Aircraft Bleed Air Valve With Integrated Overpressure Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft air bleed systems require separate control and maintenance for pressure relief and isolation valves, leading to potential failures that compromise the integrity of the air conditioning system and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

An integrated pressure relief valve with an air discharge channel that automatically opens when closing, allowing air to be discharged outside the system while isolating equipment, eliminating the need for a separate relief valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pressure relief valve and relief valve are used, then each function can be performed independently, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure relief valve and the relief valve into a single integrated valve unit. The valve body contains both the main valve seat for pressure relief and the bypass channel for additional pressure relief, eliminating the need for separate valves and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve performs multiple functions: it acts as both the pressure relief valve (blocking air supply when overpressure is detected) and the relief valve (discharging blocked air through the bypass channel). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate control systems are used for pressure relief valve and relief valve, then each valve can be controlled independently, but control complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both valve functions into a single valve body with a unified control mechanism. The solenoid valve controls both the main valve seat closure and the bypass channel operation, simplifying the control system and reducing maintenance requirements compared to independent control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If calibrated valve is used without pressure sensor, then system cost is reduced, but pressure monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem costVSAvoidpressure monitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated valve incorporates a calibrated spring mechanism that automatically responds to pressure changes without requiring external pressure sensors or complex electronic control systems. The spring-loaded mechanism provides inherent pressure monitoring and automatic valve operation, reducing system cost while maintaining essential pressure control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enhances system reliability by integrating air discharge and isolation functions, reducing costs and preventing overpressure issues within the air bleed line.

Implementation Method 1

a closure member pivotally mounted in said air circulation duct around a pivot axis, between an open position in which air can freely circulate from said air inlet to said air outlet, and a closed position in which said closure member has a surface, called the upstream face, which extends across the circulation duct so as to prevent any circulation of air towards said air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical blocking: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

at least one air discharge channel passing through said valve body and configured to be able to spontaneously place in fluid communication, when said closure member is in said closed position, at least one air discharge orifice formed on said upstream face said closure member and at least one air discharge orifice which opens outside the air circulation duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3788283B1Air sampling system equipped with an overpressure valve
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 LIEBHERR AEROSPACE TOULOUSE
  • EP3788283B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3788283B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP3788283B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an air sampling system comprising an air sampling port created on an engine of the aircraft, an air supply duct, a pressure sensor, an overpressure valve mounted in said air supply duct, characterized in that said overpressure valve comprises: a valve body (11), a closure member (121) mounted so as to be able to pivot in said air circulation duct; and an air discharge duct (13) passing through said valve body (11); at least one air discharge orifice (15) formed on said upstream face of said closure member (121) and at least one air egress orifice (19) that opens outside the air circulation duct.