Ceramic Tongue Intake Valve for Constant-Volume Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for managing air admission in constant volume combustion chambers are complex and require active control, lacking simplicity, lightweightness, and space efficiency, while also being inadequate for high temperature and pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A constant-volume combustion system utilizing an elastically deformable tongue made of composite material with a ceramic matrix, positioned inside the chamber to passively control air intake by being fixed at one end and movable at the other, allowing it to close during combustion and reopen during scavenging phases, effectively managing pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional intake and exhaust mechanisms are used to control opening and closing of ports, then reliable control of combustion phases is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue valve automatically opens and closes based on pressure differential without external control. During combustion phase, high pressure inside chamber pushes tongue to close intake port. During exhaust phase, pressure equalization allows tongue to open automatically, enabling self-regulating port control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical intake/exhaust control mechanisms with a pressure-driven elastic tongue valve. The tongue's elastic deformation responds directly to pressure changes, substituting mechanical actuators, linkages, and control systems with a passive elastic response mechanism
2Reliability
If complex intake and exhaust mechanisms are used, then port control is achieved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue valve uses the combustion pressure itself to actuate the valve action, eliminating the need for external motors, actuators, and control systems that would add weight. The pressure differential directly deforms the elastic tongue to open or close the port
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin, flexible tongue made of elastic material that can deform under pressure. This thin-film approach replaces heavy mechanical valve components with a lightweight elastic element that achieves the same port control function
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical valve mechanisms are used, then port closure is achieved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tongue is a thin, flexible element that deflects under pressure to close the port. This thin-film valve approach minimizes the volume occupied by the valve mechanism compared to traditional mechanical valves with moving parts, linkages, and housings
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue valve operates by deflecting in a direction perpendicular to the port plane, utilizing elastic deformation in three-dimensional space. This allows compact integration within the chamber structure, fitting the valve action within the existing spatial envelope without requiring additional valve chambers or mechanism space
4Device complexity
If simple air intake mechanism is used, then device simplicity is achieved, but high temperature and pressure resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue is made of composite material with ceramic matrix (CMC) that combines the elasticity needed for valve operation with high-temperature and pressure resistance. The ceramic matrix provides thermal stability and strength while the composite structure maintains elastic deformability, enabling the simple tongue design to withstand combustion chamber conditions
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 provides a simple, lightweight, and space-saving air intake control mechanism that operates effectively across high temperatures and pressures, passively managing the three phases of the combustion cycle, enhancing combustion efficiency and system responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable tongue made of composite material with a ceramic matrix forming an air inlet valve
Implementation Method 2
the exhaust port is opened, which helps to reduce the pressure inside the chamber. The force acting on the tongue is thus reduced, and the tongue then moves away from the inlet port
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a constant-volume combustion system comprising at least one combustion chamber (1) which comprises at least one intake port (5) and one exhaust port, the system being characterized in that it comprises at least one elastically deformable leaf (10) made from a ceramic matrix composite material forming an air intake valve, the leaf being present inside the chamber and positioned facing the intake port, the leaf comprising a first end (12) which is fixed relative to an internal wall (9a) of the chamber and a free second end (14), opposite to the first end, the second end being able to move relative to the internal wall.