Buffer Tank Water Supply Bypass for Stable Potable Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft water supply systems face challenges in maintaining a constant water pressure level for consumers, particularly in decentralized systems with shorter pipes, leading to potential waste of potable water due to pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A water supply system incorporating a buffer tank, discharge pipe, conveying device, bypass pipe, and pressure relief valve, which maintains pressure by redirecting excess water back to the buffer tank, reducing waste and ensuring consistent pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is conveyed through flexible hoses at higher pressure to compensate for smaller diameter, then water delivery to decentralized consumers is improved, but pressure fluctuations occur and potable water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by using a pressure relief valve that opens at a predetermined pressure threshold, converting the harmful high-pressure state into a beneficial pressure-regulated state that prevents water waste while maintaining delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve provides feedback control by automatically opening when pressure exceeds the threshold and closing when pressure drops, creating a self-regulating system that maintains optimal pressure without manual intervention and prevents water loss
2Reliability
If a centralized water tank system is used with stainless steel or titanium pipes, then water supply reliability is maintained, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water supply into centralized storage (buffer tank) and decentralized distribution (flexible hoses), allowing each segment to be optimized independently - the tank provides reliability while the flexible hoses reduce overall system weight
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank acts as an intermediary between the centralized water source and decentralized consumers, enabling pressure regulation and eliminating the need for heavy pressurized piping throughout the entire system
3Weight of stationary object
If decentralized buffer tanks with smaller diameter hoses are used, then system weight is reduced, but pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve changes the pressure parameter by providing a controlled release path when pressure exceeds the threshold, stabilizing the pressure in the flexible hose system without requiring heavy rigid piping
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 system effectively maintains constant water pressure in decentralized systems, reduces water waste, and optimizes water usage by recycling excess water, enhancing efficiency and reducing the overall weight of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief valve arranged in the bypass pipe and configured to open when a pressure of the water in the bypass pipe exceeds a threshold pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
A water supply system and water consumer assembly having a buffer tank and a conveying device. The water supply system further comprises a bypass pipe fluidly coupled to a discharge pipe upstream and downstream of the conveying device. A pressure relief valve arranged in the bypass pipe is configured to open when a pressure of the water in the bypass pipe exceeds a threshold pressure level and to block water from flowing through the bypass pipe when the pressure of the water in the bypass pipe is below the threshold pressure level.