Aircraft Dual Spool Valve for Hydraulic Failure-Mode Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft hydraulic systems for flight control actuators face challenges in efficiently managing hydraulic fluid flow and pressure to meet varying load demands and movement rates, particularly due to the complexity of valve configurations and potential failures in dual spool valve operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual spool valve design with movable spools and orifices within manifolds allows for controlled hydraulic fluid flow between supply and return lines, enabling efficient fluid management across different quadrants of operation, including failure modes by adjusting spool positions and orifice alignment to optimize fluid flow and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual spool valve configuration is used to control hydraulic fluid flow to actuators, then the ability to meet varying load demands and movement rates is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two separate spool assemblies (first spool and second spool), each independently controlling one side of the actuator. This segmentation allows each spool to be optimized for specific control functions while reducing the overall complexity of the valve body design and enabling modular manufacturing and maintenance.
2Productivity
If multiple supply lines are used to provide hydraulic fluid at different pressures, then the ability to control actuator movement rates is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second supply lines are designed to provide hydraulic fluid at different pressures for different control modes. The same supply lines serve multiple functions: providing high pressure for rapid movement and lower pressure for controlled movement, eliminating the need for separate pressure sources and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a third supply line is added for failure mode operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third supply line is pre-configured in the valve body with associated spool and port structures, ready to provide backup hydraulic fluid flow paths before failures occur. This beforehand preparation ensures that when primary supply lines fail, the system can immediately switch to alternative paths without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration or external intervention.
4Reliability
If spools are designed to block multiple lines simultaneously, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second spools are designed with blocking surfaces that can simultaneously block multiple supply and return lines when positioned in specific locations. By merging the blocking functions of multiple lines into single spool positions, the patent reduces the number of independent positioning requirements compared to using separate valves for each line, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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
The dual spool valve design enhances the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic fluid management, ensuring effective flight control member movement under varying loads and conditions, while also accommodating potential failures by reconfiguring fluid flow paths to maintain system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first spool movable within a first manifold between a first position to block a first supply line and a second supply line and to block a return line, and a second position to align an orifice with a first closure line to allow hydraulic fluid to flow along the first closure line
Data Source
AI summary
A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include ports to receive and discharge hydraulic fluid. The dual spool valve may also include first and second valve sections that are selectively positionable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the actuator. One position provides for hydraulic fluid to move through closure lines. Method of controlling the dual spool valve may provide for selectively positioning the valve sections to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, and to position the valve sections to move hydraulic fluid through a closure line during certain circumstances.