Aircraft Outflow Valve Merging Cabin and Electronics Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outflow valves in aircraft require multiple valves and complex configurations to manage cabin pressure and electronics cooling, leading to structural and aerodynamic disadvantages, as well as potential airflow redirection issues in case of valve failures.
Innovation Solution
An outflow valve design with a second closable inflow opening, utilizing a drivable adjustable member to combine venting paths and reduce the number of valves, featuring a frame with a contacting surface and pivotable flaps for precise airflow control, including a converging constriction element for enhanced airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate outflow valves are used for cabin ventilation and electronics cooling, then airflow control reliability is improved, but device complexity and structural disadvantages increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate outflow valve functions (cabin ventilation and electronics cooling) into a single integrated outflow valve assembly. The valve body contains multiple inflow openings (first inflow opening for cabin air, second inflow opening for electronics cooling air) and a common outflow opening, allowing both airflows to be controlled by a single valve mechanism with flaps rather than requiring multiple separate valves in the outer shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outflow valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls cabin pressure ventilation through the first inflow opening and flap, controls electronics cooling airflow through the second inflow opening and adjustable member, and provides pressure compensation capability. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive airflow control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outflow valves are installed in the outer shell, then ventilation and cooling functions are provided, but aerodynamic disadvantages and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly that can be installed at one location in the outer shell, eliminating the need for multiple separate valve installations. This reduces the number of openings and structural modifications required in the aircraft fuselage, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single outflow valve is used for both cabin and electronics venting, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into separate controllable sections: the first flap controls the first inflow opening for cabin ventilation, while the adjustable member controls the second inflow opening for electronics cooling. This segmentation allows independent control of each airflow path, maintaining precision for both functions within a single integrated valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
Different control mechanisms are applied to different sections of the valve: a pivotable flap for the larger cabin ventilation opening and a movable adjustable member for the electronics cooling opening. Each section is optimized with appropriate control geometry and actuation, allowing precise control of each airflow path despite being part of a single valve assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An outflow valve (10) for an aircraft has a frame (12) for arrangement in an opening (14) of an outer shell (16) of the aircraft, a first flap (18) pivotably arranged in the frame (12) for controlling a flow cross-section of at least one first inflow opening (24) and at least one outflow opening (15). To achieve a simplified construction of the ventilation system of the aircraft, the outflow valve (10) has a second inflow opening (26) configured to be closable by means of a drivable adjustable member (28).