Aircraft Valve Optical Position Sensing in Combustible Fuel Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve monitoring systems for aircraft fuel systems are unsuitable for combustible environments and lack reliability in determining valve position and detecting failures, as they typically rely on actuator position monitoring with multiple components between the valve and sensor.
Innovation Solution
A valve apparatus with an optical sensor that monitors a feature within the valve housing, reducing the number of components between the sensor and valve member, and using an optical signal pathway with a sensor gate isolated from the fluid flow path to directly determine the valve member's position and detect failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monitoring is performed at the valve actuator with the valve shaft position, then the actuator can be situated remotely from the valve, but the number of components between the valve and sensor increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the remote actuator location and placed directly within the valve housing, eliminating the intermediate valve shaft and linkage components. This direct placement extracts the unnecessary intermediary components that were causing reliability issues while maintaining the remote actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical intermediary system is introduced consisting of an optical sensor, optical gate, and optical signal pathway. This optical mediator enables direct sensing of valve member position within the housing without requiring mechanical connection to the moving valve shaft, thus eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining sensing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical sensors are used for monitoring, then monitoring functionality is achieved, but the valve apparatus becomes unsuitable for combustible environments
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical sensing components are replaced with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor, optical gate, and optical signal pathway constitute an optical subsystem that substitutes the electrical subsystem, eliminating the hazards associated with electrical components in combustible environments while maintaining the position monitoring function.
3Measurement precision
If the optical sensor gate is placed within the fluid flow path, then direct valve member monitoring is achieved, but the sensor becomes exposed to fluid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing internal space is segmented into distinct functional zones: the fluid flow path containing the valve member, and the sensor housing containing the optical sensor and gate. This segmentation isolates the optical components from fluid exposure while maintaining optical coupling to the valve member for precise position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical gate acts as an intermediary element that bridges the fluid flow path and the optical sensor. It is positioned to move with the valve member while remaining optically coupled to the sensor, allowing position detection without direct fluid exposure to the sensor components.
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
Enhances the reliability of valve position determination and failure detection by reducing the number of components and electrical components in combustible environments, allowing for more accurate monitoring of valve operation and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be an optical sensor. The feature of an optical sensor enables the number of electrical components to be reduced, which is often desirable when the valve apparatus is used in combustible environments.
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor may have an optical sensor gate on the valve member. The optical sensor gate may be isolated from fluid able to flow along the fluid flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus for an aircraft fluid system is disclosed including a valve housing and a valve member. The valve member is configured to move between a first position in which fluid is able to flow along the fluid flow path, and a second position in which the fluid flow path restricted. A valve member drive means is configured to operate the valve member via an actuator external to the housing. The valve apparatus further includes a sensor configured to monitor a feature in the housing to determine the position of the valve member.