Integrated ACC Valve Thermal Shield With Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing active clearance control valves (ACC Valves) are costly, require extensive maintenance, and have separate thermal shields that complicate assembly and increase weight, while also not effectively managing high temperatures and fire susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the valve housing and thermal shield as a single component via additive manufacturing, with ribs forming cooling channels between them, reduces costs, maintenance, and weight, while enhancing durability and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate thermal shields are attached to the valve housing, then thermal protection is provided, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal shield and valve housing are merged into a single integrated component manufactured via additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate attachment of thermal shields through lock wires and capstans, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining thermal protection functionality.
2Reliability
If separate thermal shields are attached to the valve housing, then thermal protection is provided, but manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the thermal shield and valve housing to be manufactured as one piece using additive manufacturing technology. This reduces the number of parts, eliminates assembly steps involving lock wires and capstans, and lowers both manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements compared to traditional separate component assembly.
3Temperature
If cooling channels are added between valve housing and thermal shield, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated into the additive manufactured component during the manufacturing process itself. The ribs forming the cooling channels are printed directly as part of the thermal shield structure, eliminating the need for separate channel fabrication and assembly, thus improving thermal management without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Weight of stationary object
If additive manufacturing is used to integrate valve housing and thermal shield, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing process parameters are optimized to achieve the required precision for the integrated valve housing and thermal shield. By controlling printing parameters, layer thickness, and material properties, the manufacturing precision is maintained at levels sufficient for functional performance while achieving weight reduction through the integrated design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in improved thermal management, reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, and increased durability by integrating the thermal shield with the valve housing, forming a single, lightweight, and efficiently cooled component.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling medium channel is provided so as to extend between the valve housing and the thermal shield
Data Source
AI summary
An active clearance control valve (ACC Valve) includes a valve housing with a thermal shield provided externally to said housing, wherein said valve housing and said thermal shield have been integrally formed as one component. This may be achieved using additive manufacturing methods. Cooling channels and/or ribs may also be provided on or in the thermal shield.