Bi-Directional Inline Check Valve for Hydraulic Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuators in gas turbine engine maintenance systems face issues with oil leakage due to air intrusion and surface irregularities, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system incorporating a check valve with a bidirectional design, including a housing, cap, and valve components that facilitate fluid flow in both directions, minimizing air entry and leakage by using a combination of valve bodies, biasing members, and sealing elements to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-acting hydraulic actuator is used, then the system is simpler and more cost-effective, but oil leakage occurs due to air intrusion and surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic actuator and the hydraulic line. This valve acts as a mediator that allows hydraulic fluid to flow in one direction while blocking reverse flow, thereby preventing oil leakage caused by air intrusion and surface irregularities without requiring changes to the actuator design itself
2Reliability
If a check valve is added to prevent oil leakage, then hydraulic system reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is merged with the actuator assembly by positioning it at the rod end of the actuator and integrating it with the actuator body. This combination allows the check valve to function as part of the actuator system, preventing oil leakage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
3Reliability
If traditional check valve designs are used, then the valve can prevent leakage, but the packaging envelope is large and integration with other components is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed with a nested structure where the valve body, biasing member, and sealing elements are arranged concentrically around the actuator rod. The valve housing is positioned to fit within the existing actuator assembly footprint, allowing the check valve functionality to be integrated without significantly increasing the packaging envelope
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 solution effectively inhibits fluid leakage and air intrusion, ensuring reliable operation of hydraulic actuators in gas turbine engine maintenance systems by efficiently managing fluid flow and minimizing packaging envelope, allowing for integration with other system components.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member arranged to bias the valve body towards engagement with the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
A seal engages with an actuator bore and a check valve in-line arranged within the actuator assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A check valve (22) includes a housing (70), a first valve (74), and a second valve (76). The housing (70) has a first portion (80) that defines a first chamber and a second portion (82) that defines a second chamber. The first valve (74) is disposed within and is movable relative to the housing (70). The second valve (76) is at least partially extends into the first valve (74). Responsive to a fluid flow in a first direction, the second valve (76) and the first valve (74) moves towards a proximal end of the housing (70) and the fluid flow flows around the first valve towards a component.