ragedracer1977 Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 (edited) I know a lot of us have inflatable door seals, most with hand pump bulbs. I’ve got an idea for an automatic pump. Actually more than an idea. I built one. I know there was an AD and now they have non-AD pumps. But it seems they’re $1200 or so. Can’t seem to find an actual price. I can come in way below that. i built a system that can be controlled by a micro switch on the door handle or whatever you decide. Or it could be manually switched off and on. Powered by a cigarette lighter. Might try to figure out USB power. Stand alone, wouldn’t need an STC. If microswitch controlled, it inflates the seal automatically when power is applied and the door is closed; and when the power is cut the air dumps immediately when the handle is moved. Preventing a passenger from opening the door on an inflated seal. Also maintains pressure. If you have a small leak, the pump would periodically run to keep your seal inflated. Built in overheat protection to prevent fire. If the motor starts running continuously and/or overheats, a thermal fuse blows cutting power to the unit. And it’s not resettable, the fuse would have to be replaced, “forcing” you to fix the issue. I’ve tested it, but need to run it in the plane for a while. Thinking about maybe offering for sale if it works out. Would anyone be interested in it if it does? This is what it looks like. At least for now. I have a gauge on this one just for testing purposes. Box could be quite a bit smaller without the plumbing for the gauge. Edited March 5 by ragedracer1977 Quote
00-Negative Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 I am definitely interested. Good idea. I'll buy it from you. I don't care about paperwork, major vs minor modification, STC, 337, 8130, TCDS, NORSEE, OPP, etc. This falls under the category, "Creature Comforts" along with air vents, sun visors, and cupholders. The other category is "Do what makes sense to keep your plane in the air". I have yet to read an NTSB report that summarized the interior furnishings of the plane or even noted any modifications. I don't think anyone is verifying that the GI-275 was installed by a Garmin certified "avionics technician". It seems they spend more time verifying that the instrument was functioning as intended. I have read reports reviewing inappropriate or lack of maintenance and ineffective repairs, but nothing regarding the burn certs for the leather covering on a guy's yoke. I am ranting because I have seen great and well-intentioned ideas come up on this forum that end up vanishing because people instantly question the legality of everything. Not just here, it's worse on the Facebook groups. A guy recently posted a pic of his panel illuminated in purple by an LED light strip. Born and raised in LSU Tiger country, I thought it looked great. The Karens came out instantly. End of rant... I would much prefer a smaller footprint without a gauge. As small as possible. On a different note: I recently replaced all of my door seals after sitting in my plane waiting out some rain and watching water drip in thru both doors as well as the avionics bay.. I recently parked outdoors for a weekend event and the plane was unexpectedly rained on soaking the copilot seat. I read on this forum that slightly inflating the seal prior to closing the door can prevent this. Of course I forgot to do this. And I don't like the stress on the door and the seal when closing with partial inflation. If your controller comes to fruition, I will probably look to add a 2nd switch mounted by the baggage door so I can inflate after egress when I leave my plane uncovered outside. -David Quote
Pinecone Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 Hmm, where does this mount? Could it be mounted inside the door panel. I like it. I would consider it. Quote
N201MKTurbo Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 If you wanted to make it USB powered, you would need to make it battery powered and use the USB to charge the battery. The running current is probably too much for USB, but the average current should be just fine. Quote
ragedracer1977 Posted March 5 Author Report Posted March 5 On 3/5/2025 at 1:39 PM, N201MKTurbo said: If you wanted to make it USB powered, you would need to make it battery powered and use the USB to charge the battery. The running current is probably too much for USB, but the average current should be just fine. Expand I was thinking along the lines of the USB-C 100W PD. Quote
ragedracer1977 Posted March 5 Author Report Posted March 5 On 3/5/2025 at 1:22 PM, Pinecone said: Hmm, where does this mount? Could it be mounted inside the door panel. I like it. I would consider it. Expand I figured just stick it under the seat. Right now it’s about 8x5x3 (mostly because that was the size of box I already had), but I think I can get it down to about 4x4x2.5 - would fit about anywhere Quote
N201MKTurbo Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 On 3/5/2025 at 8:09 PM, ragedracer1977 said: I was thinking along the lines of the USB-C 100W PD. Expand You don't find many USB outlets in a plane that meet that spec. USB3 is only 4.5 W Quote
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