Low-Power Gas Cartridge Actuation System

A low-power gas cartridge actuation system uses a mechanical spring assembly to drive a piston disposed in a piston cylinder. A puncture pin is coupled to one end of the piston opposing the sealed end of a gas cartridge. A spring assembly, coupled to the other end of the piston, supplies an axial spring force to the piston such that it is biased to move towards the sealed end of the gas cartridge. A low-power solenoid assembly including a retractable pin has i a non-actuated state defined as the retractable pin being in engagement with the spring assembly to keep the puncture pin spaced apart from the sealed end of the gas cartridge, and ii an actuated state defined as the retractable pin being withdrawn from engagement with the spring assembly so that the piston experiences a sliding movement in the cylinder as driven by the axial spring force.