Check Valve Synchronized Flapper Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves suffer from uneven stress distribution and inefficient fluid flow due to flapper elements not reaching a fully open position simultaneously, leading to potential damage and the need for heavy components and power actuation systems, which increase complexity and weight, particularly problematic in aircraft applications.
Innovation Solution
The flapper elements are designed with rows of teeth on their mounting lugs that engage with each other, ensuring synchronized rotation and a non-toothed surface to limit movement, allowing for simultaneous opening and reducing the need for external stop pins, thus distributing stress evenly and eliminating the requirement for complex actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flapper elements are designed to open simultaneously with engaged teeth, then stress distribution is improved and valve efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise tooth engagement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting lug is segmented with multiple teeth that engage with corresponding teeth on the opposing flapper element. This segmentation allows the rotation to be tied together in discrete increments, ensuring synchronized opening while maintaining manufacturability through standardized tooth profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth act as an intermediary mechanism between the two flapper elements, mediating their rotational movement to ensure simultaneous opening. The tooth engagement provides a mechanical coupling that synchronizes the motion without requiring complex external actuation systems.
2Ease of operation
If stop pin is spaced from opening to limit flapper rotation, then valve opening angle is controlled, but uneven stress distribution occurs and component damage may result
Solution Approach 1:
The stop function is merged with the tooth engagement mechanism. The teeth themselves provide the limiting rotation function by engaging with each other, eliminating the need for a separate stop pin. This integration ensures that the limiting action is distributed evenly across the tooth contact surfaces rather than concentrating stress at a single stop pin location.
3Ease of operation
If power actuation systems are added to control flapper elements, then valve operation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper elements are designed to self-synchronize their opening motion through the tooth engagement mechanism. The passive mechanical coupling of the teeth automatically ensures simultaneous rotation without requiring external power actuation or control systems. The valve operates autonomously based on fluid pressure differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex power actuation system is extracted and replaced with a simple passive tooth engagement mechanism. The invention removes the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics by using the inherent mechanical interaction between engaged teeth to achieve synchronized operation.
4Device complexity
If flapper elements do not reach fully open position simultaneously, then valve structure can be simpler, but fluid flow efficiency is reduced and stress distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth engagement mechanism provides a dynamic coupling that allows the flapper elements to rotate together as a coordinated unit. The teeth maintain continuous contact during rotation, ensuring that both flappers reach their fully open position simultaneously and maintain synchronized motion throughout the opening sequence, thereby optimizing fluid flow efficiency.
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 design ensures simultaneous opening of flapper elements, improving stress distribution and valve efficiency, allowing for lighter construction and reducing the need for power actuation, thereby enhancing performance and lifespan while minimizing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the teeth of the flapper element are engaged with the teeth of a similar (or identical) flapper element such that their rotation is tied together
Implementation Method 2
under the pressure of a fluid (gas or liquid) on one side of the check valve, the flapper elements rotate from their closed positions so as to allow the fluid to flow through the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flapper element (12) for a check valve (2) comprises at least one mounting lug (26) configured to receive a shaft (14) for rotation relative thereto and having a row of teeth (28) for engaging complementary teeth (28) on a mounting lug (26) of a similar flapper element (12). The complementary teeth (28) tie the rotation of the two flapper elements (12).