Adjustable Pressure Control Valve Without Spring Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose end control valves require disassembly to change pressure settings, which is time-consuming and inefficient, limiting the ability to quickly adapt to different pressure requirements during aircraft refueling.
Innovation Solution
A variable hose end control valve with a compensator that allows adjustment of a single spring's compression without disassembly, enabling multiple pressure settings through axial rotation of a threaded compensator device, facilitating quick and efficient changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hose end control valves use multiple springs to achieve different pressure ratings, then pressure setting versatility is improved, but device complexity and time to change pressure settings increase due to disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single spring is designed to perform multiple functions by varying its compression through the adjustable compensator device, eliminating the need for multiple springs with different load requirements. The compensator device allows one spring to achieve multiple pressure ratings (e.g., 35 psi, 45 psi, 50 psi) through axial positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring compression is made dynamically adjustable through the compensator device, which can be axially positioned to varying degrees. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same spring to provide different pressure ratings without physical replacement, transforming a static spring system into a dynamically adjustable one.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional hose end control valves require disassembly to replace springs for different pressure settings, then pressure setting accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The compensator device is pre-configured with threaded engagement features and axial positioning capabilities that allow for quick adjustment. The spring is pre-loaded onto the compensator device, so that when pressure setting changes are needed, the operator only needs to rotate the compensator device to the appropriate position rather than performing complex disassembly and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual disassembly and reassembly mechanical process is replaced with a rotational adjustment mechanism. The compensator device uses threaded engagement to convert rotational motion into precise axial positioning, substituting a time-consuming mechanical assembly process with a simple rotational adjustment operation.
3Device complexity
If hose end control valves use a fixed spring configuration, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different pressure ratings worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The compensator device serves as an intermediary between the spring and the valve piston. It mediates the force transmission from the spring to the piston while providing the adjustment capability. This intermediary component allows the simple spring structure to achieve complex adaptability functions without requiring multiple springs or complex valve mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid adjustment of pressure settings without disassembly, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility in managing fuel tank pressure during refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is mounted (e.g., captured) between the piston and a spring adjustment member and functions to bias the piston toward an open position
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the spring adjustment member is accessible through the inlet end of the valve body so as to be engageable by a tool to facilitate rotation of the spring adjustment member to vary compression of the spring for setting a spring pressure rating
Implementation Method 3
back-pressure from the outlet end acts on the piston against the bias of the spring to move the piston to a closed position when the backpressure exceeds a pressure limit set by a load setting of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a valve assembly for controlling flow. The valve body has an inlet end and an outlet end. A piston is positioned within the valve body and is movable between an open position to open the valve body and a closed position to close the valve body. A spring is mounted between the piston and a spring adjustment member. A portion of the spring adjustment member is accessible through the inlet end of the valve body so as to be engageable by a tool to facilitate rotation of the spring adjustment member to vary compression of the spring to set a spring pressure rating.