Aircraft Continuous Spool Valve for Low-Loss Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic valves for aircraft control systems are large, heavy, complex, and require high energy consumption due to multiple solenoid valves and springs, leading to high pressure losses and increased size.
Innovation Solution
A continuous valve with a spool and spool sleeve design that eliminates switching valves and springs, utilizing a spool stroke of 0.5 mm to 3 mm and control openings spaced 0.1 mm to 1 mm apart, allowing precise flow control with minimal electrical current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple solenoid valves and springs are used to control spool positions, then the valve can achieve discrete flow control positions, but the device complexity, weight, and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex switching valve mechanism and spring assembly from the traditional hydraulic control system. Instead of using multiple solenoid valves and springs to achieve spool positioning, the invention directly controls the spool position through a simplified electrohydraulic actuation system, removing unnecessary components while maintaining flow control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple solenoid valves and spring assemblies into a single integrated electrohydraulic servo mechanism. The spool is directly actuated by electromagnetic force without requiring separate switching valves for each position, combining multiple control functions into one unified system that reduces overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple solenoid valves are used for spool positioning, then discrete flow rates can be achieved, but the energy consumption increases due to high switching currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching valve system with an electrohydraulic servo mechanism. Instead of using high-current electromagnetic switches to actuate multiple valves, the system uses a low-power electromagnetic actuator that directly positions the spool through controlled hydraulic feedback, significantly reducing electrical energy consumption while maintaining precise flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrohydraulic servo system uses the hydraulic fluid itself to provide the positioning force for the spool. The controlled leakage of hydraulic fluid through the spool creates the necessary pressure differential to position the spool accurately, eliminating the need for high-energy electromagnetic switching and allowing the system to self-regulate with minimal external energy input
3Measurement precision
If a large spool stroke is used to achieve precise intermediate positions, then the valve size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of spool stroke length from large to small (0.5-3 mm). Instead of relying on a long spool stroke to achieve positioning precision, the system achieves accurate intermediate positions through controlled hydraulic pressure differentials created by small, precise openings in the spool sleeve, allowing compact valve design without sacrificing positioning accuracy
4Ease of operation
If multiple chokes and hydraulic lines are included in the valve block, then flow control capability is improved, but pressure losses and device weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the network of hydraulic lines and multiple choke elements from the traditional valve block design. Instead of using separate chokes and extensive hydraulic routing to control flow rates, the invention integrates flow control directly into the spool-spool sleeve assembly, eliminating unnecessary flow path elements that cause pressure losses
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 new design reduces weight, size, and energy demand while achieving high hydraulic performance with reduced pressure loss and improved switching dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the spool can be positioned such that the control surface at least partially does not cover the opening
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a valve, preferably a continuous valve comprising a spool and a spool sleeve, wherein the spool comprises a control surface and the spool sleeve comprises an opening, wherein the valve is configured in such a way that the control surface can cover the opening, wherein the spool can be positioned such that the control surface at least partially does not cover the opening, wherein the spool sleeve comprises a further opening, wherein the control surface can cover the further opening, wherein the spool can be positioned such that the control surface at least partially does not cover each of the opening and the further opening.