Aircraft Bleed Air Pressure Regulator With Cushioned Diaphragm Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators in aircraft engines cause acoustic noise and diaphragm degradation due to sudden pressure changes and cyclic loading, leading to frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design featuring a chamber with a diaphragm, a spring, and an interface with a convex contact surface that maintains continuous contact with the diaphragm, reducing sudden pressure changes and extending diaphragm life by distributing force evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure regulator valve is used to control bleed air flow, then the valve can regulate pressure, but it generates acoustic noise and causes diaphragm degradation due to sudden pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional valve component from the pressure regulation system and replaces it with a diaphragm-based pressure balance mechanism. This extraction eliminates the primary noise source while maintaining pressure control functionality through the relief port and orifice design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cushioning effect by using a small orifice in the relief port to gradually vent pressure from the diaphragm chamber. This prevents sudden pressure changes that would otherwise cause diaphragm degradation and acoustic noise, providing a buffered transition during pressure equalization.
2Reliability
If a conventional valve design is used, then pressure control is achieved, but sudden pressure changes cause diaphragm degradation and frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The small orifice in the relief port creates a cushioning effect that gradually equalizes pressure across the diaphragm. This prevents sudden pressure shocks that degrade the diaphragm, thereby extending its service life while maintaining stable pressure control through the balance between spring force and pressure differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous pressure balancing action by maintaining the relief port open through the orifice, allowing continuous gradual equalization of pressure across the diaphragm. This continuous action prevents cyclic loading and degradation while maintaining pressure control stability.
3Ease of operation
If a valve is used to control bleed air, then flow regulation is possible, but the valve operation is a source of acoustic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating valve component from the system and replaces it with a valveless diaphragm-based pressure balance mechanism. Flow regulation is achieved through the interaction of spring force, pressure differential across the diaphragm, and the relief port orifice, eliminating acoustic noise while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing pressure differential across the diaphragm to control the relief port opening and regulate bleed air flow. The spring-loaded diaphragm mechanism responds to pressure changes and automatically balances flow without mechanical valve components, eliminating noise while maintaining flow regulation capability.
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 reduces acoustic noise and extends the life of the diaphragm by minimizing sudden pressure changes and cyclic loading, resulting in a more stable and durable pressure regulation system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to interact with the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
the interface including a contact surface for contacting the diaphragm, the contact surface being convex toward the diaphragm... distributing force evenly... minimizing sudden pressure changes
Data Source
AI summary
Pressure regulators together with associated methods and systems are provided. An embodiment of a pressure regulator includes a chamber having an inlet port for receiving a fluid and an outlet port for delivering the fluid at a regulated pressure. The pressure regulator includes a diaphragm defining at least part of the chamber, and the diaphragm defining a first orifice therethrough. The pressure regulator includes a spring configured to interact with the diaphragm. The pressure regulator includes an interface operatively disposed between the spring and the diaphragm. The interface includes a contact surface for contacting the diaphragm, and the contact surface is convex toward the diaphragm. The interface defines a second orifice therethrough that is in fluid communication with the first orifice in the diaphragm. The first and second orifices define a relief port for venting the chamber to an ambient environment external to the chamber.