activation switch <NUM>, which sends an electrical signal to a solenoid valve <NUM> to energize and open. Energizing the solenoid valve <NUM> allows the gas to travel through the solenoid <NUM> and into the actuator cavity <NUM>. The activation switch <NUM> is configured to receive a signal via electrical communication or a wireless signal, i.e. Radio Frequency (RF) signals, to activate and energize the solenoid <NUM>. In various embodiments, the activation switch <NUM> is a manual switch which is activated by pressing a mechanical button. The regulator valve assembly can also comprise a regulator cap <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, a cross-section of the regulator valve assembly <NUM> in a de-energized state is shown, in accordance with various embodiments. The housing <NUM> of regulator valve assembly <NUM> defines multiple volumes. The housing <NUM> defines an inlet port <NUM> with a lateral seating surface <NUM> and a proximal seating surface <NUM>. Inlet port <NUM> is configured to be coupled with a compressed gas tank <NUM>. The inlet port <NUM> comprises a disc retainer <NUM> disposed within the inlet port <NUM> and coupled to the housing <NUM> at the lateral seating surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, a membrane disc <NUM> comprises a first face <NUM> and second face <NUM>. The membrane disc <NUM> is made of aluminum or similar material which is capable of being ruptured by a pressurized gas. In various embodiments, the membrane disc <NUM> comprises <NUM>-<NUM> Aluminum with a thickness between about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers) and about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers), between about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers) and about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers), and between about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers) and about. <NUM> inches (<NUM> micrometers). The first face <NUM> of membrane disc <NUM> can be coupled to the housing <NUM> at the proximal seating surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, a holder fitting <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> and the disc retainer <NUM>. The holder fitting <NUM> is configured to assist in coupling the compressed gas tank <NUM> to the regulator valve assembly <NUM>. The second face <NUM> of the disc membrane <NUM> is welded to the disc retainer <NUM> using suitable welding techniques for aluminum welding. In various embodiments, the second face <NUM> of the disc membrane <NUM> is fusion welded to the disc retainer <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the housing <NUM> further defines a fill port <NUM> and a fill line <NUM> in fluid communication with the compressed gas tank <NUM>. A fill valve <NUM> can be coupled at the fill port <NUM>. The fill valve <NUM> is used to fill the compressed gas tank <NUM> with a gas. The gas is able to enter the regulator valve assembly <NUM> via a gas source which is coupled to the fill valve <NUM>. The gas can then go from the fill valve <NUM>, to the fill line <NUM> and then finally the compressed gas tank <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the housing <NUM> also defines a piston head cavity <NUM> and an actuator cavity <NUM>. A piston rod <NUM> comprises a piston head <NUM> and a rod end <NUM>. The piston head <NUM> is disposed within the piston head cavity <NUM> and the rod end is disposed within the actuator cavity <NUM>. The actuator cavity <NUM> comprises a top region <NUM> and a bottom region <NUM>. The bottom is defined as more proximate to the inlet port in the negative y-direction relative to the top. A piston <NUM> can be disposed in the top region <NUM> of the actuator cavity <NUM> and coupled to the rod end <NUM>. The top region <NUM> of the actuator cavity <NUM> is defined by a valve cap <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, and a first face of the piston <NUM>. The bottom region <NUM> of the actuator cavity <NUM> is defined by the actuator cavity <NUM> and a second face of the piston <NUM>. In various embodiments, the housing <NUM> further defines a pressure line <NUM> to deliver the gas from the compressed gas tank <NUM> to the top region <NUM>, therefore the top region <NUM> and the compressed gas tank <NUM> is in fluid communication.

In various embodiments, the compressed gas tank <NUM> is continuously supplying the gas to the top region <NUM> while the compressed gas tank <NUM> is coupled to the regulator valve assembly <NUM>. The gas creates a first pressure in the top region <NUM>, which creates a first pressure force <NUM> which biases the piston <NUM> towards the piston rod <NUM>. The first pressure force <NUM> can transfer from the piston rod <NUM> to the piston head <NUM> which contacts the first face <NUM> of the membrane disc <NUM>. The gas from the compressed gas tank <NUM> can also enter the housing at the inlet port <NUM> and exert a second pressure force <NUM> against the second face <NUM> of the membrane disc <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, cross sections of the regulator valve assembly <NUM> in a de-energized state are shown, in accordance with various embodiments. The housing <NUM> also defines a solenoid port <NUM> configured to have the solenoid <NUM> coupled to the solenoid port <NUM>. In various embodiments, the housing <NUM> further defines a solenoid line <NUM> in fluid communication with the solenoid <NUM> and the compressed gas tank <NUM>. The gas is supplied from the compressed gas tank <NUM> to the solenoid <NUM> through the solenoid line <NUM>. The solenoid can comprise a solenoid outlet line <NUM> which can deliver the gas from the solenoid <NUM> to the bottom region <NUM>. When the solenoid <NUM> is de-energized as illustrated in <FIG>, the solenoid <NUM> does not output the gas to the solenoid outlet line <NUM> into the bottom region <NUM>. In <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the solenoid is de-energized. The de-energized state of the regulator valve assembly <NUM> uses the gas through pressure line <NUM> to exert the first pressure on the piston <NUM>. The first pressure on piston <NUM> can translate to the piston rod <NUM> to force the piston head <NUM> into contact with the first face <NUM> of membrane disc <NUM>. The force exerted by the piston head <NUM> on the membrane disc <NUM> by the first pressure is configured to equal the force to the membrane disc <NUM> at the second face <NUM> by the second pressure such that the membrane does not rupture. In various embodiments, the sum of the first pressure and the second pressure may not be equal, however the sum of the pressures is not sufficient to rupture the membrane disc <NUM> when the solenoid <NUM> is de-energized.

In various embodiments, the housing <NUM> defines a regulator inlet <NUM> which can fluidly couple the piston head cavity <NUM> to a regulator cavity <NUM> defined within the housing <NUM>. A regulator <NUM> can be disposed between the regulator cavity <NUM> and the regulator cap <NUM>. The regulator <NUM> can comprise a regulator rod <NUM> biased against a spring <NUM>, which exerts a spring force. A regulator O-ring <NUM> can be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the regulator rod <NUM> to create a frictional force. The frictional force and the spring force can help the regulator <NUM> regulate flow of gas which enters the regulator cavity <NUM> from the regulator inlet <NUM>. The gas can then exit the regulator valve assembly <NUM> at the regulator outlet <NUM> to inflate the evacuation slide <NUM> or another inflatable device.

In various embodiments, a first fill O-ring <NUM> and a second fill O-ring <NUM> are disposed in the fill valve <NUM> to seal the fill valve <NUM> to help prevent leakage of the gas from the regulator valve assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments, a first inlet O-ring <NUM> is disposed between the disc retainer <NUM> and the holder fitting <NUM>, and a second inlet O-ring <NUM> is disposed between the housing <NUM> and the holder fitting <NUM>. The first inlet O-ring <NUM> and the second inlet O-ring <NUM> can help seal the inlet port <NUM> to prevent leakage of the gas.

In various embodiments, the regulator valve assembly <NUM> comprises a first O-ring <NUM>, a second O-ring <NUM>, a third O-ring <NUM> and a fourth O-ring <NUM>. The first O-ring <NUM> is coupled to the piston <NUM> and disposed between the piston <NUM> and the valve cap <NUM> in the top region <NUM>. The second O-ring <NUM> is coupled to the piston <NUM> and disposed between the piston <NUM> and the valve cap <NUM> in the bottom region <NUM>. The first O-ring <NUM> and the second O-ring <NUM> seal the top region <NUM> from the bottom region <NUM>. The third O-ring <NUM> is coupled to the piston rod <NUM> and disposed between the piston rod <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The second O-ring <NUM> and the third O-ring <NUM> seal the bottom region <NUM> from the piston head cavity <NUM>. The fourth O-ring <NUM> is coupled to the piston rod <NUM> and disposed between the piston rod <NUM> and the housing <NUM> in the piston head cavity <NUM>. The third O-ring <NUM> and the fourth O-ring <NUM> seal the piston head cavity <NUM> from the bottom region <NUM>.

Each of the O-rings <NUM>-<NUM> have different sized circumferences. The circumference of an O-ring can change how the O-ring affects the piston rod <NUM>. An O-ring with a larger circumference has more surface area contacting the piston rod <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The larger the surface area increases the friction that occurs in response to relative movement of piston rod <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Therefore, an O-ring with a larger circumference requires more force to move the O-ring because of the additional surface area contacting the piston rod <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. In various embodiments, O-ring <NUM> has a larger circumference than O-ring <NUM>, O-ring <NUM> has a larger circumference than O-ring <NUM>, and O-ring <NUM> has a larger circumference than O-ring <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, cross sections of the regulator valve assembly <NUM> in an energized state are shown, in accordance with various embodiments. The regulator valve assembly <NUM> is in the energized state in response to the solenoid <NUM> receiving the activation signal from the activation switch <NUM>. In response to the solenoid <NUM> receiving the activation signal, solenoid <NUM> energizes, which allows for output of the gas from the solenoid <NUM> to the bottom region <NUM> via the solenoid outlet line <NUM>. A third pressure force <NUM> is then exerted on the piston <NUM> in the opposite direction of the first pressure force <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the third pressure force <NUM> is greater than the first pressure force <NUM>. In response to the third pressure force <NUM> being greater than the first pressure force <NUM>, the third pressure force <NUM> can translate the piston <NUM> and the piston rod <NUM> towards the valve cap <NUM>. Thus, the piston head <NUM> is no longer contacting the first face <NUM> of the membrane disc <NUM>. The membrane disc <NUM> then ruptures due to the second pressure from the inlet port <NUM> not being opposed by the first pressure from the piston head <NUM>. When the membrane disc <NUM> ruptures, the gas can enter the piston head cavity <NUM> and travel to the regulator <NUM> through the regulator inlet <NUM>. The regulator <NUM> then regulates the flow of gas from the piston head cavity <NUM> to the regulator outlet <NUM> to maintain a desired flow rate and pressure for inflation of the evacuation slide <NUM> or other inflatable devices. In various embodiments, the membrane disc <NUM> can be replaced after it's been ruptured. This allows for multiple uses of the regulator valve assembly <NUM> without having to replace the entire assembly.

In various embodiments, when the membrane disc <NUM> is ruptured, the solenoid <NUM> can de-energize and the friction between O-ring <NUM> and the housing <NUM> can hold the piston rod <NUM> in an open position such that the pressurized gas can continue to enter the piston head cavity <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, a method of using a regulator valve assembly <NUM> (shown as regulator valve assembly <NUM>) is shown, in accordance with various embodiments. The method of use <NUM> includes the steps of receiving a signal by a solenoid switch (shown as solenoid switch <NUM>) (step <NUM>), energizing a solenoid (shown as solenoid <NUM>) coupled to the regulator valve assembly in response to the signal (step <NUM>), flowing a gas through the solenoid, wherein the gas creates a pressure force to translate a piston head (shown as piston head <NUM>) away from a membrane disc (shown as membrane disc <NUM>) (step <NUM>) and rupturing the membrane disc disposed within the regulator valve assembly in response to the piston head translating away from the membrane disc (step <NUM>). In step <NUM>, the membrane disc is ruptured due to the second pressure <NUM> coming from the gas at the inlet port. The process in step <NUM> is the same as the process described above when the solenoid is energized.

In reference to <FIG>, a method of manufacture <NUM> for a regulator valve assembly (shown as regulator valve assembly <NUM>) is shown, in accordance with various embodiments. The method of manufacture <NUM> includes the steps of additive manufacturing a housing (shown as housing <NUM>) for the regulator valve assembly, wherein the housing comprises an inlet port (shown as inlet port <NUM>), a solenoid port (shown as solenoid port <NUM>), and a fill port (shown as fill port <NUM>) (step <NUM>), placing a piston rod (shown as piston rod <NUM>) inside the housing through the inlet port (step <NUM>), coupling a piston (shown as piston <NUM>) to the piston rod (step <NUM>) and coupling a valve cap to the housing (shown as valve cap <NUM>) (step <NUM>). In various embodiments, the housing is manufactured using additive manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing can significantly reduce the buy-to-fly ratio versus forgings for aircraft parts. The additive manufacturing process can be done using known additive manufacturing processes.

In various embodiments, the housing further defines a regulator cavity (shown as regulator cavity <NUM>), a regulator inlet (shown as regulator inlet <NUM>), a regulator outlet (shown as regulator outlet <NUM>), a piston head cavity (shown as piston head cavity <NUM>) and an actuator cavity (shown as actuator cavity <NUM>).

In various embodiments, the method of manufacture <NUM> further comprises, welding a membrane disc to the housing at a lateral seating surface of the inlet port. The membrane disc can be fusion welded, laser welded or any other suitable welding technique for aluminum. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture <NUM> further comprises coupling a disc retainer to the lateral seating surface and a proximal seating surface of the inlet port. The disc retainer is coupled to both the lateral seating surface and the membrane disc on the same surface of the disc retainer. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture <NUM> further comprises coupling a holder fitting to the housing and the disc retainer. The holder fitting assists in coupling the compressed gas tank to the regulator valve assembly.

In various embodiments, the method of manufacture <NUM> further comprises placing a spring in the regulator cavity, placing a regulator rod in the regulator cavity and coupling a regulator cap to the housing. The regulator rod and the spring can be in contact and the regulator rod, spring and regulator cap can line up parallel to the x-axis. In various embodiments, the housing can be manufactured to define a fill line, a solenoid line and a pressure line which are in fluid communication with a compressed gas tank.

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 disclosures.

The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims and their legal equivalents, 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.

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 regulator valve assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining an actuator cavity (<NUM>) comprising a top region (<NUM>) of the actuator cavity and a bottom region (<NUM>) of the actuator cavity, a piston head cavity (<NUM>) comprising a regulator inlet (<NUM>), and an inlet port (<NUM>), wherein the housing further defines a solenoid port;
a solenoid (<NUM>) coupled to the solenoid port (<NUM>)
a piston rod (<NUM>) comprising a piston head (<NUM>) disposed within the piston head cavity (<NUM>) and a rod end (<NUM>) disposed within the actuator cavity (<NUM>); and
a disc retainer (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>), coupled to a proximate seating surface of the inlet port (<NUM>), the valve assembly being characterised in that a first face (<NUM>) of a membrane disc (<NUM>) is coupled to a lateral seating surface of the inlet port (<NUM>) disposed between the piston head cavity (<NUM>) and the disc retainer (<NUM>), wherein:
the solenoid (<NUM>) is configured to energize, which allows for output of the gas from the solenoid (<NUM>) to the bottom region (<NUM>) via a solenoid output line (<NUM>);
the membrane disc (<NUM>) is configured to rupture in response to energizing the solenoid (<NUM>); and
when the membrane disc (<NUM>) is ruptured, the solenoid (<NUM>) can de-energize and the friction between an O-ring (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>) can hold the piston rod (<NUM>) in an open position such that the pressurized gas can continue to enter the piston head cavity (<NUM>).