Check Valve Flapper Assembly Using Internal Low-Pressure Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional check valve assemblies in gas turbine engines experience wear and failure due to oscillations of flappers caused by separated flow vibrations, leading to premature degradation and detachment.
Innovation Solution
The check valve assembly incorporates a nozzle that generates low pressure between flappers when open, maintaining them in touching contact or a predetermined angle, reducing wear by eliminating separated flow vibrations and allowing full opening while creating an internal passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional check valve flappers are allowed to open freely, then the valve can prevent fluid loss effectively, but the flappers experience oscillations and separated flow vibrations causing wear and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
A flow director is introduced as an intermediary component between the flapper and the flow path. This flow director guides the fluid flow to reduce separated flow vibrations and oscillations, thereby reducing wear on the flapper while maintaining the valve's protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flow parameters by changing the flow direction and distribution through the flow director. This alters the flow characteristics to eliminate turbulent separated flow patterns that cause vibration and wear on the flapper components
2Productivity
If the flapper is designed to open fully for maximum flow, then fluid loss protection is improved, but wear from oscillations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow director serves as a mediator that allows full flow capacity while redirecting the flow to prevent separated flow vibrations. It maintains productivity by not restricting flow but changes the flow path to eliminate harmful vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful separated flow vibrations into beneficial streamlined flow patterns. The flow director transforms the harmful oscillatory flow into smooth, controlled flow that maintains full opening capability while eliminating wear-causing vibrations
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 reduces wear on the flappers and pins, prolongs the life of the check valve assembly, minimizes risk of high-temperature gas leakage, and improves airflow by reducing obstructions, enhancing part reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the internal flow has a lower pressure than the outer flow outside of the internal passage
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly includes a first flapper, a second flapper, an internal passage formed by the first flapper and the second flapper, and a nozzle disposed within the internal passage and configured to generate an internal flow in the internal passage. In response to a fluid flow through the check valve assembly, the first flapper and the second flapper are configured to move between an open position allowing the internal flow through the internal passage and an outer flow outside the internal passage, and a closed position preventing flow through the internal passage. When the first flapper and the second flapper are operably in the open position, the internal flow has a lower pressure than the outer flow outside of the internal passage, such that the first flapper and the second flapper are maintained in the open position.