Adjustable Sleeve Valve for Rocket Propellant Mixture Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid mixture ratio adjustments in aerospace applications, such as in liquid propulsion rocket engines, are time-consuming and require iterative processes involving the change-out of trim orifice plates and subsequent purge and leakage verification in open loop controlled systems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable sleeve valve design that allows for fluid mixture ratio adjustments without breaking propellant lines, featuring a housing, flow diverter, sleeve, spring, travel stop, and travel stop lock, enabling precise flow resistance adjustment through axial and rotational mechanisms, independent of line pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trim orifice plates are changed out to adjust fluid mixture ratio, then mixture ratio adjustment is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires iterative adjustments with purge and leakage verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing static, discrete orifice plates with a dynamic, continuously adjustable sleeve valve mechanism. The sleeve can be positioned at different axial locations to dynamically change the effective flow area, enabling real-time mixture ratio adjustment without iterative plate changes. This transforms a discrete, time-consuming adjustment process into a continuous, rapid adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by varying the axial position of the sleeve to change the flow resistance parameter. By moving the sleeve along the valve body axis, the effective opening area changes, directly adjusting the fluid mixture ratio. This continuous parameter variation replaces the discrete parameter changes achieved by swapping different orifice plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trim orifice plates are changed out for mixture ratio optimization, then flow resistance is adjusted, but subsequent purge and leakage verification are required in propellant feed lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Taking out principle by extracting the adjustable flow resistance function from the external orifice plates and integrating it into the valve body itself through the movable sleeve. This eliminates the need to break propellant lines for orifice plate changes, as all adjustments are made internally within the sealed valve housing, thereby removing the leakage risk associated with line breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies theIntermediary principle by using the sleeve as an intermediate element that provides flow resistance adjustment without requiring direct access to the propellant feed lines. The sleeve acts as a sealed intermediary mechanism that can be adjusted while maintaining the integrity of the propellant lines, thus eliminating leakage risks.
3Device complexity
If traditional valve designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but precise flow resistance adjustment independent of line pressure is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing traditional mechanical orifice plate changes with a controlled sleeve positioning system. The sleeve can be positioned precisely through mechanical means (such as threaded adjustment or actuation mechanisms), providing accurate flow resistance control that is independent of line pressure variations. This substitution enables precise adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve includes a housing. A sleeve at least partially surrounded by the housing. The sleeve slidable relative to the housing and a travel stop that is engageable with the sleeve to limit travel of the sleeve.