Aircraft Negative Pressure Valve Resilient Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure relief valves for aircraft are prone to structural compromise under harsh conditions, affecting their operational integrity and pressure differential management.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure valve assembly featuring a valve port, a hinge-coupled plate, and a resilient biasing assembly that maintains structural integrity and operational capability, allowing for easy installation and continued functionality even with component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a negative pressure relief valve is used to mitigate increased external pressure, then the pressure differential is managed, but the valve is exposed to harsh conditions including ambient environment, weather, and stress fatigue which can compromise its structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the biasing assembly stop at more than 50% of the major edge length from the minor edge, creating a pre-positioned mechanical stop that prevents excessive plate displacement before damage can occur. This proactive positioning cushions the plate against harsh conditions by limiting its range of motion and preventing structural compromise from over-displacement during extreme pressure differentials or environmental stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films through the use of a resilient member in the biasing assembly that contacts the stop plate. This resilient member acts as a flexible element that can deform elastically under pressure differential forces while maintaining the sealing function, allowing the valve to accommodate harsh conditions without rigid structural failure.
2Reliability
If the valve plate is designed to cover the port and seal under normal conditions, then pressure integrity is maintained, but the valve must open when external pressure exceeds internal pressure, requiring precise control of plate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the valve structure into distinct functional segments: the plate for sealing, the hinge for rotation, the stop plate for positioning, and the resilient member for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the control of plate movement while maintaining reliable pressure integrity through the coordinated action of these segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the resilient member to dynamically adjust the biasing force on the plate based on pressure differential conditions. The resilient member compresses or expands in response to pressure changes, automatically adjusting the plate's position and sealing force without complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining pressure integrity while simplifying movement control.
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 valve assembly effectively maintains pressure integrity by sealing the port under normal conditions and opening to equalize pressure when external pressure exceeds internal pressure, ensuring reliable operation and enhanced durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first plate biasing assembly comprises a resilient member adapted to contact the stop plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A negative pressure valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve port assembly comprising a port (200) and a flange (202) substantially surrounding the port, a valve comprising a plate (126) adapted to substantially cover the port, the plate comprising a minor edge (126,128), a major edge (122,124) having a major edge length, and a plate biasing assembly stop (130,132) located at a first position along the major edge, the first position more than 50% of the major edge length as measured from the minor edge. The valve assembly further comprises a hinge (180) coupled to the plate, the hinge adapted to couple the plate to the flange, and first (140) plate biasing assembly adapted to couple to the valve port assembly and to bias the plate towards the valve port assembly, the first plate biasing assembly comprising a resilient member (142) adapted to contact the stop plate.