Automatic inflation device having a moisture activated trigger and release system with reduced force applied to the degradable element

摘要

An automatic inflation device is provided which features a trigger and release system for use in an armed-static condition and which is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the force acting on a dissolvable tablet in the release mechanism and thereby extends the operating life of the automatic inflation device in the presence of high humidity. The device preferably operates using a male and female housing with a manifold to allow expanding gas to escape and a compressed concentric spring encompassing a CO₂ cylinder subassembly, and the triggering sequence includes a degradable element which triggers the inflation device upon losing its structural integrity, which causes an extending spring to drive the CO₂ cylinder toward a puncture pin.